Top 10 Highest overall partnership runs by a pair in International Cricket

Top 10 Highest overall partnership runs by a pair in International Cricket: They say partnerships are the most important part of an innings, and there is plenty of substance to that argument. When two batsmen combine with masterly camaraderie, the bowlers toil and are left with very little options. While one complements the other, a good partnership also sets the tone for the rest of the innings. Over the years there have been many epic stands in the 3 formats of the game and most are etched in our memories. Such is the reliability factor associated with these batsmen that even if others don’t stick around the side is assured of a big total. Today we look at the Top 10 Highest overall partnership runs by a pair in International Cricket (ODIs + Tests + T20Is): 10. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag – 7199 runs, 2003-2013: Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag. (© Hindustan Times via Getty Images) The Delhi team-mates paired for India, they proved to be a nightmare for opposition bowlers when in full swing. While Sehwag generally went hammer and tongs, his partner Gambhir milked the bowling with his fine display of delightful stroke play. They were once touted as the best opening pair in Test cricket. They averaged more than 48 in the 153 innings they batted together, they also managed 17 stands of 100 or more. Also Read – Top 10 Highest Partnerships in ODI Cricket 9. Desmond Haynes and Richie Richardson – 7558 runs, 1983-1994: (source) They were the most prolific pair of their time. Haynes was at his best against pace like all West Indians but also had the technique to survive quality spin. Richie was a destructively brilliant batsman, particularly on hard pitches where he could throw the bat through the line with abandon, carving the ball square. The duo managed these runs in 180 innings with a highest stand of 297. They averaged above 45 on their way to being involved in 20 century partnerships. 8. Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly – 7657 runs, 1996-2008: Sourav Ganguly – Rahul Dravid. (Photo Source: Getty Images) While the media might have been interested in planting stories of their rift, the two were busy winning India laurels on the cricket field. In 156 innings across all formats at an average of 51.38. Their highest, 318 was in the 1999 World Cup game against Sri Lanka at Taunton and remains a great ODI partnership till date. They managed 30 half century stands and 21 century stands. 7. Tillakratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara – 8103 runs, 2000-2015: Tillakratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara. (© Getty Images) Dilshan who found out in the better part of his career that opening the batting suited him the most, was a crowd favourite. And Sangakkara provided him the perfect soothing effect. They complemented each other brilliantly and also made it tough for the bowlers with the left right combination. Together they managed 27 century partnerships at an average of 49.4 in 172 innings. 6. Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting – 8389 runs, 2001-2009: Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting. (© Getty Images) Hayden and Ponting have taken the least time to score these many runs. It is also reflective of their immense batting prowess and the Aussie dominance during that era. Ponting was perhaps the best Australian cricketer after Sir Don Bradman and scored runs all over the world. Hayden was simply about brute force and exemplary balance at the crease. In the 152 innings they scored at an average of 59.9 which is the highest among all pairs in the list. The 8389 runs also included 26 centuries. 5. Marvan Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya – 9995 runs, 1996-2007: Sanath Jaysuriya Marvan Atapattu. (Photo Source: ESPNcricinfo Ltd) Though their average of 39.3 might seem mediocre when compared with others in the list, the impact they had on Sri Lankan cricket is beyond numbers. In 266 innings, which is the second highest for any batting pair they had 23 century stands with the best being of 335 runs. While Jayasuriya redefined ODI batting forever, Atapattu symbolized sheer class and touch. 4. Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar – 11037 runs, 1996-2012: Rahul Dravid Sachin Tendulkar. (Photo Source: Getty Images) At an average of almost 48 and with 31 century partnerships the Dravid – Sachin pair demolished most bowling attacks of their times. Even if India lost early wickets in a Test, Rahul coming at 3 and Sachin at 4 were almost certain to take India to safety. Two of India’s all time greatest batsmen managed more than 11000 runs and carried the bulk of Indian batting on their shoulders. 3. Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes – 11688 runs, 1978-1991: Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge. (Photo Source: PA Photos) The devastating pair of Greenidge and Haynes was without a doubt the best opening pair of their era. For a long period of time, this was the most successful pair in Test cricket aggregating 6482 runs. Their record was finally eclipsed by Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar after surviving for 20 years. Greenidge played as if attacking was in his genes. They also hold the records for most century partnerships for the opening wicket (31). Sitting at number three in the list they scored these runs at an average close to 50. 2. Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar – 12400 runs, 1992-2008: Sachin Tendulkar Sourav Ganguly. (Photo Source: AFP) At their prime they had the ability to take the best of attacks to task. They enjoyed each other’s company as evident by a fantastic average of more than 51 while batting together. They also managed 38 century partnerships which is a world record. Famously referred to as “Tendguly”, they scored at a brisk pace opening the batting in the ODIs and destroyed the confidence of the opposition bowlers. 1. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene – 13368 runs, 2000-2015: (© Getty Images) The numero uno spot goes to none other than two of Sri Lanka’s greatest sons. They are fittingly at the top of the tree having amassed 13368 runs in 293 innings, which includes a record 62 half century partnerships. They also hold the feat for the highest partnership in international cricket (624). The longetivity for which they served the island nation is an exemplary example for young cricketers. Also Read – Highest Partnerships in Tests by Wicket (All Stats Updated Till 20th December, 2015)