Partnerships are a key part of One Day International (ODI) cricket. They set the pace of the game, whether it’s a fast start or a comeback when the team is in trouble. These partnerships can often decide the outcome of a match. A strong partnership does not just add runs; it can break records, amaze fans, and become part of cricket history.
In this article, we will look at the highest partnerships ever recorded in ODI history, focusing on some legendary batting pairs from Pakistan. We will also discuss why partnerships are so important in determining the results of games. Whether you love statistics or enjoy the beauty of cricket, this list will have something for everyone.
Highest Partnership in ODI Cricket – Who Tops the All-Time List?
The Record That Stunned the World
The highest partnership in ODI cricket history belongs to Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels. They scored a mammoth 372 runs for the second wicket. This came against Zimbabwe in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Match: West Indies vs Zimbabwe
Venue: Canberra, Australia
Date: February 24 2015
Runs Scored: 372 (Gayle 215, Samuels 133*)
Wicket: 2nd wicket
Result: West Indies won by 73 runs (DLS method)
Gayle hit the first-ever double century in a World Cup, smashing 16 sixes. His knock was aggressive and unforgettable. Samuels played the perfect support role. He rotated the strike. He stayed calm. He allowed Gayle to explode. Zimbabwe’s bowlers had no answers. They tried everything via pace, spin, and variations. Nothing worked. The partnership was unbroken until Gayle’s dismissal in the final over. It was not just a big stand. It was dominance. It was power and precision combined. It set a world record. And it came on one of cricket’s biggest stages.
Top 10 Greatest ODI Partnerships of All Time
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 10 ODI partnerships in terms of runs. These moments changed the cricket history.
1. Chris Gayle & Marlon Samuels – 372 Runs
Team: West Indies
Opponent: Zimbabwe
Year: 2015
Wicket: 2nd
Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup
Highlights:
Gayle scored a World Cup record 215. Samuels added 133*. It was complete domination. The partnership broke all previous records.
2. John Campbell & Shai Hope – 365 Runs
Team: West Indies
Opponent: Ireland
Year: 2019
Wicket: 1st
Tournament: Tri-Nation Series
Highlights:
Both openers hit centuries. West Indies posted 381/3. The Irish attack had no breakthrough for 45 overs. It was relentless from the start.
3. Sachin Tendulkar & Rahul Dravid – 331 Runs
Team: India
Opponent: New Zealand
Year: 1999
Wicket: 2nd
Venue: Hyderabad
Highlights:
Tendulkar scored 186*. Dravid hit 153. It was a masterclass in classical batting. They rotated strike and punished bad balls.
4. Sourav Ganguly & Rahul Dravid – 318 Runs
Team: India
Opponent: Sri Lanka
Year: 1999
Wicket: 2nd
Venue: Taunton, England
Tournament: World Cup
Highlights:
Ganguly made 183. Dravid was solid. The Lankans were blown away. It was India’s first 300+ partnership in ODIs.
5. Fakhar Zaman & Imam-ul-Haq – 304 Runs
Team: Pakistan
Opponent: Zimbabwe
Year: 2018
Wicket: 1st
Venue: Bulawayo
Highlights:
Fakhar scored 210*—the first Pakistani double ton. Imam added 113. They played aggressive but smart cricket. This is the highest opening partnership in ODI history.
6. Tamim Iqbal & Litton Das – 292 Runs
Team: Bangladesh
Opponent: Zimbabwe
Year: 2020
Wicket: 1st
Venue: Sylhet
Highlights:
Tamim struck 158. Litton made 176. They played risk-free cricket. They set the tone with perfect understanding and placement.
7. Upul Tharanga & Sanath Jayasuriya – 286 Runs
Team: Sri Lanka
Opponent: England
Year: 2006
Wicket: 1st
Venue: Headingley
Highlights:
Jayasuriya blasted 152 in 99 balls. Tharanga made 109. They chased down 322 in just 38 overs. England’s bowlers were torn apart.
8. David Warner & Travis Head – 284 Runs
Team: Australia
Opponent: Pakistan
Year: 2017
Wicket: 1st
Venue: Adelaide
Highlights:
Warner scored 179. Head added 128. Pakistan’s bowlers had no answers. The ball flew to every corner of the ground.
9. Quinton de Kock & Hashim Amla – 282* Runs
Team: South Africa
Opponent: Bangladesh
Year: 2017
Wicket: 1st
Venue: Kimberley
Highlights:
An unbroken stand. De Kock scored 168*. Amla made 110*. Bangladesh was completely outclassed.
10. Upul Tharanga & Tillekaratne Dilshan – 282 Runs
Team: Sri Lanka
Opponent: Zimbabwe
Year: 2011
Wicket: 1st
Venue: Pallekele
Tournament: World Cup
Highlights:
Another Sri Lankan dominance story. Dilshan scored 144. Tharanga added 133. They batted confidently throughout the innings.
Pakistani Entry in the Top 10
Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq hold the record for the fifth-highest partnership in ODI history. It is also the highest by any Pakistani pair. Their 304-run stand was special. Fakhar scored an unbeaten 210 which was Pakistan’s first double-century in ODIs. Imam supported him with a composed 113.
They opened the innings with intent. They punished loose balls. They ran hard. Their communication was flawless. The Zimbabwe bowlers could not break the stand. Pakistan posted 399/1. The match became a landmark. The partnership was clean, aggressive, and unforgettable. It gave fans hope that Pakistan could match the world’s best in batting firepower.
Pakistani Duos Who Made History
Pakistan has produced some of the most stylish and powerful batters in ODI history. While individual brilliance has often taken the spotlight, it’s the partnerships that have shaped Pakistan’s biggest ODI victories. Let’s look at some of the most iconic duos who rewrote records and inspired generations.
Fakhar Zaman & Imam-ul-Haq – 304 Runs vs Zimbabwe (2018)
This duo delivered Pakistan’s highest-ever partnership in ODIs.
Venue: Bulawayo
Date: July 20, 2018
Wicket: 1st
Runs: 304
Result: Pakistan won by 244 runs
Fakhar Zaman scored 210 not out, becoming the first Pakistani to hit a double century in ODIs. Imam-ul-Haq added a steady 113. The two stayed calm, rotated strike, and then exploded late. Their understanding was sharp. Their running was flawless. They punished anything short or wide. They batted for 42.2 overs together. Their control and shot selection made batting look easy. Fakhar was aggressive. Imam was composed. This was not just a record, it was a statement.
The partnership helped Pakistan post 399/1. Zimbabwe never recovered. Pakistani fans across the world celebrated. There were memes, songs, and fireworks. The duo became national heroes overnight. Fakhar’s double ton became a national headline. Imam earned respect for his maturity. This was a historic moment in Pakistan’s ODI journey.
Inzamam-ul-Haq & Aamer Sohail – 263 Runs vs New Zealand (1994)
Before Fakhar and Imam, this was Pakistan’s highest ODI stand.
Wicket: 2nd
Venue: Sharjah
Date: April 1994
Runs: 263
Inzamam was young and fearless. Aamer was composed and technically gifted. Together, they tore apart the Kiwi bowling. They didn’t just build a big stand; they built a match-winning platform. They rotated the strike smoothly. They hit gaps. They played according to conditions. Their communication and timing were excellent. This partnership helped Pakistan chase 329 which was an enormous total in those days.
It showcased the rise of Inzamam as a future great. Aamer guided him well. Fans in Sharjah cheered every boundary. This match is still remembered fondly. It taught Pakistan how to chase big scores.
Saleem Elahi & Abdul Razzaq – 257 Runs vs South Africa (2002)
A forgotten but brilliant partnership.
Wicket: 2nd
Venue: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Date: December 2002
Runs: 257
South Africa had a fearsome bowling attack. But Elahi and Razzaq countered it with smart batting. They mixed caution with aggression. Elahi anchored with a century. Razzaq hit out late. They respected good balls. But they didn’t miss scoring chances. They played late. They used soft hands. This stand reminded fans of Pakistan’s depth and adaptability. It remains one of Pakistan’s best overseas ODI partnerships. Against a top team. In foreign conditions. It proved Pakistan’s middle-order strength.
Saeed Anwar & Ijaz Ahmed – 230 Runs vs India (1998)
When Pakistan faced India, tensions were always high. This partnership came during the Independence Cup in Dhaka.
Wicket: 2nd
Venue: Dhaka
Year: 1998
Runs: 230
Anwar was in full flow. He played with grace and timing. Ijaz complemented him with smart strokeplay. India’s bowling wilted under pressure. Their lines and lengths broke down. Anwar punished spin and pace. Ijaz rotated the strike. Together, they built a foundation. The pair set up a famous win. Pakistani fans were in tears of joy. This match became an iconic memory. It showed Pakistan’s big-match temperament.
Why Partnerships Matter in ODI Cricket Strategy
ODI cricket is a team game. But within that team, partnerships often make or break matches. A good partnership can absorb pressure, build momentum, and finish games. A bad one—or the loss of one—can derail an entire innings.
Let’s break down why batting alliances are so crucial in ODIs.
The Role of Partnerships in Match Momentum
Cricket is about phases. The opening, middle overs, and death overs each demand different approaches. Partnerships are the threads that connect these phases smoothly.
For example:
In the 2018 Bulawayo ODI, Fakhar and Imam batted till the 42nd over. Their partnership allowed Pakistan to score 399. Zimbabwe never had a chance.
Another example:
In India’s 1999 match vs New Zealand, Tendulkar and Dravid’s 331-run stand helped India score 376. It was a rare feat at the time.
Such partnerships shift pressure from the batting side to the bowling side. The fielding team is forced to chase breakthroughs. If they don’t get one soon, panic sets in. For Pakistan, these momentum swings have often defined their biggest wins. Whether it was chasing India in the Champions Trophy 2017 or building massive totals in bilateral series, strong partnerships paved the way. Good partnerships frustrate bowlers. They wear out captains. They allow set batters to explode at the end.
Building an Effective ODI Partnership
Big stands don’t just happen. They are built over time with focus, patience, and teamwork. Here’s what the top pairs get right:
1. Strike Rotation
Singles are gold in ODIs. Strike rotation breaks the bowler’s rhythm and spreads fielders. Batsmen like Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq excel at this. They keep the scoreboard ticking without risky shots. Dot balls create pressure. Singles break it.
2. Communication
Calling between the wickets needs to be loud and clear. Many collapses start from a run-out. Successful duos trust each other. They back each other’s instincts. Quick eye contact and confident running make the difference.
3. Reading the Bowler
Good pairs analyze patterns. Is the bowler bowling wide? Short? Are they changing pace? Once spotted, they adjust the shot selection. Fakhar and Imam, during their 304 stand, read Zimbabwe’s plan early and countered it effectively. They waited for poor deliveries. They didn’t go after good ones. Reading the game helped them stay in control.
4. Role Splitting
Not the batsmen need to be aggressive. Often, one anchors while the other attacks. Ganguly-Dravid in 1999 and Gayle-Samuels in 2015 used this method well. Pakistan’s current pairs follow the same logic. For example, Babar Azam can anchor while Rizwan accelerates. Or Saud Shakeel can rotate while Fakhar Zaman hits big.
- Role clarity helps batters settle.
- It brings rhythm.
- Partnership Breakdowns and Turning Points
- Every big stand has a vulnerable point. Bowlers and captains know this. They plan for it.
Opposition captains often:
- Change angles
- Bring in part-timers
- Introduce short balls
- Set attacking fields
The goal is to unsettle rhythm. One false shot can lead to collapse.
For example:
In 2023, Pakistan lost four wickets in 25 runs after a 100+ stand vs Afghanistan. The collapse was quick. The momentum was lost.
Another example:
In 2011, England broke Sehwag-Gambhir’s 134 stand. After that, India struggled and ended with a par total. Breakdowns hurt morale. They also open windows for bowlers to dominate. Partnerships protect batters from pressure. Once broken, pressure returns fast. For bowling units, breaking a strong pair is the real wicket. It’s why they celebrate partnerships’ end more than any other breakthrough. A broken partnership changes everything. It affects the scoreboard, confidence, and game plan.
Behind the Records: What Makes an ODI Partnership Legendary?
Some partnerships become more than just numbers. They are etched in memory, celebrated by fans, and talked about for years. What makes a partnership legendary is not just the run count. It is the context, emotion, and impact. It’s how they happened. It is why they happened. And it’s what they left behind.
Big partnerships that save matches or set up famous wins live forever. They are remembered because of the stories around them. The stakes. The pressure. The crowd. The celebration. These moments become a part of cricket history.
Beyond the Numbers: The Emotional Impact
Numbers tell one story. But emotion tells another. A 150-run stand in a World Cup knockout match can be more iconic than a 300-run stand in a dead rubber. That’s why context is everything in ODI partnerships.
Let’s explore some legendary moments:
Ganguly & Dravid – 318 vs Sri Lanka (1999):
It came during a World Cup. India was under pressure. It ended with Sri Lanka being humiliated. Ganguly’s 183 lit up the tournament. His drives. His sixes. His celebration. It became part of India’s ODI folklore.
Tendulkar & Dravid – 331 vs New Zealand (1999):
This wasn’t just about centuries. It was about how they destroyed the Kiwis with poise and class. It was vintage batting. Fans recall every four. Every glance. Every cheer in Hyderabad.
Fakhar & Imam – 304 vs Zimbabwe (2018):
Though it came in a bilateral series, it meant the world to Pakistan. Fakhar’s double ton was historic. The duo brought joy and national pride. The streets of Lahore lit up. Social media exploded with praise.
Gayle & Samuels – 372 vs Zimbabwe (2015):
It was the first 300+ stand in a World Cup. Gayle’s 215 changed perceptions about what was possible. He hit sixes that went out of the stadium. Samuels calmly compiled runs. It was chaos and calm together.
These stands mattered. They lifted teams. They lifted nations. Fans still recall the shots, the celebrations, the commentary. These moments become part of cricketing identity. For Pakistan, Fakhar and Imam’s stand is now shown in every highlight reel. Kids in schools talk about it. Coaches teach it. Broadcasters replay it.
Media Reactions to Historic Partnerships
Whenever a record partnership happens, it floods the media. It becomes the lead story across sports bulletins. Analysts break it down for days. Players trend on social media. Fans post memories.
In 2015 – Gayle & Samuels (372):
- ICC’s official website called it “one of the most brutal assaults in World Cup history.”
- ESPN wrote that Zimbabwe had “no chance” after the first 20 overs.
- Analysts called Gayle’s knock “the innings of a lifetime.”
- Samuels’ calmness was praised globally.
In 2018 – Fakhar & Imam (304):
- Dawn News (Pakistan) hailed it as “a new dawn for Pakistan’s ODI batting.”
- Shoaib Akhtar tweeted: “This is what modern Pakistani cricket should look like.”
- Indian commentators on Star Sports praised Imam’s maturity and Fakhar’s explosive skill.
- Pakistani media hailed Fakhar’s double century as historic.
- Every news outlet carried their photos on the front page.
In 1999 – Ganguly & Dravid (318):
- The Times of India said: “India’s wall and prince tore the Lankans apart.”
- It was described as “the day Dravid became ODI-relevant.”
- Both batters received standing ovations across cities.
Media coverage extends globally. Social platforms explode with memes, hashtags, and praise. News outlets run breakdowns and player interviews. Channels run reruns for days. The media becomes a storyteller of the innings.
Fan Celebrations and Cultural Moments
In countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean, cricket isn’t just a sport. It’s emotion. A big partnership feels like a festival. Streets celebrate. Phones buzz. Homes echo with cheers.
When a major partnership occurs:
- Twitter trends light up.
- TikTok and Instagram reels replay big sixes.
- TV news runs the highlights on a loop.
- Songs, memes, and dubbed videos flood the internet
- Radio stations replay commentary highlights.
- Former players go live and share memories.
