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In the contemporary cricketing landscape, there has been a notable shift towards batting dominance, particularly in the condensed and electrifying realm of T20 cricket. This evolution can be attributed to various factors, including changes in playing conditions, advancements in equipment technology, and a greater emphasis on entertainment value. As a result, the modern game has witnessed a significant surge in run-scoring rates, with batters adopting increasingly aggressive and innovative approaches to their craft.
Significance of consistent partnerships
Within this paradigm, the significance of consistent partnerships between batters has become more pronounced than ever before. In the shorter formats, where every ball holds immense importance, batters are compelled to strike aggressively while maintaining a delicate balance between risk and reward. Thus, partnerships serve as the cornerstone of success, providing stability, momentum, and a solid foundation for explosive scoring. Despite the inherent pressure to score quickly, forging substantial partnerships remains a challenging feat, making it a rare but invaluable occurrence in the fast-paced arena of modern cricket especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Also READ: Australia’s Aaron Finch ranks the top 5 opening pairs of IPL 2024
Top 5 highest run partnerships in IPL history for any wicket:
1. RCB vs. GL:
- Batting Pair: AB de Villiers & Virat Kohli
- For: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Against: Gujarat Lions (GL)
- Venue, Year: Bengaluru, 2016
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off against Gujarat Lions (GL) at Bengaluru in 2016. RCB put up a monumental batting display, thanks largely to a sensational partnership between AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. Together, they amassed a staggering 229 runs for the 2nd wicket, setting a formidable score of 248/3 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Gujarat faltered under pressure and could only manage to score 104/6, handing RCB a convincing victory by 144 runs.
2. RCB vs. MI:
- Batting Pair: AB de Villiers & Virat Kohli
- For: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Against: Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Venue, Year: Wankhede, 2015
Another electrifying encounter took place between RCB and Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium in 2015. RCB’s batting juggernaut, led by De Villiers and Kohli, once again stole the show with an extraordinary partnership of 215 runs for the 2nd wicket. Their stellar performance propelled RCB to a mammoth total of 235/1 in 20 overs. Despite a valiant effort from MI, scoring 196/7, they fell short by 39 runs as RCB emerged victorious.
3. LSG vs. KKR:
- Batting Pair: Quinton de Kock & KL Rahul
- For: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Against: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Venue, Year: DY Patil Stadium, 2022
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) clashed with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at DY Patil Stadium in 2022. LSG’s opening pair of Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul wreaked havoc on the KKR bowling attack, forging an unbeaten partnership of 210 runs for the 1st wicket. Their stellar performance laid the foundation for LSG’s imposing total of 210/0 in 20 overs. In response, KKR fought hard by keeping the required run rate in check but ultimately lost the match by 2 runs in a thriller as they finished on 208/8.
4. GT vs. CSK:
- Batting Pair: Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan
- For: Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Against: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Venue, Year: Ahmedabad, 2024
Gujarat Titans (GT) took on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Ahmedabad in 2024. GT’s opening duo, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan showcased sublime batting skills as they constructed a magnificent partnership of 210 runs for the 1st wicket. Their exceptional performance propelled GT to a commanding total of 210/0 in 20 overs. In reply, CSK faltered under pressure and could only muster 196/7, conceding victory to GT by 36 runs.
5. PBKS vs. RCB:
- Batting Pair: Adam Gilchrist & Shaun Marsh
- For: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Against: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Venue, Year: Dharamsala, 2011
Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced off against RCB at Dharamsala in 2011. PBKS’ batting maestros, Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh, formed a formidable partnership of 206 runs for the 2nd wicket. Their explosive batting display powered PBKS to a challenging total of 232/2 in 20 overs. In pursuit, RCB struggled to counter the PBKS bowling attack, managing only 121/10, resulting in a convincing victory for PBKS by 111 runs.
