Twenty-two years can be a long time in cricket, particularly for Zimbabwe, who are trying to reestablish themselves as Test players with 11 scheduled this year. But they performed admirably on what proved a challenging first day against England at Trent Bridge, as reflected in the England Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Match Scorecard.
England was on top of Trent Bridge on day one as Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope both scored centuries to seal victory for England on Day 1. They will likely find it tougher retaining their spots if Jacob Bethell is chosen instead.
| Match | Format | Date / Series | Result / Scorecard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest – 3rd ODI (England vs Zimbabwe) | ODI | Nov 29, 2024 — Zimbabwe Tour of England 2024 | ENG 298/9 (50); ZIM 254 (47.1) — England won by 44 runs (ESPNcricinfo Scorecard | Cricbuzz Scorecard) |
| Previous – 2nd ODI | ODI | Nov 26, 2024 — Zimbabwe Tour of England 2024 | ENG 312/6 (50); ZIM 210 (42.4) — England won by 102 runs (ESPNcricinfo Scorecard) |
Fielding
This section explores the fielding performance of each England and Zimbabwe player during a Test match, using data compiled using John Dewan’s Fielding Bible which was published over a year ago. Its “plus/minus” system takes into account every batted ball type hit hard enough and location. MGL’s Ultimate Zone Rating or David Pinto’s Probabilistic Model of Range are similar models to use here.
Results
At Trent Bridge, England easily defeated Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 run margin in one-off Test between England and Zimbabwe. Brian Bennett stood out with an outstanding unbeaten 139 – an exceptional display of poise and composure under immense pressure – during his debut Test innings on English soil. Craig Ervine and Sean Williams each contributed twenty runs towards England’s total but Zimbabwe were always left trying to catch up to England.
England’s opening day bowlers delivered an effective performance to restrict Zimbabwe to 239-6 on their opening day of this match, led by Eddo Brandes’ impressive four wicket haul of 21 in 50 overs (including opener Graham Gooch). Zimbabwe responded well initially before Eddo Brandes again turned up his efforts with another wicket taking spell (125-1 before again being run out by Brandes’ ball). Zimbabwe eventually capitulated and were all out for just 224 after 50 overs were completed.
Zimbabwe’s debut World Cup campaign in 1983 was less than impressive, losing five of six matches played and being unable to replicate their earlier success on home soil. They still battled valiantly but just weren’t able to produce what had worked well before.
Zimbabwe began to show some promise during the second half of the 1990s, winning their maiden One Day International series in 1992 and emerging as a competitive team by the end of the decade, winning more series while even defeating England in 1997 ODI World Cup competition.
Zimbabwe had progressed greatly by the time of the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 tournament. They suffered some early setbacks but came through to win two close group games – against Ireland and Netherlands – to earn enough points to move into the Super 10 stage.
The 2025 England vs Zimbabwe Test will likely be a tight contest, with neither side holding an edge over one another. Stay tuned to this page for live commentary and score updates!