From Tendulkar & Ganguly To Kohli & Rohit: Most Runs By Batting Pair In ODI Cricket History - In Pics
One of the most captivating aspects of One Day International (ODI) cricket is the extraordinary partnerships that have illuminated the cricketing world over the years. From explosive opening pairs to dependable middle-order combinations, these partnerships have scripted memorable moments in cricket history. In this listicle, we delve into the top 10 pairs with the highest partnership runs in ODI cricket history, celebrating the magic they brought to the game.
One of the most captivating aspects of One Day International (ODI) cricket is the extraordinary partnerships that have illuminated the cricketing world over the years. From explosive opening pairs to dependable middle-order combinations, these partnerships have scripted memorable moments in cricket history. In this listicle, we delve into the top 10 pairs with the highest partnership runs in ODI cricket history, celebrating the magic they brought to the game.
1. Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (IND):
Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, two giants of Indian cricket, created an iconic opening partnership that spanned from 1992 to 2007. Over the course of 176 innings, they amassed a staggering 8227 runs together. With an average of 47.55, this dynamic duo consistently provided solid starts for India. Tendulkar's elegance and Ganguly's aggression made them a nightmare for bowlers, and their 26 centuries and 29 fifties stand as a testament to their dominance at the top.
2. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene (Asia/SL):
The Sri Lankan pair of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene graced ODI cricket from 2000 to 2015, amassing 5992 runs in 151 innings. Their partnership was characterized by grace and consistency. Sangakkara's classical batting style beautifully complemented Jayawardene's elegant strokeplay. Together, they notched up 15 centuries and an impressive 32 half-centuries, playing pivotal roles in Sri Lanka's ODI successes.
3. Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL):
Another Sri Lankan gem, Kumar Sangakkara, joined forces with the aggressive opener Tillakaratne Dilshan to create a formidable partnership that spanned from 2000 to 2015. In 108 innings, they piled up 5475 runs at a remarkable average of 53.67. Sangakkara's poise combined with Dilshan's power-hitting made them a versatile pair. With 20 centuries and 19 fifties between them, they were a force to be reckoned with.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu (SL):
The explosive Sanath Jayasuriya and the technically sound Marvan Atapattu formed a compelling opening partnership for Sri Lanka from 1996 to 2007. In 144 innings, they accumulated 5462 runs. Jayasuriya's fearless approach at the top of the order and Atapattu's solidity made them a dynamic pair. With 14 centuries and 26 fifties, they were key contributors to Sri Lanka's ODI triumphs.
5. Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden (AUS):
Australia's dominance in the early 2000s owed much to the destructive opening pair of Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden. Their partnership, active from 2000 to 2008, yielded 5409 runs in 117 innings. Gilchrist's aggressive batting and Hayden's power game combined to set the tone for Australia. With 16 centuries and 29 fifties, they were instrumental in Australia's ODI success.
6. Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes (WI):
The West Indian duo of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes set a benchmark for opening partnerships from 1979 to 1991. In 103 innings, they amassed 5206 runs at an impressive average of 52.58. Greenidge's aggression and Haynes' technique made them a complementary pair. With 15 centuries and 25 fifties, they left an indelible mark on West Indies cricket.
7. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan (IND):
The dynamic Indian opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, active from 2011 to 2022, lit up the cricketing world with their aggressive batting. In 117 innings, they piled up 5193 runs at an average of 45.15. Rohit's flair and Dhawan's audacious strokeplay made them a fan-favorite duo. Their partnership featured 18 centuries and 15 fifties, showcasing their ability to dominate bowlers.
8. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (IND):
The current captain and vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have been a formidable force since 2010, with their partnership still going strong in 2023. In 86 innings, they have aggregated 5008 runs at an astonishing average of 61.82. Kohli's consistency and Rohit's elegance have made them a dynamic pair. Their partnership includes 18 centuries and 15 fifties, contributing significantly to India's ODI success.
9. Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar (IND):
Virender Sehwag's explosive style combined with Sachin Tendulkar's mastery to form an iconic opening partnership for India from 2001 to 2012. In 114 innings, they amassed 4387 runs. Sehwag's fearless approach and Tendulkar's classical technique made them a delight to watch. Together, they recorded 13 centuries and 18 fifties, leaving a lasting legacy.
10. Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly (Asia/IND):
Rahul Dravid's solidity and Sourav Ganguly's aggression combined to provide balance to India's middle order from 1996 to 2007. In 88 innings, they accumulated 4363 runs. Dravid's resilience and Ganguly's flair made them a dependable pair. Their partnership featured 11 centuries and 18 fifties, contributing significantly to India's ODI success during that period.
