Whether it is the long-drawn traditional five-day format of the game or the slam-bang version of the game (T20 cricket), the opening partnership at the top of the order is extremely pivotal for the success of any side.

The openers play a vital role in setting the platform for the batsmen to follow and are critical to the success of their side. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) too, there have been several occasions where openers have hogged the limelight and dictated which way the match will swing with some superlative performances at the top of the order. In this article, let us look at the five highest opening partnerships in the history of the cash-rich league.

5. Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan (RCB)- 2013

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-409039" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-2.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-409039" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

April 23rd 2013 witnessed a savage batting gladiator at his deleterious best. Chris Gayle battered the hapless Pune Warriors&#8217; bowling attack into submission and imprinted his name in the record books by smashing an unbeaten 175 off just 66 balls at the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rcb-homeground-chinnaswamy-stadium-to-be-converted-into-covid-19-care-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chinnaswamy</a>.

Gayle’s innings was embellished with 13 fours and 17 sixes as his marauding knock allowed the Royal Challengers Bangalore side to post the highest total in IPL history (263/5). Such was the brutal nature of his innings that the other batsmen were reduced to complete irrelevance in that match.

Tillakaratne Dilshan provided support to the big-hitting Jamaican at the other end and scored a cautious 36 ball 33. And, the two batsmen put on 167 runs for the first wicket in just 13.4 overs. Dilshan fell to Luke Wright to bring an end to their whirlwind partnership.

Their opening salvo allowed Bangalore to beat the Pune Warriors side by a whopping margin of 130 runs. Their partnership is, till today the highest opening stand for the Bangalore outfit in IPL history.

4. Faf Du Plessis and Shane Watson (CSK)- 2020

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-452401" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Faf-du-Plessis-and-Shane-Watson.jpg" alt="Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-452401" class="wp-caption-text">Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Chennai Super Kings’ campaign in the 2020 season had hit a roadblock after their win against the Mumbai Indians in their first match of the season. The three-time IPL champions suffered defeats in three consecutive outings, and their fortunes plummeted sharply.

Their openers were unable to get them off to a good start, and that was hurting the franchise. But then, on 4th October 2020, their openers ‘showed up’ and demolished the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-why-it-is-time-for-kings-xi-punjab-kxip-to-drop-glenn-maxwell/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kings XI Punjab</a> bowling attack. The KL Rahul led side batted first and posted a competitive total of 178 runs on the board.

Anyone who felt that the Chennai side would crumble again was in for a surprise. The opening combination of Shane Watson and Faf Du Plessis made light work of the target to hand CSK a comprehensive 10 wicket victory. While Watson started the innings with a flurry of boundaries off Sheldon Cottrell, Du Plessis joined in by smashing Chris Jordan for four delectable boundaries in the 6th over of the innings.

And in the end, the two batsmen remained unbeaten as they put on a partnership of 181 runs for the first wicket. While Watson finished unbeaten on 83, Du Plessis scored a classic 87* to allow CSK to romp home with ease.

3. Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul (KXIP)- 2020

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-449785" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mayank-Agarwal-and-KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449785" class="wp-caption-text">Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

If there is one opening pair that has been unstoppable this season, then it has to be the duo of Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. Both the batsmen have been in scintillating form in the 13th edition of the IPL and have taken the bowlers to the cleaners.

And, on the  27th of September 2020, the duo was in full flight as they smashed the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-rajasthan-royals-ben-stokes-reaches-dubai-finds-the-weather-hot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rajasthan </a>bowling attack in a ruthless manner and put on 183 runs for the first wicket. Their partnership at the top came off just 16.3 overs. While Rahul scored a 54 ball 69, Mayank Agarwal scored a sparkling century. Their opening salvo helped the Punjab side to put up a massive total of 223 runs on the board.

But then, even this effort from the openers went in vain, as Rahul Tewatia turned the game on its head by smashing 5 sixes off Sheldon Cottrell in the 18th over of the innings. Rajasthan recorded the highest run chase in IPL history and thumped the Punjab outfit by 4 wickets.

2. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn (KKR)- 2017

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246128" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Lynn-3.jpg" alt="Chris Lynn" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246128" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Lynn. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Rajkot witnessed butchery of the highest order on April 7th, 2017. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn combined to absolutely blow away the Gujarat Lions’ bowling attack on that day. The bowlers were left clueless as the two batsmen went about tearing the bowling to shreds.

The Kolkata outfit won the toss and decided to bowl first. Riding on a 51 ball 68 from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/happiest-that-my-record-is-broken-by-you-suresh-raina-congratulates-ms-dhoni-for-becoming-the-most-capped-ipl-player/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Suresh Raina</a>, and a quickfire 47 by Dinesh Karthik, the Gujarat side scored 183 runs in their allotted 20 overs. A required rate of over 9 runs an over is a challenging task indeed, but Lynn and Gambhir reduced the match to a no contest.

The opening duo of Gambhir and Lynn went on the rampage and left the opposition searching for answers. Their partnership of 184 runs came in just 14.5 overs, and a tall chase was made to look ridiculous by the left-right duo. While Lynn scored a marauding 93* off just 41 balls, Gambhir helped himself to an unbeaten 76 as Kolkata recorded their highest partnership ever in IPL cricket.

1. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow (SRH)- 2019

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-328608" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jonny-Bairstow-and-David-Warner.jpg" alt="Jonny Bairstow and David Warner" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-328608" class="wp-caption-text">Jonny Bairstow and David Warner. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

There are very few opening pairs that are more destructive than the duo of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. And, in the 2019 edition of the IPL, the RCB side bore the full might of a Warner-Bairstow special as the two batsmen made merry against the Virat Kohli-led side.

In fact, the only thing that went right for the Banglore side was the toss. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Bangalore outfit was sent on a leather hunt by the Sunrisers’ opening batsmen. In fact, the openers made their intentions clear in the first over of the innings itself as <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sarfaraz-ahmed-misses-an-easy-chance-to-dismiss-moeen-ali-behind-the-stumps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moeen Ali</a> was carted for three boundaries.

And, through the course of an association that lasted 16.2 overs, Warner and Bairstow put on a record opening partnership of 185. While Bairstow scored a stunning 56 ball 114, Warner helped himself to a century. Their partnership helped the Hyderabad side post a total of 231 runs on the board and enabled them to crush their opponents by 118 runs.

Note: All stats have been taken from Cricinfo and have been updated as on 5th October 2020

Whether it is the long-drawn traditional five-day format of the game or the slam-bang version of the game (T20 cricket), the opening partnership at the top of the order is extremely pivotal for the success of any side.
The openers play a vital role in setting the platform for the batsmen to follow and are critical to the success of their side. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) too, there have been several occasions where openers have hogged the limelight and dictated which way the match will swing with some superlative performances at the top of the order. In this article, let us look at the five highest opening partnerships in the history of the cash-rich league.
Here’s the list:
<h3>5. Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan (RCB)- 2013</h3>
<figure id="attachment_409039" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-409039" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-409039" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-2.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-409039" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
April 23rd 2013 witnessed a savage batting gladiator at his deleterious best. Chris Gayle battered the hapless Pune Warriors’ bowling attack into submission and imprinted his name in the record books by smashing an unbeaten 175 off just 66 balls at the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rcb-homeground-chinnaswamy-stadium-to-be-converted-into-covid-19-care-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chinnaswamy</a>.
Gayle’s innings was embellished with 13 fours and 17 sixes as his marauding knock allowed the Royal Challengers Bangalore side to post the highest total in IPL history (263/5). Such was the brutal nature of his innings that the other batsmen were reduced to complete irrelevance in that match.
Tillakaratne Dilshan provided support to the big-hitting Jamaican at the other end and scored a cautious 36 ball 33. And, the two batsmen put on 167 runs for the first wicket in just 13.4 overs. Dilshan fell to Luke Wright to bring an end to their whirlwind partnership.
Their opening salvo allowed Bangalore to beat the Pune Warriors side by a whopping margin of 130 runs. Their partnership is, till today the highest opening stand for the Bangalore outfit in IPL history.

