Stats: Top 5 unbeaten opening partnership in T20Is

In cricket, a team's top-order batting, especially the performance of the opening batters, is one of the most crucial factors. The first two batters in the batting order generally set the foundation for the remainder of the lineup. If the openers get off to a strong start, the entire team will likely breathe a sigh of relief for the remainder of their batting time.

In 20-over cricket, the game's shortest format, the opening batter's duty is even more vital. There is very little time or opportunity to get set up, and the openers' main goal is to take advantage of the powerplays, that are the first six overs of the batting innings. The teams who get the most out of their powerplays are likely to have a formidable opening combination.

It is unusual for two batters to play throughout the innings in a tight situation and contribute to their team's overwhelming victory. But Pakistan’s opening duo of Mohammad Rizwan and skipper Babar Azam did the unthinkable in the second T20I against England and went on to bag a 10-wicket win for their team by chasing down a humungous target of 200 runs.

A new world record for the highest partnership during a chase in T20Is was set by the duo as they put on a magnificent 203* runs for the first-wicket partnership, thereby breaking their previous record of 197 runs. While Babar pounded a perfect ton to announce his much-awaited return to form, Rizwan played the role of a sidekick and bagged a remarkable half-century

Additionally, it ranks as the fifth-highest partnership in T20Is, for any wicket, second highest unbeaten opening partnership, and the highest in a run chase. Just two days after suffering a demoralizing loss in the opening game of the seven-match series, the Pakistani openers put on a show for the packed house at the National Stadium in Karachi with Babar scoring an unbeaten 110* runs off 66 balls, and Rizwan adding an unbeaten 88* off 51.

Highest Unbeaten Opening Partnerships in T20Is: