Stability at last: Bennett and Curran anchor Zimbabwe’s top order

FOR what seems an age, Zimbabwe’s cricketing fraternity has been on a quest: to unearth a dependable opening partnership, one capable of seeing off the new ball’s venom and crafting a solid platform for the middle order, regardless of the format. The Chevrons, in their pursuit, have tirelessly shuffled personnel, trying countless combinations, yet, frustratingly, the elusive answer has remained out of reach.

Frequent early wicket losses have become the norm at the top, placing undue pressure on the middle order. These opening struggles have been a persistent concern for the Chevrons. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), since the beginning of 2021, Zimbabwe has deployed a staggering 25 different opening combinations. However, the outcome has consistently remained the same — a lack of a substantial first-wicket stand.

Nevertheless, the Chevrons’ recent international assignment against Ireland, encompassing a one-off Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is, may have provided the solution to their opening woes in 50-over cricket.

The duo of Brian Bennett and Ben Curran, the 25th opening combination trialled, appear to have found the right formula. The two talented players batted exceptionally well at the top, providing the stability Zimbabwe had been craving and seeing off the new ball with aplomb.

Since Hamilton Masakadza and Sikandar Raza’s 224-run first-wicket partnership against Afghanistan in 2014, Zimbabwe had not witnessed an opening partnership achieve a hundred-run stand.

However, Bennett and Curran defied expectations, forging a record-breaking 124-run opening stand in the third ODI before Bennett was dismissed just two runs shy of a half-century. They propelled the Chevrons to a commanding nine-wicket victory, equalling their largest margin of victory by wickets, matching their nine-wicket win over Kenya in Bulawayo in 2002.

Across their three outings against Ireland, the pair boasted an impressive first-wicket partnership average of 85.66. In the series opener, they posted a 95-run stand before Curran was dismissed for 28 runs in the 19th over. Bennett proceeded to score a career-best 169 runs, securing a 49-run win for Zimbabwe.

The second ODI proved less successful, with the partnership broken in the seventh over with only 38 runs on the board. Bennett fell for 30 off 34 balls. The Chevrons lost that match by four wickets.

However, in the third and final ODI, Bennett and Curran cemented their status as the opening pair Zimbabwe had long sought in 50-over cricket. Their 124-run partnership now stands as the joint seventh-highest first-wicket stand for Zimbabwe in ODIs, equalling Grant and Andy Flower’s efforts against New Zealand in 1992 and Kenya in 1997.
In the 10th over, Curran unleashed 15 runs off Josh Little, including three boundaries, establishing Zimbabwe’s best powerplay score in ODIs at 77/0, surpassing the previous record of 75.

Zimbabwe appears to have discovered the right batsmen to capitalise on the fielding restrictions early in the game. The record-breaking stand was eventually broken by Graham Hume, who trapped Bennett in front for 48 runs in the 20th over.
Bennett and Curran garnered praise from Captain Craig Ervine, who stressed that the duo has facilitated the flourishing of other batsmen.

“Certainly, I think it just shows that when you get that initial platform at the top, it allows other guys to come in and play freely, like myself, Sikandar (Raza), Wessly (Madhevere), and the guys in the middle order. It’s exciting to see the consistency, especially over this series. A lot of credit to Benny and Ben, they have worked extremely hard and stuck to the processes, so it’s nice to see them get the reward for that,” said Ervine.

Head coach Justin Sammons also commended the opening partnership, highlighting that a solid start sets the right tone for the game.

“It’s an important part of the game. It’s extremely pleasing to see Ben and Brian put up 95 in the first game, and 38 in the second ODI. That’s still momentum, still a start. They are forming a strong partnership, which is brilliant to see. I also like the fact that it’s a left/right combination, which is effective in unsettling the opposition. They have been brilliant, and for me, finding that opening pair in all three formats is crucial,” said Sammons.

Based on their recent performances, Bennett and Curran appear to be the opening partnership that the Chevrons have been seeking for nearly half a decade in 50-over cricket.

Zimbabwe Cricket must therefore continue to support them going forward. — @brandon_malvin