In cricket, the third-wicket partnership is crucial since it often comes into action after the openers have been dismissed and the team’s score is in jeopardy. A successful third-wicket partnership is critical in T20 cricket, as the emphasis is on scoring quickly and putting pressure on the opposition. Several teams have established exceptional third-wicket partnerships that have helped them post good scores during the history of the ICC T20 World Cup. The highest third-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 third-wicket partnership in T20 cricket and its impact on the game.
1. Alex Hales and Eoin Morgan (152) vs. Sri Lanka in the 2014 T20 World Cup
The 22nd match of the 2014 World Cup was played in Chattogram between Sri Lanka and England. Stuart Broad, England’s captain, won the toss and chose to bowl first. However, this match is also remembered for the second-highest (145) second-wicket partnership between Dilshan and Jayawardene. Sri Lanka set England a 190-run target. The English team, on the other hand, got off to a bad start, losing their first two wickets without scoring a run. Michael Lumb and Moeen Ali both left the game without scoring.
Eoin Morgan then joined Alex Hales at the crease. At the time, it appeared that Sri Lanka would win the game. But it was Hales and Morgan’s record-breaking partnership that sealed the deal for England. For the third wicket, both batters scored 152 runs. Hales (116*) hit an unbeaten century, while Morgan was dismissed after scoring 57 runs.
2. Herschelle Gibbs and Justin Kemp (120*) in the 2007 T20 World Cup against the West Indies
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. This match, like the first, saw another big partnership, but this time for the first wicket. Chris Gayle scored 117 runs for West Indies, and Devon Smith added 145 runs for the first wicket, the second-highest partnership for the first wicket in World Cup history.
The West Indies set a grand target of 206 for the Proteas. South Africa lost two wickets for 88 runs and appeared to be in trouble. South Africa won with 14 balls to spare thanks to an unbeaten partnership of 120* between Herschelle Gibbs and Justin Kemp. This is still the second-highest third-wicket partnership in history.
3. Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell (118) against Pakistan in the 2014 T20 World Cup
Pakistan and Australia met in the 16th match of the 2014 World Cup. After winning the toss, the Men in Yellow elected to bowl first. Pakistan batted first and finished their 20 overs with a score of 191/5. Umar Akmal had the highest score, 94 out of 54.
Australia lost two early wickets while chasing the target, but a third-wicket partnership between Aaron Finch (65) and Glenn Maxwell (75) got the team back on track. Both batted for 118 runs for the third wicket, but both were out. And Australia lost the match by a score of 16 runs.
4. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim (122) in the T20 World Cup 2014 against Australia
The 31st match of the T20 World Cup 2014 was played at Mirpur between Australia and Bangladesh. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, but they quickly lost their first two wickets. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim then played steadily and according to the situation. Both batsmen contributed 112 runs for the third wicket, assisting their team to a respectable target of 153.
Australia, on the other hand, won the match by seven wickets with 15 balls to spare. Aaron Finch was named Man of the Match after scoring 71 runs off 43 balls.
ICC T20 World Cup’s Top Third Wicket Partnerships List
| Batters | Partnership | Against | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Hales and Eoin Morgan (England) | 152 | Sri Lanka | Chattogram | 2014 |
| Herschelle Gibbs and Justin Kemp (South Africa) | 120* | West Indies | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell (Australia) | 118 | Pakistan | Mirpur | 2014 |
| Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim | 112 | Australia | Mirpur | 2014 |
| Aftab Ahmed and Mohammad Ashraful (Bangladesh) | 109 | West Indies | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram (South Africa) | 103 | England | Sharjah | 2021 |
| Shane Watson and David Hussey (Australia) | 98 | Pakistan | Gros Islet | 2010 |
| Johnson Charles and Lendl Simmons (West Indies) | 97 | India | Wankhede | 2016 |
| Matthew Cross and Richie Berrington (Scotland) | 92 | PNG | Al Amerat, | 2021 |
| Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) | 91 | Pakistan | Gros Islet | 2010 |
FAQS
Who had the fastest T20 50?
Yuvraj Singh holds the record for the fastest 50 in T20 cricket, thanks to his memorable knock against England in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in Durban in 2007.
which team is the no. 1 in t20 international cricket?
India is the no. 1 team in t20 international cricket.
Who is the leading run-scorer in T20 International?
With 3,737 runs in T20 Internationals, Rohit Sharma is the leading run-scorer.
Which Indian cricketers have the record for the highest run partnership in T20 World Cup?
Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag’s 136-run partnership is India’s highest first-wicket partnership in the World T20 Championship.