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Opening partnerships lays the perfect platform for a big total. Once a team gets off to a good start, it becomes tough to halt the momentum as the middle-order batters’ can play with complete freedom.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen such opening partnerships where opposition bowlers were clueless. This year, the opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli has been performing well.
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Highest Opening Partnerships
Over the years, the IPL has seen some world-class opening pairs. Following are the top five highest opening stands in IPL.
Quinton de Kock-KL Rahul (LSG) – 210*
In IPL 2022, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock launched an attack on Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling attack. While De Kock finished with an unbeaten score of 140, KL Rahul was not out on 68. It was a sublime batting performance from two swashbuckling batters in modern-day cricket.
David Warner-Jonny Bairstow (SRH) – 185
When Sunrisers Hyderabad took on Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL) in IPL 2019, the Orange Army’s openers David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, wreaked havoc with a 185-run opening partnership. Both batters scored a hundred and amassed more than 1100 runs between them in the season.
Also, read: What role does cricket pitches play in the game?
Gautam Gambhir-Chris Lynn (KKR) – 184*
In the 2017 season, Gujarat Lions set KKR a target of 184. The KKR openers went about their business in the most nonchalant way possible. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn made easy work of the run chase, winning the match with 31 balls to spare. The then KKR skipper remained unbeaten on 76 runs, while the Aussie made 93* off just 41 balls.
Mayank Agarwal-KL Rahul (Kings XI Punjab) – 183
Playing for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2020, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal were brutal against Rajasthan Royals. The openers got the team off to a flying start with 183 runs in just 16.3 overs. Mayank made a stellar 106, his maiden and only IPL hundred.
Devon Conway-Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings) – 182
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway had a night to remember when Chennai Super Kings took on SRH in Pune in IPL 2022. Batting first, CSK scored 202 runs, out of which the openers got 182 runs in just 17.5 overs. Ruturaj got out on 99, and Conway scored an unbeaten 85 runs.
Note: Stats as on 25/05/2023
Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL 2023”
The IPL 2023 season saw some of the world’s best opening batters in action. The following are the top five highest opening partnerships in IPL 2023:
Note: Stats as on 25/05/2023
Final Thoughts
Opening partnerships are the base from which middle-order batters can take off. The fearless approach taken by opening batters during the powerplay can propel the team’s score and knock the bowling side out of the game.
