Batting Brilliance: Top 5 Highest Partnerships in T20I

T20 cricket is known for its fast-paced action, big sixes, and thrilling finishes. But sometimes, partnerships play a crucial role in adjusting a game. A strong stand between two batters can shift the momentum, helping teams post massive totals or chase down challenging targets. In this blog we look at the highest partnerships in T20I history and how these duos crafted unforgettable innings.

The highest partnership in T20I

1. Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming & Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake – 258 Runs (Japan vs China, 2024)

Japan’s opening pair, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, made history in 2024 by setting the highest partnership in T20I cricket. Their unbeaten 258-run stand against China in the East Asia Cup helped Japan post a massive total of 258/0. Yamamoto-Lake smashed 134* off 68 balls, while Kadowaki-Fleming contributed 109* from 53 balls. This record-breaking performance set Japan’s growing presence in international cricket.

2. Hazratullah Zazai & Usman Ghani—236 Runs (Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2019)

Afghanistan’s opening duo, Hazratullah Zazai and Usman Ghani, set a historic record in 2019 by creating the second highest partnership in T20I, scoring 236 runs against Ireland. Zazai’s intense 162* off 62 balls, along with Ghani’s 73, powered Afghanistan to a massive total of 278/3. This record remains unbeaten, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships in T20 cricket.

3. Aaron Finch & D’Arcy Short – 223 Runs (Australia vs Zimbabwe, 2018)

Australia’s Aaron Finch and D’Arcy Short built a massive 223-run partnership against Zimbabwe in 2018. Finch led the charge with a 172-run innings, the second-highest individual score in the T20 international cricket history list. This stand remains among the best in T20I cricket, highlighting how effective teamwork can overpower any bowling attack.

4. Sabawoon Davizi & Dylan Steyn – 220 Runs (Czech Republic vs Bulgaria, 2022)

The Czech Republic’s Sabawoon Davizi and Dylan Steyn put on a shocking 220-run stand against Bulgaria in 2022. This incredible effort saw Davizi score 115* off 59 balls, while Steyn hammered 106* from 55 deliveries, helping the Czech Republic post a dominant total of 258/2. Their record stood as the highest in T20I history until Japan beat it in 2024.

5. Louis Bruce & Balaji Pai – 213 Runs (Gibraltar vs Bulgaria, 2022)

Gibraltar’s Louis Bruce and Balaji Pai produced a remarkable 213-run partnership against Bulgaria in 2022. Bruce led the charge with a blistering 99* off 63 balls, while Pai provided solid support with 86* from 59 deliveries. Their incredible effort helped Gibraltar secure a massive total and register their names in T20I history.

Why Partnerships Matter in T20 Cricket

While T20 cricket is often seen as a game of quickfire knocks, partnerships can define crucial moments. Here’s why they are important:

• Building Momentum: A good stand can help set up a big total.
• Chasing Targets: In successful chases, partnerships ensure wickets remain unchanged.
• Creating Records: Many high-scoring games feature effective partnerships that leave an endless impact.

Other Notable Records in T20I Cricket

While partnerships are key, other records also define T20I power. Here are some must-know records:

• Most runs in T20I overall: Chris Gayle (West Indies) Leading the charts, Gayle has scored 14,562 runs in 463 T20 matches.
• Most T20I wickets: Tim Southee has the most T20I wickets and tops the list, showcasing his greatness in the format.
• Best strike rate in T20I: As of February 2025, the best strike rate in T20 international career is held by India’s Abhishek Sharma, who has achieved a strike rate of 193.84, scoring 535 runs off 276 balls.
• Best bowling figures in T20I: Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus delivered an extraordinary spell, taking 7 wickets for just 8 runs against China on 26 July 2023. This performance stands as the best bowling figures in T20 internationals.
• Fastest century in T20 international cricket history list: On June 17, 2024, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan set a new benchmark by achieving a T20I century in only 27 balls against Cyprus.
• Most sixes in T20I World Cup: In the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the record for the most sixes is held by West Indies’ Chris Gayle, who has hit a total of 63 sixes.
• The lowest score in T20I: In men’s Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, the record for the lowest team score is held by the Ivory Coast, who were bowled out for just 7 runs against Nigeria during the T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier on November 24, 2024.

Conclusion

While individual brilliance usually steals the show in T20 cricket, partnerships play an equally crucial role. The highest partnerships in T20I records show how two batters working together can change the game’s result. From Afghanistan’s record-breaking stand to South Africa’s masterclass chase, these partnerships remind us that cricket is as much about teamwork as it is about individual skill. Stay tuned to Spin and Swing for more cricket insights and updates!

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