<h3>4. Faf Du Plessis and Shane Watson (CSK)- 2020</h3>
<figure id="attachment_452401" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-452401" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-452401" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Faf-du-Plessis-and-Shane-Watson.jpg" alt="Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-452401" class="wp-caption-text">Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Chennai Super Kings’ campaign in the 2020 season had hit a roadblock after their win against the Mumbai Indians in their first match of the season. The three-time IPL champions suffered defeats in three consecutive outings, and their fortunes plummeted sharply.
Their openers were unable to get them off to a good start, and that was hurting the franchise. But then, on 4th October 2020, their openers ‘showed up’ and demolished the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-why-it-is-time-for-kings-xi-punjab-kxip-to-drop-glenn-maxwell/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kings XI Punjab</a> bowling attack. The KL Rahul led side batted first and posted a competitive total of 178 runs on the board.
Anyone who felt that the Chennai side would crumble again was in for a surprise. The opening combination of Shane Watson and Faf Du Plessis made light work of the target to hand CSK a comprehensive 10 wicket victory. While Watson started the innings with a flurry of boundaries off Sheldon Cottrell, Du Plessis joined in by smashing Chris Jordan for four delectable boundaries in the 6th over of the innings.
And in the end, the two batsmen remained unbeaten as they put on a partnership of 181 runs for the first wicket. While Watson finished unbeaten on 83, Du Plessis scored a classic 87* to allow CSK to romp home with ease.

<h3>3. Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul (KXIP)- 2020</h3>
<figure id="attachment_449785" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-449785" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-449785" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mayank-Agarwal-and-KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449785" class="wp-caption-text">Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
If there is one opening pair that has been unstoppable this season, then it has to be the duo of Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. Both the batsmen have been in scintillating form in the 13th edition of the IPL and have taken the bowlers to the cleaners.
And, on the &nbsp;27th of September 2020, the duo was in full flight as they smashed the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-rajasthan-royals-ben-stokes-reaches-dubai-finds-the-weather-hot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rajasthan </a>bowling attack in a ruthless manner and put on 183 runs for the first wicket. Their partnership at the top came off just 16.3 overs. While Rahul scored a 54 ball 69, Mayank Agarwal scored a sparkling century. Their opening salvo helped the Punjab side to put up a massive total of 223 runs on the board.
But then, even this effort from the openers went in vain, as Rahul Tewatia turned the game on its head by smashing 5 sixes off Sheldon Cottrell in the 18th over of the innings. Rajasthan recorded the highest run chase in IPL history and thumped the Punjab outfit by 4 wickets.

<h3>2. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn (KKR)- 2017</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246128" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246128" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-246128" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Lynn-3.jpg" alt="Chris Lynn" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246128" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Lynn. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Rajkot witnessed butchery of the highest order on April 7th, 2017. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn combined to absolutely blow away the Gujarat Lions’ bowling attack on that day. The bowlers were left clueless as the two batsmen went about tearing the bowling to shreds.
The Kolkata outfit won the toss and decided to bowl first. Riding on a 51 ball 68 from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/happiest-that-my-record-is-broken-by-you-suresh-raina-congratulates-ms-dhoni-for-becoming-the-most-capped-ipl-player/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Suresh Raina</a>, and a quickfire 47 by Dinesh Karthik, the Gujarat side scored 183 runs in their allotted 20 overs. A required rate of over 9 runs an over is a challenging task indeed, but Lynn and Gambhir reduced the match to a no contest.
The opening duo of Gambhir and Lynn went on the rampage and left the opposition searching for answers. Their partnership of 184 runs came in just 14.5 overs, and a tall chase was made to look ridiculous by the left-right duo. While Lynn scored a marauding 93* off just 41 balls, Gambhir helped himself to an unbeaten 76 as Kolkata recorded their highest partnership ever in IPL cricket.

