Highest Opening Partnership in IPL History Till – 2023
Cricket fans across the world look forward to the Indian Premier League (IPL) every year. It is a tournament that brings together some of the best cricketers from around the world to compete for the coveted trophy. One of the most exciting moments in an IPL match is the opening partnership between the two batsmen that’s made the highest runs in IPL. In this article, we will take a look at the highest opening partnership in IPL history.
Introduction to the IPL
The IPL was launched in 2008, and since then it has become one of the most popular T20 cricket leagues in the world. The league is known for its fast-paced and high-scoring matches, which are played over a period of seven weeks. Each team consists of some of the best cricketers from around the world, and the matches are played in different cities across India.
Understanding the Opening Partnership
In a cricket match, the opening partnership is the partnership between the two batsmen who open the innings for their team. The aim of the opening partnership is to provide a solid foundation for the rest of the team to build on. The opening partnership is crucial in T20 matches as it sets the tone for the rest of the innings.
Top Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL History
Here are the top highest opening partnerships in IPL history and you can also learn here about the highest partnership in IPL or highest wicket taker in IPL history:
Quinton de Kock & KL Rahul Highest Partnership in IPL
LSG’s opening pair made a great partnership in 2022. Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul made a historical partnership ever in the IPL of 200+ runs in 20 overs without losing any wickets. However, in this top partnership of IPL Quinton de Kock made 140 off 70 and put in an unbeaten 210 score against one of the IPL best team Kolkata Knight Riders with KL Rahul.
Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
The highest opening partnership in IPL history is between Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine of the Kolkata Knight Riders. They achieved this feat in 2017 against the Gujarat Lions, with a partnership of 184 runs. Chris Lynn scored 93 runs off 41 balls, while Sunil Narine scored 50 runs off 19 balls.
David Warner and Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
The second-highest opening partnership in IPL history is between David Warner and Jonny Bairstow of the Sunrisers Hyderabad. They achieved this feat in 2019 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, with a partnership of 185 runs. David Warner scored 100 runs off 55 balls, while Jonny Bairstow scored 114 runs off 56 balls.
Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
The third-highest opening partnership in IPL history is between Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. They achieved this feat in 2011 against the Kolkata Knight Riders, with a partnership of 184 runs. Virat Kohli scored 71 runs off 47 balls, while Chris Gayle scored 102 runs off 55 balls. This partnership was made under Virat’s captaincy that’s why Virat comes in as one of the best captain in IPL.
Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn (Kolkata Knight Riders)
The fourth-highest opening partnership in IPL history is between Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn of the Kolkata Knight Riders. They achieved this feat in 2017 against the Gujarat Lions, with a partnership of 184 runs. Gautam Gambhir scored 76 runs off 48 balls, while Chris Lynn scored 93 runs off 41 balls.
Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir (Delhi Daredevils)
The fifth-highest opening partnership in IPL history is between Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir of the Delhi Daredevils. They achieved this feat in 2008 against the Rajasthan Royals, with a partnership of 151 runs. Virender Sehwag scored 73 runs off 38 balls, while Gautam Gambhir scored 58 runs off 46 balls.
Conclusion
The opening partnership is one of the most important aspects of a T20 cricket match, and the IPL has seen some remarkable performances
Jonny Bairstow holds the record for the highest individual score in an opening partnership in the IPL. He scored 114 runs off 56 balls while playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad with David Warner.
To date, only two centuries have been scored in IPL opening partnerships. They were scored by David Warner and Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan (Royal Challengers Bangalore).
The Royal Challengers Bangalore has the most number of 100+ opening partnerships in the IPL with six such partnerships.
Gautam Gambhir has the most number of 50+ opening partnerships in the IPL. He has achieved this feat 17 times in his IPL career.
Only five opening partnerships have gone past 150 runs in the IPL. They were achieved by Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir (Delhi Daredevils), Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders), Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) and David Warner and Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad).