The list includes the top 10 highest opening partnership for 1st-wicket in the T20 World Cup helping their team to win the matches.
The batting team’s best chance, though, is to score as many runs as possible during the power play. Because a team’s work is already half done when they get off to a strong start.
Highest Opening Partnership in T20 World Cup [1st Wicket]
When the team’s openers are putting on runs in a game, there’s no finer time for the team or its supporters. And it becomes even more important to score runs early in a World Cup match.
1) Jos Buttler and Alex Hales – 170 Runs
The English du, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales hold the record for the highest 1st wicket opening partnership of 170* against India in the Twenty20 World Cup 2022 at Adelaide.
Displaying an exquisite blend of power and finesse, Buttler and Hales dismantled the Indian bowling attack, showcasing the prowess of modern-day aggressive opening batsmanship.
2) Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam – 152 Runs
Pakistan’s most destructive and best opening pair Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam scored an unbeaten 152-run partnership against India in the Twenty20 World Cup 2021 in Dubai.
Their clinical performance highlighted their ability to tackle high-pressure situations, laying the foundation for a commanding victory. This Pakistani duo helped the team to beat India in the T20 World Cup stage and won the match by 10 wickets.
3) Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith – 145 Runs
In the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, the West Indian power-hitter Chris Gayle, along with Dwayne Smith, announced their arrival with a thunderous 145-run partnership against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Chris Gayle, the universe boss is among the most destructive openers in the world and is known for his powerful six-hitting. This innings set the stage for West Indies’ triumph in the tournament.
4) Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt – 142 Runs
The Pakistani opening combination of Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt etched their names in Twenty20 World Cup history with a robust 142-run partnership against Bangladesh in 2010 at Gros Islet.
Salman butt who ended his career due to a match-fixing scandal, was one of the finest openers Pakistan has ever produced. Whereas, Kamran Akmal known for his quick boundaries helped the team to a commanding position in the match.
5) Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag – 136 Runs
The Indian opening duo of Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag showcased their class in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, amassing a formidable 136 against England in Durban.
Their partnership laid the groundwork for India’s journey to becoming T20 World Cup champions. India lifts the inaugural T20 World Cup by beating Pakistan in the final of the tournament.
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6) Chris Gayle and Andre Fletcher – 133 Runs
Chris Gayle makes another appearance on this list, this time partnering with Andre Fletcher to craft a dazzling 133-run stand against Australia at The Oval in 2009.
Their explosive batting left a lasting impression on T20 enthusiasts worldwide. Andre Fletcher is still scoring dozens of runs for the team with his power-hitting.
7) Shane Watson and David Warner – 133 Runs
The Australian pair of Shane Watson and David Warner combined forces to produce a memorable 133-run partnership against India in Colombo during the T20 World Cup 2012.
Shane Watson one of the best all-rounders in the world, along with the fierce opener in the T20 history showed their aggressive approach set the tone for Australia’s dominance in the match.
8) Aqib Ilyas and Jatinder Singh – 131 Runs
In a testament to the global nature of T20 cricket, the Oman duo of Aqib Ilyas and Jatinder Singh enters the top 10 with their unbeaten 131-run partnership against Papua New Guinea in Al Amerat during the T20 World Cup 2021.
9) Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya – 124 Runs
The Sri Lankan opening pair of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya left an indelible mark with their 124-run partnership against West Indies in Nottingham during the T20 World Cup 2009. Their collaboration showcased the effectiveness of experience combined with flair.
10) Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Nazir (Pakistan) – 124 Runs
The Pakistani duo of Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Nazir rounds off the top 10 with their 124-run partnership against Bangladesh in Pallekele during the T20 World Cup 2012. Their collective efforts added to Pakistan’s rich T20 World Cup history.
Conclusion
These partnerships not only reflect the evolution of T20 cricket but also stand as a testament to the audacious and dynamic nature of modern-day batting. As the tournament evolves, one can only anticipate more record-breaking displays of power-hitting and strategic brilliance from the opening pairs, etching their names in cricketing history.
Also Read: T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament List