Fakhar’s double hundred led to remix videos. Pakistani YouTube creators broke down every over. Fans in Lahore and Karachi celebrated like it was Eid. Youngsters in parks mimicked Fakhar’s shots. His celebration became a trend.
In India, when Tendulkar and Dravid added 331, Doordarshan aired reruns for weeks. People taped the game. The radios ran non-stop coverage. The commentary became part of cricketing folklore. These moments are not just cricket. They become part of pop culture. They are relived, recreated, and retold for generations.
The Future of Big ODI Partnerships – Who to Watch?
ODI cricket is changing with Flat pitches, big bats, and Power plays. Everything now supports high-scoring games. The future of big partnerships looks bright. Batting conditions are more favorable. Strategies are aggressive. Fitness is improving. Young players are fearless.
Emerging ODI Batsmen with Potential
1. Abdullah Shafique (Pakistan)
- He is stylish, calm, and compact.
- In 2025, he scored a match-winning 134 vs Sri Lanka.
- Recently formed a 176-run stand with Rizwan in Rawalpindi.
- He has the technique to anchor and the range to expand.
- He could become the next big pillar of Pakistan’s top order.
- Selectors trust him. Coaches praise his temperament.
2. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
- He is already Pakistan’s most dependable No. 3 or No. 4.
- He played a key role in partnerships with Babar and Imam.
- His 98* against England in 2023 with Babar was crucial.
- He is known for keeping calm and finding singles.
- Rizwan is the ideal partner: communicative, composed, and consistent.
- He builds partnerships that last. He thrives under pressure.
3. Saud Shakeel (Pakistan)
- He is strong in the middle overs.
- He can rotate the strike and build long stands.
- He has built strong stands in domestic ODIs and A-team tours.
- Recently scored 83* in a chase against Afghanistan, partnering with Rizwan again.
- He is considered Pakistan’s most intelligent young batter.
- He understands his role and plays it to perfection.
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad (India)
- He is excellent with timing and loves batting long.
- He could form a deadly pairing with Shubman Gill.
- Recently shared a 240-run partnership vs South Africa A.
- He’s consistent in IPL and domestic 50-over games.
- India’s next ODI stars may emerge from this pair.
5. Harry Brook (England)
- He is aggressive stroke-maker.
- When paired with Root or Buttler, you can score fast and long.
- He already has a 200+ stand in the 2024 ODI series vs Ireland.
- Brook bats fearlessly. He hits from ball one.
- His intent could set up big partnerships for England.
Upcoming Fixtures with Big-Batting Potential
Several tournaments and series coming up could produce historic stands.
1. Asia Cup 2025 – Sri Lanka & Bangladesh
Flat decks. Slow outfields. Short boundaries. Expect Pakistan to open with Fakhar and Abdullah or Imam and Rizwan. Babar may return after rest; combinations could change. India will try Gaikwad-Gill. Bangladesh has Tamim-Litton. High-scoring matches are likely.
2. Bilateral ODI Series – India, Australia, England, New Zealand
Australia’s 2026 tour of Pakistan may be big. India’s ODI series against South Africa could bring Gill-Gaikwad fireworks. England’s batting depth means any pair from Malan, Root, Buttler, and Brook could explode. New Zealand’s top order of Conway and Allen is promising.
Rule Changes Favouring Big Partnerships
Two bouncers per over rule give batters more room for pull shots. Fielding restrictions encourage big-hitting in powerplays. Improved bat technology = longer sixes, even on mishits. Fitness levels are better. Players can bat longer. All this means that records like 372 or even 400 could be broken. We may see a 400+ stand soon.
Conclusion
From Gayle and Samuels’ 372 to Fakhar and Imam’s 304, ODI partnerships have gone from strategy to spectacle. These partnerships carry meaning beyond numbers. They become national moments, team anchors, and legends in the making. Pakistan’s rich batting history has given us iconic duos, Saeed & Inzamam, Elahi & Razzaq, Fakhar & Imam. As ODI cricket evolves, the next era looks ready. With young names like Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel rising, fans could soon witness another historic Pakistani partnership. One that inspires the next generation.