Top10 Highest Opening Partnerships in ODI

In one day international (ODI) cricket, opening partnerships can set the tone for the entire match. The top opening pairs build a strong foundation, making it easier for the rest of the team to score big. These partnerships involve two batsmen who start the innings and aim to score as many runs as possible before the first wicket falls. Over the years, many duos have created memorable records, delighting fans with their remarkable teamwork and skill. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 highest opening partnerships in ODI history. These partnerships not only showcase exceptional talent and coordination but also highlight key moments that have shaped the game. From explosive starts to steady builds, these records are a testament to the importance of a solid opening stand in cricket.

List of Highest Opening Partnerships in ODI

Partners	Runs	Team	Opposition	Match Date
JD Campbell, SD Hope	365	West Indies	v Ireland	5 May 2019
Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman	304	Pakistan	v Zimbabwe	20 Jul 2018
Tamim Iqbal, Litton Das	292	Bangladesh	v Zimbabwe	6 Mar 2020
WU Tharanga, ST Jayasuriya	286	Sri Lanka	v England	1 Jul 2006
DA Warner, TM Head	284	Australia	v Pakistan	26 Jan 2017
Q de Kock, HM Amla	282*	South Africa	v Bangladesh	15 Oct 2017
WU Tharanga, TM Dilshan	282	Sri Lanka	v Zimbabwe	10 Mar 2011
JAH Marshall, BB McCullum	274	New Zealand	v Ireland	1 Jul 2008
TM Head, DA Warner	269	Australia	v England	22 Nov 2022
DA Warner, MR Marsh	259	Australia	v Pakistan	20 Oct 2023

1. John Campbell and Shai Hope

John Campbell and Shai Hope set a record for the highest opening partnership in ODI history with 365 runs for the West Indies against Ireland on 5 May 2019. Campbell scored 179 runs off 137 balls, hitting 15 fours and 6 sixes with a strike rate of 130.65. Hope contributed 170 runs off 152 balls, including 22 fours and 2 sixes, with a strike rate of 111.84. Their partnership helped the West Indies post a total of 381/3, leading to a decisive victory. This outstanding performance showcased their remarkable coordination and batting prowess.

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2. Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman

Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman achieved the second-highest opening partnership in ODI history with 304 runs for Pakistan against Zimbabwe on 20 July 2018. Fakhar Zaman remained unbeaten with a remarkable 210 runs off 156 balls, hitting 24 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate of 134.61. Imam-ul-Haq contributed 113 runs off 122 balls, with 8 fours and a strike rate of 92.62. Their massive partnership propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 399/1, leading to a comprehensive victory. This exceptional display of batting highlighted their synergy and individual brilliance.

3. Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das

Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das recorded the third-highest opening partnership in ODI history with 292 runs for Bangladesh against Zimbabwe on 6 March 2020. Litton Das scored 176 runs off 143 balls, hitting 16 fours and 8 sixes with a strike rate of 123.07. Tamim Iqbal remained unbeaten with 128 runs off 109 balls, including 7 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 117.43. Their impressive partnership helped Bangladesh amass a total of 322/3, leading to a commanding victory. This outstanding performance highlighted their effective collaboration and exceptional batting skills.

4. Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya

Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya recorded the fourth-highest opening partnership in ODI history with 286 runs for Sri Lanka against England on 1 July 2006. Sanath Jayasuriya scored 152 runs off 99 balls, including 20 fours and 4 sixes, with a strike rate of 153.53. Upul Tharanga contributed 109 runs off 102 balls, hitting 14 fours and 1 six, with a strike rate of 106.86. Their partnership helped Sri Lanka successfully chase down England’s total of 321/7, finishing at 324/2. This brilliant opening stand demonstrated their aggressive batting and perfect synchronization.

5. David Warner and Travis Head

David Warner and Travis Head formed the fifth-highest opening partnership in ODI history, amassing 284 runs for Australia against Pakistan on 26 Jan 2017. David Warner blazed a trail with 179 runs off 128 balls, striking 19 fours and 5 sixes at a rapid strike rate of 139.84. Travis Head supported with 128 runs off 137 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes, at a strike rate of 93.43. Their combined effort contributed to Australia’s total of 369/7, leading to a victory by 57 runs. This partnership showcased their power-hitting and ability to build a solid foundation for their team.

6. Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla

Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla secured the sixth-highest opening partnership in ODI history, scoring an unbeaten 282 runs for South Africa against Bangladesh on 15 Oct 2017. Quinton de Kock led the charge with an impressive 168 not out off 145 balls, smashing 21 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 115.86. Hashim Amla provided solid support with 110 not out off 112 balls, including 8 fours, at a strike rate of 98.21. Their partnership guided South Africa to a comfortable chase of 278/7 set by Bangladesh, reaching 282/0 and winning by 10 wickets with 43 balls to spare. This dominant performance highlighted their batting prowess and partnership chemistry.

7. Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan

Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan formed the seventh-highest opening partnership in ODI history, accumulating 282 runs for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe on 10 Mar 2011. Tillakaratne Dilshan led the charge with 144 runs off 131 balls, including 16 fours and 1 six, at a strike rate of 109.92. Upul Tharanga contributed 133 runs off 141 balls, striking 17 fours, at a strike rate of 94.32. Their partnership propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding total of 327/6, leading to a resounding victory by 139 runs. This remarkable display showcased their batting prowess and effective partnership at the top of the order.

8. James Marshall and Brendon McCullum

James Marshall and Brendon McCullum combined for the eighth-highest opening partnership in ODI history, amassing 274 runs for New Zealand against Ireland on 1 Jul 2008. Brendon McCullum led the charge with a blistering 166 runs off 135 balls, smashing 12 fours and an impressive 10 sixes, boasting a strike rate of 122.96. James Marshall contributed 161 runs off 141 balls, including 11 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 114.18. Their partnership propelled New Zealand to a mammoth total of 402/2, resulting in a comprehensive victory by 290 runs. This dominant performance showcased their aggressive batting and solid opening partnership.

9. Travis Head and David Warner

Travis Head and David Warner forged the ninth-highest opening partnership in ODI history, accumulating 269 runs for Australia against England on 22 Nov 2022. Travis Head led the charge with an impressive 152 runs off 130 balls, comprising 16 fours and 4 sixes, boasting a strike rate of 116.92. David Warner contributed 106 runs off 102 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes, at a strike rate of 103.92. Their partnership powered Australia to a formidable total of 355/5, resulting in a commanding victory by 221 runs via the D/L method. This dynamic display showcased their batting prowess and effective collaboration at the top order.

10. David Warner and M Marsh

David Warner and Mitchell Marsh formed the 10th-highest opening partnership in ODI history, scoring 259 runs for Australia against Pakistan on 20 Oct 2023. David Warner led with 163 runs off 124 balls, hitting 14 fours and 9 sixes, at a strike rate of 131.45. Mitchell Marsh added 121 runs off 108 balls, including 10 fours and 9 sixes, with a strike rate of 112.03. Their partnership helped Australia reach a total of 367/9, securing a victory by 62 runs. This outstanding display highlighted their aggressive batting and effective partnership at the top order.

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