Whenever there’s a Test match coming up, all the cricket fans eagerly get in front of their screens and on the field to delve into the purest format of the game. And like the ODI and T20 world cups, the International Cricket Council (ICC) opted to appease Test cricket enthusiasts with the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tests/world-test-championship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Test Championship</a>. Although it had only just begun in 2019, it had seen some excellent competition along the way with stellar records.<o:p></o:p>

Yet again, the final is here, taking place between India and Australia this time. Teams have always benefited a lot from the opening partnerships, which set the tone for the innings and gave their teams a good start in the competition by setting the stage for a large total. Especially in such protracted rounds when keeping wickets is crucial.

Therefore, in Test matches, the first-wicket partnership is quite significant. Fans have seen several outstanding opening partnerships that contributed to the team's strong results throughout Test cricket's history.

Let's have a look at the five most significant opening partnerships in the history of WTC:

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>5. Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305537447_Dimuth-Karunaratne-and-Lahiru-Thirimanne.jpeg" alt="Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

With New Zealand's strong bowling attack on their backs, this opening pair displayed their class. Chasing a difficult 268, this pair set the tone and commanded the batting unit from the front in the first Test on Saturday, August 17, at Galle. They shared a first-wicket total of 161 runs, which proved crucial in determining the outcome.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Along with Lahiru, who contributed 64 runs to his team's total during the game, captain Dimuth Karunaratne set the bar high as he led by example by scoring 122 runs overall on the strength of six boundaries. The opening pair made it simple for Sri Lanka to chase down the target and, for the first time since 2012, proclaimed a decisive six-wicket victory against New Zealand. <o:p></o:p>

With their remarkable performance, they surpassed the previous best of 99 and equalled the record for the highest opening partnership in the Test between these two nations. This pair demonstrated how crucial the performance of two opening hitters is to a team's overall success.

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>4. Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305494763_Dimuth-Karunaratne-and-Lahiru-Thirimanne-2.jpeg" alt="Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

This opening pair has consistently shown their mettle for their squad, not just once when they created havoc with their performance. The Sri Lankan squad put up a total of 493 runs against Bangladesh thanks to outstanding centuries from their openers. <o:p></o:p>

The Pallekele pitch was completely in the hosts' favour, and this opening pair took advantage of it to put up a partnership of 209 runs, with the skipper Karunaratne's bat contributing 118 runs and Thirmanne finishing undefeated with a total of 131 runs. The Sri Lankan squad gained momentum as a result of their centuries, scoring 291/1 on the first day of the test.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>

With a complete command from the onset, this opening combination led Sri Lanka to a victory against Bangladesh by 209 runs, shattering their own previous best of 161 runs. It ended up being the fourth-biggest opening partnership in the ICC global test championship. <o:p></o:p>

3. David Warner and Joe Burns<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305517068_David-Warner-and-Joe-Burns.jpeg" alt="David Warner and Joe Burns" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">David Warner and Joe Burns. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

In the two-game test series against Pakistan, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/in-professional-sport-no-one-is-guaranteed-two-or-three-matches-steve-waugh-analyses-david-warners-retirement-plans-5756/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Warner</a>, and Burns unleashed their batting prowess, taking advantage of the favourable home conditions and forcing the Pakistani bowlers to toil hard under the sun. This pair prevented the opposition from mounting a comeback by putting on an opening stand of 222 runs.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Joe Burns fell short of a well-deserved century by only 3 runs, while Warner scored 154 in the innings. Keeping the Pakistani bowling attack at bay while batting for more than 60 overs, this pair not only achieved personal milestones but also earned the distinction of having the third-highest opening partnership in the ICC World Test Championship.<o:p></o:p>

After a long break of three years, this opening combination returned in 2019, both with plenty to prove since one was passed over for the Ashes while the other failed miserably. However, this duo demonstrated how a strong start may help the team reach a high total. <o:p></o:p>

2. Shan Masood and Abid Ali<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305559372_Shan-Masood-and-Abid-Ali.jpeg" alt="Shan Masood and Abid Ali" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Shan Masood and Abid Ali. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

While playing against the Sri Lankan squad in the longest format of the game, Shan Masood and Abid Ali's opening combination scripted Pakistan's second-highest opening partnership. After failing in the first innings, Pakistan desperately needed to regain control of the situation, which was made possible with the aid of a potent opening pair. <o:p></o:p>

This pair amassed a combined total of 278 runs in the second test of the two-day series against Sri Lanka. Abid played in his debut match and recorded a score of 174 runs, which included 21 boundaries, to set a new career high. Shan Masood shone with his greatest test score of 135 runs, which included seven boundaries and three sixes, respectively.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>Pakistan, who had fallen behind in the first innings by 80 runs, put on an incredible batting display in the second, scoring a whopping 555 runs to win by a score of 263 runs. The stellar effort by the openers to step up on the right occasion made all the difference for the team. <o:p></o:p>

1. Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal<o:p></o:p>

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305580481_Rohit-Sharma-and-Mayank-Agarwal.jpeg" alt="Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal" loading="lazy"><figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The record for the biggest opening partnership in the ICC World Test Championship is in the name of none other than the duo of Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. They updated the record books when they opened the batting for the Indian team against South Africa in 2019. <o:p></o:p>

This duo left the opposition awestruck with their batting display. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/wtc-final-rohit-sharma-becomes-fifth-indian-to-lead-team-india-in-icc-summit-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a>, making his debut as a Test opener with a remarkable century in the first inning itself, was a treat to watch. On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal quickly demonstrated the same enthusiasm, scoring his first century and later a double ton.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

With the aid of Rohit's 176-run total and Mayank Agarwal's 141-run innings by that point, they shared an opening partnership of 317 runs. They not only broke the WTC record for the biggest opening partnership, but their 317 runs also rank third among Indian duos.<o:p></o:p>

<quillbot-extension-portal></quillbot-extension-portal>

Whenever there’s a Test match coming up, all the cricket fans eagerly get in front of their screens and on the field to delve into the purest format of the game. And like the ODI and T20 world cups, the International Cricket Council (ICC) opted to appease Test cricket enthusiasts with the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tests/world-test-championship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Test Championship</a>. Although it had only just begun in 2019, it had seen some excellent competition along the way with stellar records.<o:p></o:p>
Yet again, the final is here, taking place between India and Australia this time. Teams have always benefited a lot from the opening partnerships, which set the tone for the innings and gave their teams a good start in the competition by setting the stage for a large total. Especially in such protracted rounds when keeping wickets is crucial.
Therefore, in Test matches, the first-wicket partnership is quite significant. Fans have seen several outstanding opening partnerships that contributed to the team's strong results throughout Test cricket's history.
<hr>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Let's have a look at the five most significant opening partnerships in the history of WTC:</h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>5. Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305537447_Dimuth-Karunaratne-and-Lahiru-Thirimanne.jpeg" alt="Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
With New Zealand's strong bowling attack on their backs, this opening pair displayed their class. Chasing a difficult 268, this pair set the tone and commanded the batting unit from the front in the first Test on Saturday, August 17, at Galle. They shared a first-wicket total of 161 runs, which proved crucial in determining the outcome.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Along with Lahiru, who contributed 64 runs to his team's total during the game, captain Dimuth Karunaratne set the bar high as he led by example by scoring 122 runs overall on the strength of six boundaries. The opening pair made it simple for Sri Lanka to chase down the target and, for the first time since 2012, proclaimed a decisive six-wicket victory against New Zealand. <o:p></o:p>
With their remarkable performance, they surpassed the previous best of 99 and equalled the record for the highest opening partnership in the Test between these two nations. This pair demonstrated how crucial the performance of two opening hitters is to a team's overall success.

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>4. Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305494763_Dimuth-Karunaratne-and-Lahiru-Thirimanne-2.jpeg" alt="Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
This opening pair has consistently shown their mettle for their squad, not just once when they created havoc with their performance. The Sri Lankan squad put up a total of 493 runs against Bangladesh thanks to outstanding centuries from their openers. <o:p></o:p>
The Pallekele pitch was completely in the hosts' favour, and this opening pair took advantage of it to put up a partnership of 209 runs, with the skipper Karunaratne's bat contributing 118 runs and Thirmanne finishing undefeated with a total of 131 runs. The Sri Lankan squad gained momentum as a result of their centuries, scoring 291/1 on the first day of the test.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
With a complete command from the onset, this opening combination led Sri Lanka to a victory against Bangladesh by 209 runs, shattering their own previous best of 161 runs. It ended up being the fourth-biggest opening partnership in the ICC global test championship. <o:p></o:p>

<h3 class="MsoNormal">3. David Warner and Joe Burns<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305517068_David-Warner-and-Joe-Burns.jpeg" alt="David Warner and Joe Burns" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">David Warner and Joe Burns. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
In the two-game test series against Pakistan, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/in-professional-sport-no-one-is-guaranteed-two-or-three-matches-steve-waugh-analyses-david-warners-retirement-plans-5756/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Warner</a>, and Burns unleashed their batting prowess, taking advantage of the favourable home conditions and forcing the Pakistani bowlers to toil hard under the sun. This pair prevented the opposition from mounting a comeback by putting on an opening stand of 222 runs.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Joe Burns fell short of a well-deserved century by only 3 runs, while Warner scored 154 in the innings. Keeping the Pakistani bowling attack at bay while batting for more than 60 overs, this pair not only achieved personal milestones but also earned the distinction of having the third-highest opening partnership in the ICC World Test Championship.<o:p></o:p>
After a long break of three years, this opening combination returned in 2019, both with plenty to prove since one was passed over for the Ashes while the other failed miserably. However, this duo demonstrated how a strong start may help the team reach a high total. <o:p></o:p>

<h3 class="MsoNormal">2. Shan Masood and Abid Ali<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305559372_Shan-Masood-and-Abid-Ali.jpeg" alt="Shan Masood and Abid Ali" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Shan Masood and Abid Ali. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
While playing against the Sri Lankan squad in the longest format of the game, Shan Masood and Abid Ali's opening combination scripted Pakistan's second-highest opening partnership. After failing in the first innings, Pakistan desperately needed to regain control of the situation, which was made possible with the aid of a potent opening pair. <o:p></o:p>
This pair amassed a combined total of 278 runs in the second test of the two-day series against Sri Lanka. Abid played in his debut match and recorded a score of 174 runs, which included 21 boundaries, to set a new career high. Shan Masood shone with his greatest test score of 135 runs, which included seven boundaries and three sixes, respectively.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>Pakistan, who had fallen behind in the first innings by 80 runs, put on an incredible batting display in the second, scoring a whopping 555 runs to win by a score of 263 runs. The stellar effort by the openers to step up on the right occasion made all the difference for the team. <o:p></o:p>

<h3 class="MsoNormal">1. Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305580481_Rohit-Sharma-and-Mayank-Agarwal.jpeg" alt="Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The record for the biggest opening partnership in the ICC World Test Championship is in the name of none other than the duo of Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. They updated the record books when they opened the batting for the Indian team against South Africa in 2019. <o:p></o:p>
This duo left the opposition awestruck with their batting display. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/wtc-final-rohit-sharma-becomes-fifth-indian-to-lead-team-india-in-icc-summit-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a>, making his debut as a Test opener with a remarkable century in the first inning itself, was a treat to watch. On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal quickly demonstrated the same enthusiasm, scoring his first century and later a double ton.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
With the aid of Rohit's 176-run total and Mayank Agarwal's 141-run innings by that point, they shared an opening partnership of 317 runs. They not only broke the WTC record for the biggest opening partnership, but their 317 runs also rank third among Indian duos.<o:p></o:p>

Whenever there’s a Test match coming up, all the cricket fans eagerly get in front of their screens and on the field to delve into the purest format of the game. And like the ODI and T20 world cups, the International Cricket Council (ICC) opted to appease Test cricket enthusiasts with the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tests/world-test-championship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Test Championship</a>. Although it had only just begun in 2019, it had seen some excellent competition along the way with stellar records.<o:p></o:p>
Yet again, the final is here, taking place between India and Australia this time. Teams have always benefited a lot from the opening partnerships, which set the tone for the innings and gave their teams a good start in the competition by setting the stage for a large total. Especially in such protracted rounds when keeping wickets is crucial.
Therefore, in Test matches, the first-wicket partnership is quite significant. Fans have seen several outstanding opening partnerships that contributed to the team's strong results throughout Test cricket's history.
<hr>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Let's have a look at the five most significant opening partnerships in the history of WTC:</h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>5. Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305537447_Dimuth-Karunaratne-and-Lahiru-Thirimanne.jpeg" alt="Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
With New Zealand's strong bowling attack on their backs, this opening pair displayed their class. Chasing a difficult 268, this pair set the tone and commanded the batting unit from the front in the first Test on Saturday, August 17, at Galle. They shared a first-wicket total of 161 runs, which proved crucial in determining the outcome.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Along with Lahiru, who contributed 64 runs to his team's total during the game, captain Dimuth Karunaratne set the bar high as he led by example by scoring 122 runs overall on the strength of six boundaries. The opening pair made it simple for Sri Lanka to chase down the target and, for the first time since 2012, proclaimed a decisive six-wicket victory against New Zealand. <o:p></o:p>
With their remarkable performance, they surpassed the previous best of 99 and equalled the record for the highest opening partnership in the Test between these two nations. This pair demonstrated how crucial the performance of two opening hitters is to a team's overall success.

