Highest Fourth-Wicket Partnerships In Tests In Sri Lanka By Visitors

Highest Fourth-Wicket Partnerships By A Visiting Pair In Tests In Sri Lanka [Source: @Arnavv43/X.com]

Sri Lanka has always been a testing ground for visiting teams in Test cricket, with its turning tracks and challenging conditions.

However, over the years, only a few remarkable partnerships have stood out, showing a lot of grit and resilience against all odds. While opening partnerships often gain more attention, the hardwork of middle-order batters is often overlooked.

In particular, fourth wicket stands have turned the game at crucial points where such partnerships went on to make history that people still remember these very days.

On that note, here, we explore the highest fourth-wicket partnerships set by visiting pairs in Sri Lanka's Test history.

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4. 221 – Mohammad Azharuddin & Sachin Tendulkar (India), Colombo, 1997

4. 221 – Mohammad Azharuddin & Sachin Tendulkar (India), Colombo, 1997 [Source: Reuters]

One of the most memorable partnerships in Indian cricket history came in Colombo in 1997 when Mohammad Azharuddin and Sachin Tendulkar joined forces for a 221-run stand for the fourth wicket. 

Azharuddin's wristy elegance complemented Tendulkar's authoritative stroke play as they dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack. While Azharuddin slammed 126 off 199 balls, Tendulkar also hit 143 off 247 balls. Owing to their record stand, India declared the first inning at 537/8.

3. 240 – Stephen Fleming & Craig McMillan (New Zealand), Colombo, 1998

3. 240 – Stephen Fleming & Craig McMillan (New Zealand), Colombo, 1998 [Source: Getty]

Stephen Fleming, one of New Zealand's best captains, combined with Craig McMillan to produce a remarkable 240-run stand for the fourth wicket in Colombo in 1998. Against a very strong Sri Lankan bowling attack led by the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan, Fleming and McMillan showed excellent technique and temperament. 

While Fleming scored 174 off 333 balls, McMillan also contributed 142 off 179 balls to help New Zealand declare its second innings at 444/6. The Kiwis bowled out Sri Lanka to 297 runs, leading to a 167-run infamous victory.

2. 258 – Michael Hussey & Shaun Marsh (Australia), Pallekele, 2011

2. 258 – Michael Hussey & Shaun Marsh (Australia), Pallekele, 2011 [Source: Associated Press]

Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh held the record for the highest fourth-wicket partnership by a visiting pair in Sri Lanka until 2025. Their 258-run stand for the fourth wicket at Pallekele in 2011 was a masterclass in patience and stroke play. 

Hussey hit a solid 142 off 244 balls whereas March also got 141 off 315 balls. Their resilient partnership helped Australia declare at 411/7. However, the match ended in a draw as Sri Lanka also responded with 317/6 in the second innings.

1. 259 – Steve Smith & Alex Carey (Australia), Galle, 2025

1. 259 – Steve Smith & Alex Carey (Australia), Galle, 2025 [Source: @AkshayTadvi28/X.com]

During the Test at Galle in 2025, Steve Smith and Alex Carey went down in history by adding a mammoth fourth-wicket stand of 259 runs. 

The spin-friendly conditions hardly posed any threat to the batting pair, as they showed utter composure and great tactical awareness. Smith, with his perfect footwork, bashed 131 off 254 balls. And Carey, with great determination, hit a well-compiled 156 off 188 balls. 

This stand frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers for hours. Their partnership not only set a solid foundation (414) for Australia but also became the highest fourth-wicket stand by a visiting pair in Sri Lanka.

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