World Cup 2023: Highest Opening Partnerships in ODI World Cup History (1975 – 2019)
Highest Opening Partnerships in ODI World Cup History – The Cricket World Cup is famous for its impressive batting performances, often driven by a handful of key players. In the One Day International (ODI) format, batters play a pivotal role in securing victory for their team. The foundation for a successful match is often laid by the opening batters. When they form a substantial partnership, it sets the stage for the following batters to score runs quickly and efficiently.
In this article, we’ll explore the most remarkable Best Opening Partnership in ODI World Cup History. Also read, Best Bowling Figures in ODI World Cup.
Highest Opening Partnership in ODI World Cup
Here are the list of World Cup Highest Opening Partnerships:
Batters | Partnership | Against | Venue | Year |
Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) | 282 | Zimbabwe | Pallekele | 2011 |
Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) | 231* | England | Colombo (RPS) | 2011 |
Saeed Anwar and Wajahatullah Wasti (Pakistan) | 194 | New Zealand | Manchester | 1999 |
KL Rahul and RG Sharma (India) | 189 | Sri Lanka | Leeds | 2019 |
G Kirsten and AC Hudson (South Africa) | 186 | Netherlands | Rawalpindi | 1996 |
SR Watson and BJ Haddin (Australia) | 183 | Canada | Bengaluru | 2011 |
RB McCosker and A Turner (Australia) | 182 | Sri Lanka | The Oval | 1975 |
KL Rahul and RG Sharma (India) | 180 | Bangladesh | Birmingham | 2019 |
WTS Porterfield and PR Stirling (Ireland) | 177 | Netherlands | Kolkata | 2011 |
G Kirsten and HH Gibbs (South Africa) | 176 | New Zealand | Birmingham | 1999 |
Highest Opening Partnerships in the World Cup
Here are Top 3 Highest Opening Partnerships in ODI Cricket World Cup:
Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 282
Number one on the list of best opening partnerships is the remarkable teamwork of former Sri Lankan opening batsmen Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga. They were at their best during the 2011 tournament.
In the 26th group stage match against Zimbabwe, Dilshan and Tharanga performed exceptionally well, hitting impressive centuries in the first innings and making it tough for Zimbabwe’s bowlers.
Also read, Best Batting Averages in ODI World Cups
Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 231*
Grabbing the second position once more are the former Sri Lankan opening pair, Tharanga and Dilshan. During the 2011 ODI World Cup’s 4th quarter-final, Sri Lanka faced a target of 229 runs. Dilshan and Tharanga joined forces, crafting an impressive unbeaten partnership of 231 runs.
This stellar teamwork led the team to a resounding victory by 10 wickets. This defeat stands as one of England’s most humiliating moments in ODI World Cup history.
Saeed Anwar and Wajahatullah Wasti (Pakistan) – 194
In the 1999 World Cup’s first semifinal, the former Pakistani openers, Wajahtullah Wasti and Saeed Anwar, put on an exceptional batting show. Faced with a target of 241 runs against New Zealand, the Men in Green witnessed a remarkable partnership.
The opening duo combined their efforts to achieve a whopping 194-run collaboration for the first wicket. Anwar’s remarkable performance included a fantastic century, leaving him unbeaten with a score of 113 runs. It will be intriguing to observe which team’s openers will provide vital support for their side.
FAQ’s on Highest Opening Partnerships in ODI World Cup
What is the highest opening partnership in ODI World Cup?
Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan – 282 vs Zimbabwe in World Cup 2011.
What is the highest opening partnership in ODI World Cup by Indian Batsman?
KL Rahul and RG Sharma – 189 vs Sri Lanka at leeds in 2019 World Cup.
What is the highest opening partnership in ODI World Cup by Pakistan Batsman?
Saeed Anwar and Wajahatullah Wasti – 194 vs New Zealand at Manchester in 1999 Cricket World Cup.
Rivcky John
A prominent figure in sports journalism for the last two decades. Cricket Analyst & Writing News, Features, Match Previews/Reviews/Reports, And Opinion Pieces on Cricket. You can connect with him on Facebook also.