Partnerships are critical for a team’s success in T20 cricket. The players are under pressure to score soon and set a solid platform for the remaining innings. The fifth-wicket partnership is crucial because it frequently comes into action when the top order is dismissed and the team’s score is in jeopardy. Several teams have established exceptional fifth-wicket partnerships that have helped them post a good scores during the history of the ICC T20 World Cup. The highest fifth-wicket partnership in the ICC T20 World Cup is an elite group of partnerships who have demonstrated their ability to come out strong and provide solidity to the side following early wicket losses. The top-ranked teams are noted for their consistency, communication, and ability to score runs quickly. This list demonstrates the significance of a good fifth-wicket partnership in T20 cricket and its impact in the game.
1. Shoaib Mallik and Misbah-Ul-Haq (119*) vs. Australia in the 2007 World Cup
Surprisingly, there has only been one instance in which a fifth-wicket partnership has scored 100 runs in the World Cup. This was also stated in the inaugural edition held in Johannesburg in 2007. Australia and Pakistan faced off in the tournament’s 18th match. The Australians batted first and scored 164/7 runs in 20 overs. As the Men in Green chased the target, they lost their first four batsmen at 46, and Australia was all over Pakistan. The Australians appeared to be on their way to a straightforward victory.
But there was something else in waiting for them. Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq took to the crease and began scoring runs. To sign the deal for their team, both batters added an unbeaten match-winning partnership of 119 runs. Pakistan eventually chased down the target with five balls to spare and without losing any more wickets. That 119-run partnership remains a World Cup record.
2. Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shinwari (98) in the World Cup 2016 against Zimbabwe
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe met in Nagpur for the ninth match of the 2016 World Cup. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. However, the decision proved ineffective as they lost their first four wickets for 63 runs. Only opener Mohammad Shahzad managed to score 40 runs. Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shinwari were called to the crease as a result. Both batters were extra careful.
Both batters contributed 98 runs for the fifth wicket to get their team back on track. They contributed to the Afghan team’s score of 186/6 in 20 overs. Zimbabwe was dominated by Afghan bowlers while chasing the target. Afghanistan won by 59 runs after they were bowled out for 127 runs. Nabi was named “Man of the Match” after batting 52 and bowling 1/14.
3. Eoin Morgan and Luke Wright (95) vs. West Indies in the 2010 World Cup
The eighth match of the 2010 World Cup was played between England and the West Indies. West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl first. The English team got off to a quiet, decent start, and the first three batters got off to a good start, but none of them carried it and threw their wickets. This limited England to 88/4. And, with little batting left, England appeared to be in trouble. The match-saving partnership of Eoin Morgan (55) and Luke Wright (45*) came next.
Both batters combined for 95 runs for the fifth wicket to pull their team out of the hole. England finished their 20 overs with a score of 191/5. However, it began to rain during the middle innings, reducing the match to six overs. The West Indies were given a target of 60 runs in six overs, which proved to be a relatively easy task for their strong batting lineup. Using the D/L method, the West Indies won by 8 wickets.
ICC T20 World Cup’s Highest 5th Wicket Partnership List
| Batters | Partnership | Against | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoaib Mallik and Misbah-Ul-haq (Pakistan) | 119* | Australia | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shinwari (Afghanistan) | 98 | Zimbabwe | Nagpur | 2016 |
| Eoin Morgan and Luke Wright (England) | 95 | West Indies | Providence | 2010 |
| KIC Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sri Lanka) | 86 | Bangladesh | Sharjah | 2021 |
| MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma (India) | 85 | South Africa | Durban | 2007 |
| MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh (India) | 84 | Australia | Dhaka | 2014 |
| D Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies) | 77 | Sri Lanka | Nottingham | 2009 |
| Jimmy Neesham and Glenn Phillips (New Zealand) | 76* | Namibia | Sharjah | 2021 |
| Jos Buttler and Joe Root (England) | 75 | South Africa | Mumbai | 2016 |
| SPD Smith and SR Watson (Australia) | 74* | Pakistan | Mohali | 2016 |
FAQS
Which captain won the most Twenty20 matches?
The Indian captain broke MS Dhoni’s record for the most T20I victories in a calendar year by an Indian captain. So far this year, India has played 21 T20I matches under Rohit’s leadership, and the Men in Blue have won 16.
Which captain has the most consecutive T20I victories?
Rohit Sharma has the most consecutive wins as a T20 International captain, with India’s 49-run victory over England in Southampton marking his 14th consecutive victory as captain since 2021.
What is the lowest T20 score that has been defended?
Sri Lanka defended the lowest total in ICC T20 World Cup history, 119 runs, against the New Zealand team in 2014.
Which T20 50 is the fastest?
Yuvraj Singh of India holds the record for the fastest fifty in T20 cricket, which he achieved in an international match against England in 2007.
What is the highest 1st wicket partnership in t20?
Hazratullah Zazai and Usman Ghani of Afghanistan hold the record for the highest T20 partnership. On February 23, 2019, they stitched a 236-run partnership against Ireland, which is also the largest-ever opening stand in T20 cricket.