Highest Partnership in ODI Cricket: Records That Redefined Batting Excellence
In One Day International (ODI) cricket, partnerships between two batsmen often define the course of the game. Whether it’s setting up a massive total or chasing down an impossible target, partnerships are the backbone of any successful innings. Over the years, several legendary pairs have built monumental stands that have left cricket fans in awe. From Sachin Tendulkar to Chris Gayle, these duos have rewritten record books with their spectacular teamwork.
This article explores the highest partnerships in ODI cricket history, highlighting the top pairs who have created magic together at the crease.
1. Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels – 372 Runs (West Indies vs Zimbabwe, 2015)
The highest partnership in ODI cricket history belongs to the West Indian duo Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, who added a massive 372 runs for the 2nd wicket during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup against Zimbabwe at Canberra.
Chris Gayle played one of the most destructive innings ever seen in World Cup history, smashing 215 runs off 147 balls, including 16 sixes and 10 fours. Samuels supported him brilliantly with a classy century. Their explosive partnership lifted West Indies to a gigantic total, and they eventually won the match comfortably.
This record remains unmatched, showcasing the perfect blend of aggression and composure.
2. John Campbell and Shai Hope – 365 Runs (West Indies vs Ireland, 2019)
The second-highest partnership in ODI history also belongs to West Indies. John Campbell and Shai Hope shared a stunning 365-run stand for the opening wicket against Ireland at Dublin in May 2019.
Campbell’s 179 runs off 137 balls and Hope’s 170 off 152 completely dominated the Irish bowlers. The pair’s consistency and shot selection demonstrated how ODI batting has evolved into a high-scoring format. Their partnership powered West Indies to 381 runs, leading to a massive victory by 196 runs.
3. Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid – 331 Runs (India vs New Zealand, 1999)
The partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid is one of the most iconic in Indian cricket history. Playing against New Zealand at Hyderabad on 8 November 1999, the duo added 331 runs for the 2nd wicket.
Tendulkar was unstoppable, scoring an unbeaten 186 runs, while Dravid supported him with a fluent 153. Their partnership guided India to 376 runs, one of the highest ODI totals at the time. This innings remains a testament to their technical mastery and ability to rotate the strike while punishing bad deliveries.
4. Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid – 318 Runs (India vs Sri Lanka, 1999)
Just months before the Tendulkar-Dravid record, India witnessed another record-breaking partnership — this time between Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid. In the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup, they put together a 318-run stand for the 2nd wicket against Sri Lanka at Taunton.
Ganguly’s powerful 183 off 158 balls combined with Dravid’s calm 145 helped India post a mammoth total of 373 runs, crushing Sri Lanka by 157 runs. It was one of the most memorable performances in World Cup history.
5. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq – 304 Runs (Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 2018)
The Pakistan duo Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq formed a record-breaking 304-run opening stand against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo on 20 July 2018.
Fakhar played a blistering knock of 210 runs off 156 balls, becoming the first Pakistani to score a double century in ODIs, while Imam contributed a steady 113. Their partnership helped Pakistan post 399/1 — one of the highest team totals in ODI history.
Other Notable Partnerships in ODI Cricket
The following partnerships have also etched their names in ODI history with impressive run totals:
| Partners (Team) | Runs | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamim Iqbal & Liton Das (Bangladesh) | 292 | Zimbabwe | Sylhet | 6 Mar 2020 |
| Ishan Kishan & Virat Kohli (India) | 290 | Bangladesh | Chattogram | 10 Dec 2022 |
| Upul Tharanga & Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) | 286 | England | Leeds | 1 Jul 2006 |
| David Warner & Travis Head (Australia) | 284 | Pakistan | Adelaide | 26 Jan 2017 |
| Quinton de Kock & Hashim Amla (South Africa) | 282* | Bangladesh | Kimberley | 15 Oct 2017 |
Top 10 Highest Partnerships in ODI History
- Chris Gayle & Marlon Samuels (WI) – 372 vs Zimbabwe, 2015
- John Campbell & Shai Hope (WI) – 365 vs Ireland, 2019
- Sachin Tendulkar & Rahul Dravid (IND) – 331 vs New Zealand, 1999
- Sourav Ganguly & Rahul Dravid (IND) – 318 vs Sri Lanka, 1999
- Fakhar Zaman & Imam-ul-Haq (PAK) – 304 vs Zimbabwe, 2018
- Tamim Iqbal & Liton Das (BAN) – 292 vs Zimbabwe, 2020
- Ishan Kishan & Virat Kohli (IND) – 290 vs Bangladesh, 2022
- Upul Tharanga & Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) – 286 vs England, 2006
- David Warner & Travis Head (AUS) – 284 vs Pakistan, 2017
- Quinton de Kock & Hashim Amla (SA) – 282* vs Bangladesh, 2017
Conclusion
Partnerships are the foundation of every successful ODI innings. Whether it’s the aggressive approach of Gayle and Samuels or the technical brilliance of Tendulkar and Dravid, these record-breaking stands remind us that cricket is a game of teamwork and understanding.
The highest partnerships in ODI cricket not only broke records but also inspired generations of players to aim higher and play selfless, team-oriented cricket. With the evolution of modern batting and the rise of fearless stroke makers, it’s only a matter of time before another pair rewrites history again.
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