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>4. Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305494763_Dimuth-Karunaratne-and-Lahiru-Thirimanne-2.jpeg" alt="Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
This opening pair has consistently shown their mettle for their squad, not just once when they created havoc with their performance. The Sri Lankan squad put up a total of 493 runs against Bangladesh thanks to outstanding centuries from their openers. <o:p></o:p>
The Pallekele pitch was completely in the hosts' favour, and this opening pair took advantage of it to put up a partnership of 209 runs, with the skipper Karunaratne's bat contributing 118 runs and Thirmanne finishing undefeated with a total of 131 runs. The Sri Lankan squad gained momentum as a result of their centuries, scoring 291/1 on the first day of the test.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
With a complete command from the onset, this opening combination led Sri Lanka to a victory against Bangladesh by 209 runs, shattering their own previous best of 161 runs. It ended up being the fourth-biggest opening partnership in the ICC global test championship. <o:p></o:p>

<h3 class="MsoNormal">3. David Warner and Joe Burns<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305517068_David-Warner-and-Joe-Burns.jpeg" alt="David Warner and Joe Burns" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">David Warner and Joe Burns. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
In the two-game test series against Pakistan, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/in-professional-sport-no-one-is-guaranteed-two-or-three-matches-steve-waugh-analyses-david-warners-retirement-plans-5756/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Warner</a>, and Burns unleashed their batting prowess, taking advantage of the favourable home conditions and forcing the Pakistani bowlers to toil hard under the sun. This pair prevented the opposition from mounting a comeback by putting on an opening stand of 222 runs.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Joe Burns fell short of a well-deserved century by only 3 runs, while Warner scored 154 in the innings. Keeping the Pakistani bowling attack at bay while batting for more than 60 overs, this pair not only achieved personal milestones but also earned the distinction of having the third-highest opening partnership in the ICC World Test Championship.<o:p></o:p>
After a long break of three years, this opening combination returned in 2019, both with plenty to prove since one was passed over for the Ashes while the other failed miserably. However, this duo demonstrated how a strong start may help the team reach a high total. <o:p></o:p>

<h3 class="MsoNormal">2. Shan Masood and Abid Ali<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305559372_Shan-Masood-and-Abid-Ali.jpeg" alt="Shan Masood and Abid Ali" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Shan Masood and Abid Ali. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
While playing against the Sri Lankan squad in the longest format of the game, Shan Masood and Abid Ali's opening combination scripted Pakistan's second-highest opening partnership. After failing in the first innings, Pakistan desperately needed to regain control of the situation, which was made possible with the aid of a potent opening pair. <o:p></o:p>
This pair amassed a combined total of 278 runs in the second test of the two-day series against Sri Lanka. Abid played in his debut match and recorded a score of 174 runs, which included 21 boundaries, to set a new career high. Shan Masood shone with his greatest test score of 135 runs, which included seven boundaries and three sixes, respectively.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>Pakistan, who had fallen behind in the first innings by 80 runs, put on an incredible batting display in the second, scoring a whopping 555 runs to win by a score of 263 runs. The stellar effort by the openers to step up on the right occasion made all the difference for the team. <o:p></o:p>

<h3 class="MsoNormal">1. Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686305580481_Rohit-Sharma-and-Mayank-Agarwal.jpeg" alt="Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The record for the biggest opening partnership in the ICC World Test Championship is in the name of none other than the duo of Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. They updated the record books when they opened the batting for the Indian team against South Africa in 2019. <o:p></o:p>
This duo left the opposition awestruck with their batting display. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/wtc-final-rohit-sharma-becomes-fifth-indian-to-lead-team-india-in-icc-summit-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a>, making his debut as a Test opener with a remarkable century in the first inning itself, was a treat to watch. On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal quickly demonstrated the same enthusiasm, scoring his first century and later a double ton.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
With the aid of Rohit's 176-run total and Mayank Agarwal's 141-run innings by that point, they shared an opening partnership of 317 runs. They not only broke the WTC record for the biggest opening partnership, but their 317 runs also rank third among Indian duos.<o:p></o:p>
<quillbot-extension-portal></quillbot-extension-portal>

Whenever there’s a Test match coming up, all the cricket fans eagerly get in front of their screens and on the field to delve into the purest format of the game. And like the ODI and T20 world cups, t

WTC: Ranking top 5 opening-batting pairs

India hold the record for the highest opening partnership in the history of the World Test Championship.

WTC: Ranking top 5 opening partnership

WTC: Check out the most successful opening partnership in World Test Championship history and ranking from 1 to 10 on CricTracker.