In cricket, the opening partnership is crucial for any team since it establishes the foundation for the rest of the innings. A good start is even more vital in T20 cricket, as the focus is on scoring immediately and putting pressure on the opponent. Several teams have established amazing opening partnerships that have set the tone for the rest of the match throughout the history of the ICC T20 World Cup. The top opening partnership in the ICC T20 World Cup is an elite group of pairings that have demonstrated their ability to come out strong and offer a good basis for the team. The top-ranked teams are noted for their consistency, communication, and ability to score runs quickly. This list demonstrates the significance of a successful start in T20 cricket, as well as the impact that an opening partnership plays in the game.
Highest Opening Partnership in T20 World Cup
1. Jos Buttler and Alex Hales (170*) against India in T20 World Cup 2022
In the semifinal game of the T20 World Cup 2022 against India, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales scored 170 runs together, breaking the previous record for the highest partnership in T20 World Cup play. India was given the order to bat first after England won the toss. India’s total of 168 runs in their 20 overs was not above average. Everyone anticipated a difficult pursuit, but these two hitters never gave themselves a chance.
2. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan (152*) vs. India in the 2021 T20 World Cup
The highest and most recent partnerships occurred in the most-watched cricket match of the year, the T20 World Cup in the UAE. The two biggest rivals, India and Pakistan, faced off at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After winning the toss, Babar Azam chose to bowl first. And how well Shaheen Afridi got off to a good start with the ball in his hand. In the first over, he took the crucial wicket of Rohit Sharma (0). Then he returned in his second over of the innings to dismiss KL Rahul (3). Suryakumar Yadav (11) failed to impress in his T20 World Cup debut.
However, skipper Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant put on 53 runs for the fourth wicket and appeared to be on track to set a reasonable target. However, Afridi returned and dismissed Kohli as well, effectively ending any hopes of establishing a high target. Pakistan had a dream start in chasing the target of 152, with both openers playing their shots and hitting boundaries. They took on the Indian bowlers and scored runs all the way through the innings. During this process, both openers scored half-centuries and the team chased down the target in 17.5 overs without losing a wicket. Babar had an unbeaten 68 and Rizwan had a 79. Pakistan’s victory also ended India’s World Cup winning streak.
3. Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith (145 scores) vs. South Africa in the 2007 T20 World Cup
This was the first match of Group A in South Africa’s inaugural season of the T20I World Cup. The West Indies faced host South Africa in Johannesburg. Graeme Smith won the toss and chose to bat first. The West Indies innings began with Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith. And it was destroyed by Universe Boss’ bat. Gayle began slamming South African bowlers into various parts of the ground. Smith, on the other hand, was taking his shot, but who could match Chris Gayle’s hitting ability?
The left-hander reached his half-century in 26 balls and then continued his innings. Both batters helped their teams reach the century mark in just 9.4 overs. However, after scoring 35 runs, Dwyane Smith was struck out by rookie Vernon Philander. Both openers had added 145 runs for the first wicket in just 13.3 overs before being dismissed. On the other hand, the left-hander was playing his shot and scored the first T20I World Cup century in the first game. Gayle finished his innings with 117 off 57 balls, including seven fours and ten maximums, and contributed to his team’s total of 205/6.
Herschelle Gibbs’ unbeaten 90 and Justin Kemp’s 46* helped the hosts chase down the target with 14 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand. Gayle was also named “Man of the Match” in the end.
4. Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt (142 scores) against Bangladesh in the 2010 T20I World Cup
The fourth match of the T20I World Cup 2010 took place in Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia, between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Pakistan’s captain, Shahid Afridi, won the toss and chose to bat first. Pakistan’s innings began with Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal. Both were in good form prior to the tournament and carried that into this match. Both openers began to play their shots and experiment with the Bangladeshi bowlers. None of the bowlers appeared to be effective against them.
Both openers reached their respective half-centuries during the partnership. In 11.4 overs, they put on a 100-run partnership. The partnership, however, ended at 142 in 15.5 overs when Kamran Akmal was caught by Shakib Al Hasan. Surprisingly, both openers were out on 73. Butt scored 73 off 46 and Akmal scored 73 off 55. They aided Pakistan in meeting its target of 173. Bangladesh eventually fell short by 21 runs and lost the match. For his performance, Salman Butt was named “Man of the Match.”
List of T20 World Cup’s Highest First Wicket Partnerships
| Batters | Partnership | Against | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler – Alex Hales (Eng) | 170* | India | Adelaide | 2022 |
| Mohammad Rizwan – Babar Azam (PAK) | 152* | India | Dubai | 2021 |
| Chris Gayle – Dwayne Smith (WI) | 145 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| Kamran Akmal – Salman Butt (PAK) | 142 | Bangladesh | Gros Islet | 2010 |
| Gautam Gambhir – Virender Sehwag (IND) | 136 | England | Durban | 2007 |
| Chris Gayle – Andre Fletcher (WI) | 133 | Australia | The Oval | 2009 |
| Shane Watson – David Warner (AUS) | 133 | India | Colombo | 2012 |
| Aqib Ilyas – Jatinder Singh (Oman) | 131* | PNG | Al Amerat | 2021 |
| Tillakaratne Dilshan – Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | 124 | West Indies | Nottingham | 2009 |
| Mohammad Hafeez – Imran Nazir (PAK) | 124 | Bangladesh | Pallekele | 2012 |
| Adam Gilchrist – Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 104 | Bangladesh | Cape Town | 2007 |
FAQS
Which team has the highest partnership in T20?
Hazratullah Zazai and Usman Ghani of Afghanistan set the highest T2o partnership of 236 runs against Ireland.
which is the lowest score in t20 international?
Turkey has the lowest total of 21 runs in a T20 International match.
What is India’s highest score in T20?
In 2017, India scored its highest total (260 runs) against Sri Lanka.
Who is the fastest century in T20 International?
DA Miller holds the record for the fastest T20 century, scoring in 35 balls against Bangladesh on October 29, 2017.
Who is the most expensive bowler in T20?
Kasun Rajitha of Sri Lanka is the most expensive T20I bowler so far. In 2019, he gave up 75 runs for no wickets against Australia in Adelaide.