Top 5 Highest Partnerships in ICC Finals: Head-Smith Duo Takes Crown With 251* in WTC Final
Smith and Head will look to replicate their performance on Day 2 (AP Photo)
In a sensational display of batting brilliance, Australia seized control of the World Test Championship (WTC) final on Day 1 at The Oval. Travis Head and Steve Smith emerged as the architects of an extraordinary day for the Aussies, leaving spectators in awe with their magnificent stroke play. Australia finished the day at an imposing 327/3, firmly establishing their grip over the high-stakes encounter.
Travis Head, Steve Smith script history in WTC final
Head, in particular, delivered a breathtaking counter-attacking innings, amassing a magnificent 146 runs off just 156 deliveries. His masterclass featured a staggering 22 boundaries and a solitary six. On the other hand, Steve Smith adopted a more measured approach, batting on 95 off 227 balls with 14 fours. His patient knock has placed him on the verge of a remarkable century, setting the stage for further exploits in the day to come.
Notably, Head and Smith etched their names into the record books during their unbeaten partnership of 251 runs. The duo became the pair with the highest partnership in a WTC final as they surpassed the previous record held by Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, who shared a partnership of 96* runs against India at the maiden WTC final in June 2021 at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
This extraordinary feat not only set a new benchmark for partnerships in the World Test Championship but also secured their names as the highest partnership in an ICC tournament final. Furthermore, it ranks as the second-highest partnership in an ICC tournament knockout match which just emphasizes the magnitude of their achievement.
The records kept tumbling as the Head-Smith partnership propelled itself to greater heights. The duo secured the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership for Australia in England, trailing only the exceptional 388-run partnership of Sir Don Bradman and Bill Ponsford against England in 1934.
Additionally, it claimed the fourth-highest partnership for India versus Australia in Test matches, with the pinnacle being the monumental 386-run partnership between Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke at Adelaide in 2012.
The phenomenal batting display by Travis Head and Steve Smith has left the Indian bowlers grappling for answers as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming days in the WTC final. To counter the sheer brilliance exhibited by the Australian duo, the Indian bowling attack will need to summon all their skill and conjure some magic to dismiss the resolute Australian duo and reclaim momentum in the match.
As the cricketing fraternity rejoices the sensational 251-run partnership stitched by Travis Head and Steve Smith on Day 1 of WTC final 2023, it will be fitting to reflect upon the top five highest partnerships witnessed in ICC tournament finals, as well as the top five highest partnerships recorded in ICC tournament knockout games.
Top 5 highest partnerships in ICC tournament finals
- 251* - Travis Head & Steve Smith – Australia vs India at The Oval on June 7, 2023
- 234* - Damien Martyn & Ricky Ponting – Australia vs India at Johannesburg on March 23, 2003
- 172 - Adam Gilchrist & Matthew Hayden – Australia vs Sri Lanka at Bridgetown on April 28, 2007
- 149 – Rohan Kanhai & Clive Lloyd – West Indies vs Australia at Lord’s on June 21, 1975
- 141 – Sourav Ganguly & Sachin Tendulkar – India vs New Zealand at Nairobi (Gym) on October 15, 2000
Top five highest partnerships in ICC tournaments' knockout games
- 252* - Ricky Ponting & Shane Watson -Australia vs England at Centurion on October 2, 2009
- 251* - Travis Head & Steve Smith – Australia vs India at The Oval on June 7, 2023
- 234* - Damien Martyn & Ricky Ponting – Australia vs India at Johannesburg on March 23, 2003
- 231* - Tillakaratne Dilshan & Upul Tharanga – Sri Lanka vs England at R. Premadasa Stadium on March 26, 2011
- 194 – Saeed Anwar & Wajahatullah Wasti – Pakistan vs New Zealand at Manchester on June 16, 1999
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