<h3>1. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow (SRH)- 2019</h3>
<figure id="attachment_328608" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-328608" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-328608" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jonny-Bairstow-and-David-Warner.jpg" alt="Jonny Bairstow and David Warner" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-328608" class="wp-caption-text">Jonny Bairstow and David Warner. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
There are very few opening pairs that are more destructive than the duo of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. And, in the 2019 edition of the IPL, the RCB side bore the full might of a Warner-Bairstow special as the two batsmen made merry against the Virat Kohli-led side.
In fact, the only thing that went right for the Banglore side was the toss. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Bangalore outfit was sent on a leather hunt by the Sunrisers’ opening batsmen. In fact, the openers made their intentions clear in the first over of the innings itself as <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sarfaraz-ahmed-misses-an-easy-chance-to-dismiss-moeen-ali-behind-the-stumps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moeen Ali</a> was carted for three boundaries.
And, through the course of an association that lasted 16.2 overs, Warner and Bairstow put on a record opening partnership of 185. While Bairstow scored a stunning 56 ball 114, Warner helped himself to a century. Their partnership helped the Hyderabad side post a total of 231 runs on the board and enabled them to crush their opponents by 118 runs.
Note: All stats have been taken from Cricinfo and have been updated as on 5th October 2020

Whether it is the long-drawn traditional five-day format of the game or the slam-bang version of the game (T20 cricket), the opening partnership at the top of the order is extremely pivotal for the success of any side.
The openers play a vital role in setting the platform for the batsmen to follow and are critical to the success of their side. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) too, there have been several occasions where openers have hogged the limelight and dictated which way the match will swing with some superlative performances at the top of the order. In this article, let us look at the five highest opening partnerships in the history of the cash-rich league.
Here&#8217;s the list:
<h3>5. Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan (RCB)- 2013</h3>
<figure id="attachment_409039" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-409039" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-409039" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-2.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-409039" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
April 23rd 2013 witnessed a savage batting gladiator at his deleterious best. Chris Gayle battered the hapless Pune Warriors&#8217; bowling attack into submission and imprinted his name in the record books by smashing an unbeaten 175 off just 66 balls at the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rcb-homeground-chinnaswamy-stadium-to-be-converted-into-covid-19-care-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chinnaswamy</a>.
Gayle’s innings was embellished with 13 fours and 17 sixes as his marauding knock allowed the Royal Challengers Bangalore side to post the highest total in IPL history (263/5). Such was the brutal nature of his innings that the other batsmen were reduced to complete irrelevance in that match.
Tillakaratne Dilshan provided support to the big-hitting Jamaican at the other end and scored a cautious 36 ball 33. And, the two batsmen put on 167 runs for the first wicket in just 13.4 overs. Dilshan fell to Luke Wright to bring an end to their whirlwind partnership.
Their opening salvo allowed Bangalore to beat the Pune Warriors side by a whopping margin of 130 runs. Their partnership is, till today the highest opening stand for the Bangalore outfit in IPL history.

<h3>4. Faf Du Plessis and Shane Watson (CSK)- 2020</h3>
<figure id="attachment_452401" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-452401" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-452401" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Faf-du-Plessis-and-Shane-Watson.jpg" alt="Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-452401" class="wp-caption-text">Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Chennai Super Kings’ campaign in the 2020 season had hit a roadblock after their win against the Mumbai Indians in their first match of the season. The three-time IPL champions suffered defeats in three consecutive outings, and their fortunes plummeted sharply.
Their openers were unable to get them off to a good start, and that was hurting the franchise. But then, on 4th October 2020, their openers ‘showed up’ and demolished the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-why-it-is-time-for-kings-xi-punjab-kxip-to-drop-glenn-maxwell/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kings XI Punjab</a> bowling attack. The KL Rahul led side batted first and posted a competitive total of 178 runs on the board.
Anyone who felt that the Chennai side would crumble again was in for a surprise. The opening combination of Shane Watson and Faf Du Plessis made light work of the target to hand CSK a comprehensive 10 wicket victory. While Watson started the innings with a flurry of boundaries off Sheldon Cottrell, Du Plessis joined in by smashing Chris Jordan for four delectable boundaries in the 6th over of the innings.
And in the end, the two batsmen remained unbeaten as they put on a partnership of 181 runs for the first wicket. While Watson finished unbeaten on 83, Du Plessis scored a classic 87* to allow CSK to romp home with ease.

