Cricket Partnership Records: The Greatest Stands in History
Partnership records — the runs scored by two batsmen batting together without a wicket falling — represent some of cricket's most remarkable sustained performances. This guide covers the highest partnership records across all formats, what makes great partnerships, and the famous stands that defined matches.
A cricket partnership is the total runs scored while two specific batsmen are batting together — from when one batsman arrives at the crease to when either batsman is dismissed. Partnerships are tracked by wicket: a first-wicket partnership is between the two openers; a tenth-wicket partnership is the final two batsmen. Record partnerships require both batsmen to bat exceptionally well simultaneously — a feat that makes high-scoring partnerships statistically rarer than individual scores.
Test Partnership Records
The highest partnership in Test cricket is 624 runs — an unbroken second-wicket stand between Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene (374) and Kumar Sangakkara (287) against South Africa in Colombo in 2006. Both batsmen set national records; the partnership record is likely to stand for decades. Other landmark partnerships: Don Bradman and Bill Ponsford's 451 (2nd wicket, Australia vs England, 1934); Len Hutton and Cyril Washbrook's 359 (England vs South Africa, 1948-49). The record 10th-wicket partnership is 198 — between Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq for Pakistan.
ODI Partnership Records
The highest ODI partnership is 331 runs — scored by Sachin Tendulkar (200*, making his history as the first ODI double century) and Rahul Dravid (163) for India against South Africa in Gwalior in 2010. This partnership was particularly remarkable because it came in a 50-over innings and both batsmen reached extraordinary individual milestones simultaneously. The second-wicket partnership set remains the world record for any ODI wicket.
T20 Partnership Records
T20 partnerships are shorter by format definition but equally impressive relative to over count. The highest T20 International partnership is 171 runs — scored by Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels for West Indies vs Zimbabwe in 2016. Gayle (100* from 41 balls) and Samuels dominated this partnership, maintaining an extraordinary run rate. T20 partnerships are characterised by their required striking — partnerships must score at 8+ runs per over consistently to be significant in match context.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest partnership in Test cricket?
The highest partnership in Test cricket is 624 runs — an unbroken second-wicket stand between Mahela Jayawardene (374) and Kumar Sangakkara (287) for Sri Lanka against South Africa in Colombo in 2006. This is also the highest partnership in any form of cricket.
What is the highest ODI partnership?
The highest ODI partnership is 331 runs — scored by Sachin Tendulkar (200*, becoming the first ODI double centurion) and Rahul Dravid (163) for India against South Africa in Gwalior in 2010. This was a second-wicket partnership and remains the world record for any ODI wicket.
What is a partnership in cricket?
A cricket partnership is the total runs scored by two batsmen batting together, without a wicket falling. It begins when a batsman arrives at the crease and ends when either batsman is dismissed. Partnerships are tracked by wicket number — first, second, third through tenth — reflecting which pair of wickets they span.