Top 5 Best Opening Partnerships in ODI World Cup History

Rohit Sharma-KL Rahul duo opened for India at World Cup 2019 (Twitter)

One Day International cricket (ODI), particularly the World Cup, has been graced by countless iconic moments that have stood the test of time. From legendary spells of bowling to iconic individual innings, each World Cup edition brings its own set of memories.

5 Highest Opening Partnerships in ODI World Cups

However, amongst these memories, the opening partnerships hold a special place as for any team, a good start is everything. The opening pairs face the first balls, face down the opposition's best bowlers, and lay the foundation for the entire innings.

Over the years, some opening duos have stood out, delivering performances that have become legendary. These partnerships are not just big scores; they're about teamwork, strategy, and rising to the occasion on the world's biggest cricketing stage.

Here’s a look at the top five highest-opening partnerships that set the World Cup stage ablaze.

1. Upul Tharanga-Tillakaratne Dilshan (282 vs Zimbabwe, Pallekele, World Cup 2011)

Upul Tharanga & Tillakaratne Dilshan (Twitter)

During the World Cup 2011, in Pallekele, Sri Lankan openers, Tharanga and Dilshan, played a masterclass, stitching together an enormous 282-run stand against Zimbabwe. The opposition bowlers were helpless against their onslaught. Their partnership set the foundation for a mammoth total. The match witnessed Sri Lanka posting a massive score of 327/6, thanks to the openers' dominance, and eventually won the game by a whopping 139 runs by bowling Zimbabwe out for 188. This staggering partnership is particularly remembered for its aggressive approach and the way both batsmen complemented each other's style of play.

2. Upul Tharanga-Tillakaratne Dilshan (231 vs England, Colombo, World Cup 2011)

Upul Tharanga & Tillakaratne Dilshan (Twitter)

The World Cup 2011 was surely a memorable one for this Lankan duo. Once again, in Colombo, they gave spectators a treat with a stunning unbeaten 231-run stand against a strong English bowling lineup. This partnership saw both Tharanga (102) and Dilshan (108) reach their individual centuries. Such was their dominance that Sri Lanka chased down the 230-run target without losing a single wicket, registering a thumping 10-wicket win over England. The English bowlers were left searching for answers as both openers carved them with precision.

3. Wajahatullah Wasti-Saeed Anwar (194 vs New Zealand, Manchester, World Cup 1999)

Saeed Anwar & Wajahatullah Wasti (Twitter)

At the Old Trafford in Manchester, Pakistan openers Wasti and Anwar painted a classic with their bats. Their 194-run partnership against the Kiwis set the tone for their team’s chase of 241 posted by the Kiwis. Both played with elegance and aggression, dispatching the New Zealand bowlers to all parts of the ground. Their partnership was a crucial element in Pakistan's 9-wicket victory over New Zealand. While the Kiwi bowlers tried various strategies, the Pakistan openers were always a step ahead, making it a memorable partnership in World Cup history.

4. Rohit Sharma-KL Rahul (189 vs Sri Lanka, Leeds, World Cup 2019)

KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma (Twitter)

Headingley witnessed a modern-day spectacle as two of India's top batsmen, Rohit and Rahul, paired up to give a magnificent performance. With their 189-run partnership against Sri Lanka, the duo showcased their class and calibre, setting a solid foundation for India’s chase of 264 posted by the Lankans. Their clinical approach and understanding between the wickets made it tough for the Lankan bowlers to break through. Their efforts ensured India's comfortable victory by 7 wickets, with both the batsmen getting their respective centuries.

5. Gary Kirsten-Andrew Hudson (186 vs Netherlands, Rawalpindi, World Cup 1996)

Gary Kirsten & Andrew Hudson (Twitter)

Turning the clock back to the World Cup 1996 in Rawalpindi, South African openers Kirsten and Hudson put on a show with their 186-run stand against the Netherlands as the Proteas posted 328/3. Their partnership was marked by fluent stroke play and smart running between the wickets. While the Dutch bowlers tried hard, Kirsten and Hudson's resilience and technique kept them at bay. This dominant opening stand played a pivotal role in South Africa's massive victory by 160 runs as the Netherlands was restricted to 168/8. The incredible partnership showcased the strength of the South African batting lineup during that period.

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