<h3>3. Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul (KXIP)- 2020</h3>
<figure id="attachment_449785" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-449785" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-449785" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mayank-Agarwal-and-KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449785" class="wp-caption-text">Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
If there is one opening pair that has been unstoppable this season, then it has to be the duo of Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. Both the batsmen have been in scintillating form in the 13th edition of the IPL and have taken the bowlers to the cleaners.
And, on the  27th of September 2020, the duo was in full flight as they smashed the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-rajasthan-royals-ben-stokes-reaches-dubai-finds-the-weather-hot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rajasthan </a>bowling attack in a ruthless manner and put on 183 runs for the first wicket. Their partnership at the top came off just 16.3 overs. While Rahul scored a 54 ball 69, Mayank Agarwal scored a sparkling century. Their opening salvo helped the Punjab side to put up a massive total of 223 runs on the board.
But then, even this effort from the openers went in vain, as Rahul Tewatia turned the game on its head by smashing 5 sixes off Sheldon Cottrell in the 18th over of the innings. Rajasthan recorded the highest run chase in IPL history and thumped the Punjab outfit by 4 wickets.

<h3>2. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn (KKR)- 2017</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246128" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246128" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246128" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Lynn-3.jpg" alt="Chris Lynn" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246128" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Lynn. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Rajkot witnessed butchery of the highest order on April 7th, 2017. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn combined to absolutely blow away the Gujarat Lions’ bowling attack on that day. The bowlers were left clueless as the two batsmen went about tearing the bowling to shreds.
The Kolkata outfit won the toss and decided to bowl first. Riding on a 51 ball 68 from <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/happiest-that-my-record-is-broken-by-you-suresh-raina-congratulates-ms-dhoni-for-becoming-the-most-capped-ipl-player/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Suresh Raina</a>, and a quickfire 47 by Dinesh Karthik, the Gujarat side scored 183 runs in their allotted 20 overs. A required rate of over 9 runs an over is a challenging task indeed, but Lynn and Gambhir reduced the match to a no contest.
The opening duo of Gambhir and Lynn went on the rampage and left the opposition searching for answers. Their partnership of 184 runs came in just 14.5 overs, and a tall chase was made to look ridiculous by the left-right duo. While Lynn scored a marauding 93* off just 41 balls, Gambhir helped himself to an unbeaten 76 as Kolkata recorded their highest partnership ever in IPL cricket.

<h3>1. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow (SRH)- 2019</h3>
<figure id="attachment_328608" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-328608" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-328608" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jonny-Bairstow-and-David-Warner.jpg" alt="Jonny Bairstow and David Warner" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-328608" class="wp-caption-text">Jonny Bairstow and David Warner. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
There are very few opening pairs that are more destructive than the duo of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. And, in the 2019 edition of the IPL, the RCB side bore the full might of a Warner-Bairstow special as the two batsmen made merry against the Virat Kohli-led side.
In fact, the only thing that went right for the Banglore side was the toss. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Bangalore outfit was sent on a leather hunt by the Sunrisers’ opening batsmen. In fact, the openers made their intentions clear in the first over of the innings itself as <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sarfaraz-ahmed-misses-an-easy-chance-to-dismiss-moeen-ali-behind-the-stumps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moeen Ali</a> was carted for three boundaries.
And, through the course of an association that lasted 16.2 overs, Warner and Bairstow put on a record opening partnership of 185. While Bairstow scored a stunning 56 ball 114, Warner helped himself to a century. Their partnership helped the Hyderabad side post a total of 231 runs on the board and enabled them to crush their opponents by 118 runs.
Note: All stats have been taken from Cricinfo and have been updated as on 5th October 2020

The openers play a vital role in setting the platform for the batsmen to follow and are critical to the success of their side.

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