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Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith etched their names in cricket history on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, as they shattered a 16-year-old record set by West Indies superstars Chris Gayle and Andre Fletcher. The English duo’s explosive 120-run opening partnership in just 53 balls against the West Indies at Southampton’s Rose Bowl not only powered England to a series whitewash but also set a new benchmark for rapid opening stands in T20 Internationals on England soil.
A historic partnership between Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith during ENG vs WI 3rd T20I
Facing a West Indies side that opted to bowl first, Duckett and Smith wasted no time asserting dominance. Their partnership, which came at a blistering run rate of 13.58, eclipsed the previous record held by Gayle and Fletcher, who had put on 133 runs at a rate of 11.56 against Australia during the 2009 T20 World Cup at The Oval. The English pair became the first to notch a 100-run opening stand at a run rate exceeding 13 in England, a feat that underscores the changing tempo and aggression in modern T20 cricket.
Duckett was the chief architect, scoring a creative 84 off 46 deliveries, mixing innovative scoops, reverse sweeps, and powerful drives all around the ground. Smith, playing with equal intent, smashed 60 from just 26 balls, reaching his maiden T20I half-century in only 23 deliveries. Their onslaught saw England amass 83 runs in the powerplay, laying the platform for a record-breaking total.
Fastest 100+ runs opening partnership in T20Is on England soil
| Players | Runs | Run-Rate | Opponent | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith | 120 | 13.58 | West Indies | 2025 | Southampton |
| Chris Gayle, Andre Fletcher | 133 | 11.56 | Australia | 2009 | Oval |
Crowd catch 🤲
Ridiculous six 😱
IT20 evenings 😍 pic.twitter.com/aFcZkVl7ZE— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 10, 2025
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England’s record-breaking total in T20Is
Building on the momentum provided by Duckett and Smith, England posted a mammoth 248-3 in their 20 overs. This total surpassed their previous home best of 234-6 set against South Africa in 2022, marking the highest T20I score by England on English soil and their second-highest overall. Contributions from Harry Brook (35 not out) and Jacob Bethell (36 not out) ensured the hosts maintained the pressure throughout the innings.
At the halfway stage, England had already raced to 135 runs after 10 overs, their most ever at that point in a T20I innings, eclipsing the previous mark of 131 against New Zealand in 2019.
The West Indies, despite a valiant 79 not out from Rovman Powell and 45 from captain Shai Hope, could not keep pace with the daunting target. England’s bowling unit, led by Luke Wood (3-30), made regular breakthroughs, restricting the visitors to 211-8 and sealing a comprehensive 37-run victory.
