Highest opening partnership in IPL | Indian Premier League Stats

Highest opening partnership in IPL – The Indian Premier League has been one of the World’s most lucrative T20 leagues across the globe since its introduction in 2008. Big names across the globe joined over the years have made a big impact. However, apart from the well-known players, there have been many unknown faces who left a mark. The marquee tournament over the years has opened doors for many young players to prove and show their mettle to the world.

Highest opening partnership in IPL

It is because of the IPL that players who debut for the country play fearless cricket and express themselves. Many batters over the years have played some crucial knocks and helped their teams win the match. From Brendon McCullum’s 158 run knock to Chris Gayle’s 175, the league has been host to some brutal knocks as well.

Openers play a crucial role in setting the tone for their side. If the duo manages to give their team a good start then they can dictate the terms in-game. Since IPL’s inception, the cash-rich league have witnessed some breathtaking opening partnerships. Here are the five highest opening partnerships in IPL.

1. Jonny Bairstow and David Warner – 185 runs 

Ever since Jonny Bairstow joined Sunrisers Hyderabad, their opening partnership has been the deadliest in the IPL. He along with David Warner has given many solid opening partnerships to their side in the marquee tournament and you’ll not be surprised to know that they have registered the highest partnership for the first wicket in IPL.

In the 2019 edition of the league, Bairstow and Warner smashed 185 runs off the opening partnership against RCB. While the right-hander batter scored 114 runs off 56 balls, the southpaw scored 100 runs in 55 balls as SRH won the match by 118 runs.

2. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn – 184 runs 

There’s no denying the fact that Gautam Gambhir took Kolkata Knight Riders to new heights. Not only with his captaincy skills, but he was also the prolific run-getter for the franchise. Opening the innings he created many records and one among them was 184 runs opening partnership with Chris Lynn.

Chasing the target of 184 runs in IPL 2017 against Gujarat Lions, the duo of Lynn and Gambhir came out all guns blazing and chased the target with 31 balls to spare. While the Australia opener smashed 93 runs in 41 balls, the KKR skipper scored 76 runs off 48 balls as their team won the match by 10 wickets.

3. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal – 183 runs 

The Karnataka duo of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal joined Punjab Kings in 2018 and ever since the opening batters joined the franchise, they have set the stage on fire and have been the most consistent opening batters. The duo has scored truckloads of runs for the franchise and has set the stage on fire almost every time they went to bat.

They earn third place in the list of highest-opening partnerships in IPL as they smashed 183 for the first wicket against Rajasthan in IPL 2020, which took place in UAE. While Mayank Agarwal smashed 106 runs in 50 balls, KL Rahul scored 69 runs off 54 balls as PBKS posted a total of 223 on the board. However, their heroics was overshadowed by Rahul Tewatia’s fiery knock that helped RR chase the target.

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4. Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis – 181 runs 

Although Chennai Super Kings had a forgettable season in IPL 2020 there were a few things in that they would be proud of. The opening partnership of 181 runs between Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis, which is also the fourth highest first-wicket partnership in IPL, will be one of the few things they would be proud of.

Chasing the target of 179 runs against Punjab Kings in IPL 2020, the duo of Shane Watson and Faf du Plesssis came out all guns blazing and chased the target with 14 balls to spare. While the proteas openers score 87 runs, the veteran Australian smashed 83 runs.

5. Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli- 181* runs 

The fifth highest partnership in IPL came in this year’s edition of the marquee tournament (2021). While there’s no doubt Virat Kohli’s ability, Devdutt Padikkal has risen in ranks and ever since joining Royal Challengers Bangalore has stabled the team’s top order.

In the match against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021, RCB were chasing the target of 178 runs. The opening duo of Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal looked very settled at the creased to chase the target with 10 wickets. While the southpaw smashed his maiden century in IPL, the skipper remained unbeaten on 72 runs from 47 balls.

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