3 record-breaking partnerships in T20 World Cup history

Partnerships are often remembered in ODIs and Tests, where long stands are seen as the backbone of big totals and match-winning efforts. However, over the years, T20 cricket, especially the T20 World Cup, has also witnessed some strong partnerships.

While the format demands quick scoring, there have been occasions when batters have come together and stitched match-winning stands. These record-breaking partnerships have not only stabilised the innings but have also been important in winning tournaments.

Here are the 3 record-breaking partnerships in T20 World Cup history

3. Kumar Sangakkara-Mahela Jayawardene (166 Runs)

Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene are often remembered as one of the finest batting duos in ODI and Test cricket, but their performance in T20 cricket was also brilliant whenever they took the field together. 

During the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup against the West Indies at Bridgetown, Sangakkara and Jayawardene stitched together a 166-run partnership for the second wicket, third on the list of the highest in T20 World Cup history. Jayawardene remained unbeaten on 98 off 56 balls. Sangakkara played the perfect supporting role with a 68 off 49. Their partnership guided Sri Lanka to 195/3 and eventually helped them to win the game by 57 runs.

2. Rilee Rossouw-Quinton de Kock (168 Runs)

South African batters Rilee Rossouw and Quinton de Kock put together one of the best partnerships of the T20 World Cup 2022 during their Group 2 clash against Bangladesh in Sydney. Coming together after an early wicket, the left-handed duo stitched a 168-run stand for the second wicket, completely taking the game away from Bangladesh.

De Kock played the perfect supporting role with a 63-run outing off just 38 deliveries, while Rossouw went on to hit 109 off just 56 deliveries. Their batting powered South Africa to 205/5. The Bangladesh team in reply managed to score just 101 runs, handing the Proteas a huge 104-run victory.

1. Alex Hales-Jos Buttler (170* Runs)

Alex Hales and Jos Buttler produced one of the most solid batting performances in T20 World Cup history during the 2022 semi-final against India at Adelaide. Chasing 169, the England openers stitched together an unbeaten 170-run stand, the highest partnership for any wicket in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history. Hales smashed an unbeaten 86 off 47 balls, while Buttler remained not out on 80 off 49, as England cruised to victory without losing a wicket and with 24 balls to spare.

Their stand dismantled India’s bowling attack and turned the semi-final into a one-sided contest. The partnership sealed England’s place in the final. Hales and Buttler went on to play a massive role throughout the tournament, guiding England to their second Men’s T20 World Cup title.