Top 5 run-scoring partnerships in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history

The 2024 Men’s ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 1, taking place across the Caribbean and the USA. This edition of the tournament has expanded to include 20 teams, divided into four groups. Over the years, the T20 World Cup has witnessed several memorable and record-breaking partnerships. Here’s a look at the highest partnerships in T20 World Cup history:

1. Buttler and Hales: 170* vs India, 2022

In the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales delivered a stunning performance against India at the Adelaide Oval. England, tasked with chasing 169, accomplished the feat with remarkable ease, thanks to an unbeaten 170-run stand between their openers. Buttler, leading by example, scored an unbeaten 80 off 49 balls, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes. His partner Hales was equally impressive, amassing 86* from 47 balls, making the chase appear effortless and securing a place in the final for England.

2. Rossouw and de Kock: 168 vs Bangladesh, 2022

South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw and Quinton de Kock put on a spectacular show in their 2022 T20 World Cup group-stage match against Bangladesh at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The duo shared a 168-run partnership for the second wicket after the early departure of captain Temba Bavuma. Rossouw smashed a century, scoring 109 runs, while de Kock contributed a valuable 63. Their efforts propelled the Proteas to a formidable total of 205/5. In response, Bangladesh was bowled out for 101, with Anrich Nortje taking four wickets to seal a comprehensive victory for South Africa.

3. Sangakkara and Jayawardene: 166 vs West Indies, 2010

Sri Lanka’s legendary pair, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, were instrumental in their team’s 57-run win over the West Indies in the 2010 T20 World Cup match held in Bridgetown. Jayawardene fell just short of a century, remaining unbeaten on 98 from 56 deliveries, while Sangakkara played a crucial knock of 68 off 49 balls. Their partnership of 166 runs for the second wicket helped Sri Lanka post a total of 195/3. The West Indies struggled in their chase, managing only 138/8, as Sri Lanka secured a comfortable victory.

4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran: 154 vs Uganda, 2024

In the fifth match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan faced Uganda at Providence Stadium in Guyana. Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, capitalized on this decision, delivering an impressive start. Gurbaz initiated the assault with 4 boundaries and 4 sixes, while Zadran, after a steady start, launched his attack, particularly against Dinesh Nakrani. Gurbaz reached his fifty in 28 balls and went on to score the highest individual T20 World Cup score by an Afghan batter, surpassing Najibullah Zadran’s 73 runs. Their partnership yielded a record 154 runs for the opening wicket, marking Afghanistan’s highest T20 World Cup opening stand and the fourth-highest overall in the tournament’s history.

See Also: “I thought the game was great” – Anrich Nortje

Despite this strong start, Afghanistan’s middle-order faltered. In the 10th over, they crossed the 100-run mark, aided by a 25-run over from Bilal Shah. However, Uganda’s captain Brian Masaba dismissed Zadran for 70, and Alpesh Ramjani removed Gurbaz for 76. The middle-order struggled, adding only 27 runs in the last five overs. Cosmas Kyewuta and Brian Masaba took two wickets each, restricting Afghanistan to a total of 183/5.

In the 15th over, Ugandan skipper Brian Masaba dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, who scored 70 off 46 balls. At that point, the partnership with Rahmanullah Gurbaz had amassed 154 runs, just 17 runs away from the T20 World Cup record. This stand was not only the best partnership between the two batters but also the highest for Afghanistan in T20 World Cup history.

5. Rizwan and Babar: 152* vs India, 2021

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam scripted a historic victory against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup match in Dubai. Set a target of 152, Pakistan achieved it without losing a wicket, completing the chase in just 17.5 overs. Rizwan was the top scorer with an unbeaten 79 from 55 balls, hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes. Babar Azam supported him with a steady 68*. This 152-run opening partnership not only ensured a comprehensive 10-wicket win for Pakistan but also marked their first-ever victory over India in a World Cup match.

These partnerships are etched in T20 World Cup history, showcasing the brilliance and dominance of these batting pairs in the tournament’s competitive environment.