Durham County Cricket Club has created history in the ongoing County Championship in England. In a match against Lancashire at Chester-le-Street, South African batter David Bedingham and Dutch cricketer Colin Ackermann stitched together an incredible partnership that broke a 142-year-old record for the club. Their stunning partnership of 425 runs for the 5th wicket is now the biggest in Durham’s history and the second-largest for the 5th wicket in the history of county cricket.
The Turning Point: From 99/4 to History-Making Stand
On the second day of the Division-1 match, Durham found themselves in trouble at 99 runs for 4 wickets. At this crucial juncture, David Bedingham, batting at number four, and Colin Ackermann coming in at number six, joined forces. The duo not only steadied the ship but completely turned the game around with their monumental partnership.
By the end of Day 2, Bedingham and Ackermann had already put on 268 runs together, with both reaching their centuries. While Bedingham played an aggressive knock, Ackermann provided the stability needed to keep the innings afloat. Their partnership carried over into the third day, and by Wednesday, 11 September, they had pushed their stand past the 400-run mark, setting a new record for the club.
Individual Milestones: Bedingham’s Double Century, Ackermann’s 186
David Bedingham continued to pile on the runs, reaching his double century in style. He eventually scored 279 runs off 359 balls, including 27 boundaries and a six. This marked the highest score of his first-class career, showing his capability as a top-order batsman. On the other hand, Ackermann played a key role in supporting the partnership, scoring a patient 186 runs before being dismissed.
Their partnership was finally broken when Ackermann got out with the score at 524, but by then, the damage had been done. The 425-run partnership not only secured Durham’s dominance in the match but also set a new benchmark in the club’s history, which dates back to its founding in 1882.
Foreign Talent Shines for Durham
Interestingly, the record-breaking feat was achieved by two foreign players representing Durham County Cricket Club. David Bedingham hails from South Africa and has been a consistent performer in county cricket. Colin Ackermann, on the other hand, represents the Netherlands on the international stage. Their partnership is a testament to the diversity and international flavor that county cricket brings to English domestic cricket.
Match Update: Durham Declares at 573
Following Ackermann’s dismissal, Bedingham continued to push Durham’s score further. He was eventually dismissed for 279 with the team’s total at 573. After his wicket fell, Durham declared their innings, putting them in a commanding position in the match against Lancashire.
This historic partnership is sure to be remembered for years to come, as Durham celebrates this monumental achievement in the county championship. The combination of Bedingham’s power and Ackermann’s resilience proved to be unstoppable, leaving a lasting mark on the history of the club and county cricket.
