Presenting the 5 greatest opening pairs in ODI cricket
The success of a team in ODI cricket often hinges on the performance of its opening pairs. These duos set the game's pace, whether they are facing a formidable bowling attacking or setting the tempo on a flat batting track. The most successful openers are typically excellent century-makers, capable of both attacking and defensive cricket. Let's decode the best opening pairs in ODI history.
Sehwag and Tendulkar
Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar, a formidable opening pair, terrorized bowlers during the 2011 World Cup. As per ESPNcricinfo, they hammered 3,919 runs in 93 innings together, at an average of 42.13 with 12 century stands. Despite Sehwag's aggressive approach often leading to a slightly lower average, the pair was known for scoring at almost a run per ball. Notably, their partnership run rate reads 6.16.
Gilchrist and Hayden
Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden formed a productive opening partnership for Australia in the 2000s. Both southpaws were known for their attacking batting as they collected 5,372 runs across 114 innings as a pair. This achievement places them second on the all-time list in terms of opening runs aggregate, with an average of 48.39 (100s: 16). Their partnership run rate of 5.96 is also impressive.
Rohit and Dhawan
The Indian pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan tormented the best of bowlers. In their 115 innings together, they scored a whopping 5,148 runs. This earns them the fourth spot on the list of highest partnership runs. Their aggressive style resulted in an impressive average of 45.55. Their tally of 18 century stands is the second-most for an opening duo (ODIs).
Haynes and Greenidge
West Indies dashers Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge formed a powerful opening pair who played between 1979 and 1991. In their 102 innings together, they accumulated 5,150 runs at an extraordinary average of 52.55. They recorded 15 century stands. This achievement makes them the only pair with a 50-plus average among all who have scored more than 2,000 runs together.
Tendulkar and Ganguly
The renowned opening pair of Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly set numerous records. Their tally of 6,609 runs in 136 innings is the most for an ODI opening pair. The tally includes 21 century stands. Their partnership average of 49.32 is the second-highest for any opening pair (Minimium: 2,000 runs). Additionally, they hold the record for most opening partnership runs in victories, averaging 67.95.
