Highest Run Partnership in ODI Cricket History

In ODI cricket, partnerships between batsmen often define the course of a match. Over the years, several duos have etched their names into cricket history by forging monumental stands that have not only piled on runs but also set new records. 

The record for the highest partnership in ODI cricket is held by the West Indian duo of Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle, who scored a mammoth 372 runs for the second wicket against Zimbabwe in 2015. 

In this article, we look at the top 10 highest partnerships in ODI cricket history. 

Top 10 Highest Partnerships in ODI Cricket History

1. Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle

On February 24, 2015, at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle of the West Indies created a spectacular partnership that set a new record for the highest partnership in ODI cricket.

Facing Zimbabwe, Samuels and Gayle amassed 372 runs for the second wicket, an extraordinary feat that remains the highest second-wicket partnership in ODI cricket. This match was part of the ICC World Cup, and their record-breaking effort helped West Indies to a mammoth total of 372/2 in their 50 overs. This is the highest partnership in ODI World Cup history. 

Gayle, known for his explosive batting style, was at his devastating best. He scored a breathtaking 215 off 147 balls, becoming the first West Indian to score a double century in ODIs. His innings included 10 fours and 16 sixes, making it one of the most entertaining displays of power-hitting.

Samuels played the perfect supporting role, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 133 not out from 156 balls, featuring 11 fours and 3 sixes. Zimbabwe, despite their efforts, were bowled out for 289 in response, losing the match by a massive 73 runs.

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2. Shai Hope and John Campbell

On May 5, 2019, another historic partnership for West Indies was forged by Shai Hope and John Campbell against Ireland in Dublin. Opening the innings, Hope and Campbell stitched together a mammoth 365 runs for the first wicket, the highest opening partnership in ODI history.

Hope scored a magnificent 170 off 152 balls, displaying impeccable timing and placement with 22 fours and 2 sixes. On the other hand, Campbell was equally impressive, hammering 179 off 137 balls, decorated with 15 fours and 6 sixes.

Their partnership helped West Indies post a towering total of 381/3 in their 50 overs. Ireland, in reply, were bowled out for 185, handing West Indies a comfortable 196-run victory.

3. Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid

Back in November 1999, cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid broke records against New Zealand in Hyderabad. Tendulkar and Dravid put on a remarkable 331-run partnership for the second wicket, which stood as the highest partnership in ODIs for several years. 

Tendulkar, the master blaster, scored a blistering 186 not out off 150 balls, hitting 20 fours and 3 sixes. Dravid played a sublime innings, contributing 153 off 153 balls with 15 fours and 2 sixes. Their partnership helped India set a daunting total of 376/2 in 50 overs. New Zealand, in their chase, could only manage 202, giving India a comprehensive victory by 174 runs.

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4. Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid

Earlier in 1999, Sourav Ganguly and Dravid had already made headlines with their partnership against Sri Lanka at Taunton during the ICC World Cup. Ganguly and Dravid put on a phenomenal 318 runs for the second wicket.

Ganguly scored 183 off 158 balls with 17 fours and 7 sixes, marking one of the highest individual scores in World Cup history. Dravid provided able support, scoring 145 off 129 balls, with 17 boundaries and a six. Their partnership propelled India to a massive total of 373/6. Sri Lanka, in response, were bowled out for 216, giving India a resounding victory by 157 runs.

5. Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman

In July 2018, Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman of Pakistan formed a formidable opening pair against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. They compiled an impressive 304-run partnership for the first wicket.

Zaman was the star of the show, scoring an unbeaten 210 off 156 balls, including 24 fours and 5 sixes, becoming the first Pakistani to score a double century in ODIs. Imam-ul-Haq supported him well with a steady 113 off 122 balls, featuring 8 boundaries. Their efforts helped Pakistan post 399/1 in 50 overs. Zimbabwe, in reply, could only manage 155, handing Pakistan a massive victory by 244 runs.

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6. Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das

On March 6, 2020, Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das of Bangladesh put on a brilliant display against Zimbabwe in Sylhet, sharing a 292-run partnership for the first wicket.

Iqbal scored 158 off 136 balls with 20 boundaries. Das, meanwhile, scored his maiden ODI century, amassing 176 off 143 balls with 16 fours and 8 sixes. Their partnership helped Bangladesh to a formidable total of 322/3 in 43 overs, as the match was affected by rain. Zimbabwe, in their chase, were bowled out for 218, giving Bangladesh a convincing victory by 123 runs.

7. Virat Kohli and Ishan Kishan

In December 2022, Virat Kohli and Ishan Kishan formed a formidable partnership against Bangladesh in Chattogram, scoring 290 runs for the second wicket.

Kishan played an extraordinary innings, scoring 210 off just 131 balls, including 24 fours and 10 sixes, becoming the fastest double centurion in ODI history. Kohli scored 113 off 91 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and two maximums. Their partnership helped India post a total of 409/8 in 50 overs, in reply to which Bangladesh could only manage 182, giving India a comprehensive victory by 227 runs.

8. Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya

On July 1, 2006, Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka put on an exhilarating performance against England at Leeds, compiling 286 runs for the first wicket.

Jayasuriya scored 152 off 99 balls with 20 fours and 4 sixes. Tharanga played the second fiddle, scoring 109 off 102 balls, with 14 boundaries and a six. Their partnership helped Sri Lanka chase down a total of 241 runs in 37.3 overs with 8 wickets in hand.

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9. David Warner and Travis Head

On January 26, 2017, David Warner and Travis Head of Australia formed a brilliant opening partnership of 284 runs for the first wicket against Pakistan in Adelaide. 

Warner was in sublime form, scoring 179 off 128 balls, including 19 boundaries and 5 sixes. Head complemented him well, scoring 128 off 137 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes. Their partnership helped Australia to post a total of 369/7 in 50 overs. Pakistan, in their chase, were bowled out for 312, giving Australia a solid victory by 57 runs.

10. Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla

On October 15, 2017, openers Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla shared an unbeaten 282-run partnership against Bangladesh in Kimberley. 

De Kock scored 168 not out off 145 balls with 21 boundaries and 2 sixes. Amla, on the other hand, scored 110 not out off 112 balls with 8 fours. Their partnership helped South Africa chase down the target of 279 set by Bangladesh without losing a wicket, winning the match by 10 wickets. 

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Conclusion

From the explosive power of Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels to the technical brilliance of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, these partnerships have provided unforgettable moments and crucial match victories.

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