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3 Highest ODI Partnerships by Visiting Pairs in India
Highest ODI Partnership: Batting in Indian conditions can be a formidable challenge for visiting teams, with the subcontinent’s diverse pitches offering unique trials to adapt to. While the Indian subcontinent’s tracks often present bowler-friendly conditions, particularly for spinners, there have been moments when overseas batsmen have showcased their mastery of Indian pitches. But it’s a rare delight when visiting batting pairs combine forces to amass runs in this unfamiliar environment. In this article, we explore the top three highest ODI partnerships by visiting pairs in India, featuring the remarkable performance of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
#3 – 235 by Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten vs India in 2000
In March 2000, South Africa embarked on a tour of India for a five-match ODI series. It proved to be an exhilarating contest, with the hosts eventually claiming a 3-2 series victory. However, the series began on a high note for South Africa, as their openers, Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten, combined forces to score a stunning 235 runs in the first ODI in Kochi.
Kirsten and Gibbs were in scintillating form from the outset, launching a relentless assault on the Indian bowlers. Their partnership thrived, capitalizing on the absence of Indian seamers Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad. Both players reached centuries, with Gibbs scoring 111 and Kirsten amassing 115, guiding South Africa to a formidable total of 301/3.
Despite the heroic efforts of Ajay Jadeja (92) and vital contributions from Mohammad Azharuddin (42 off 51) and Robin Singh (42* off 43), India fell short, losing the match by seven wickets. Remarkably, the 235-run partnership between Gibbs and Kirsten remains the highest in ODI cricket history for a losing side.
#2 – 258* by David Warner and Aaron Finch vs India in 2020
In another remarkable display of visiting batsmanship, the Australian duo of David Warner and Aaron Finch orchestrated a brutal onslaught on Indian soil during an ODI in 2020. Australia was touring India for a three-match ODI series, and the opening game at the Wankhede Stadium witnessed their incredible partnership.
After India posted a competitive total of 255, largely thanks to Shikhar Dhawan’s valiant 74, Warner and Finch launched an uncompromising assault on the Indian bowling attack. Even India’s formidable trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav struggled to contain the Australian openers.
Warner remained unbeaten with a scorching 128* off 112 balls, while Finch compiled a commanding 110* off 114 deliveries. Australia cruised past the target with all ten wickets intact and a staggering 74 balls to spare. Their partnership of 258 runs became the highest opening partnership against India in ODI cricket history.
#1 – 273* by Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra vs England in Match 1 of the 2023 ODI World Cup
The top spot on our list belongs to the dynamic duo of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, who etched their names into the annals of cricket history with a remarkable partnership during the opening match of the 2023 ODI World Cup between New Zealand and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
In the first innings, New Zealand put on a stellar performance by restricting England to 273/9, thanks to Matt Henry’s three-wicket haul. However, England’s optimism was short-lived, as Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra displayed an extraordinary batting spectacle that left the English bowlers helpless.
The left-handed pair navigated both spin and pace with finesse, reaching their respective fifties in just 36 balls and eventually notching up centuries. Devon Conway concluded his innings with a scintillating 152* off 121 balls, while Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten with 123* off just 96 deliveries.
Their monumental partnership of 273 runs not only established a new record as the highest partnership for New Zealand in an ODI World Cup but also stands as the highest run-chase partnership in the history of this prestigious tournament.
In conclusion, these remarkable partnerships by visiting pairs in India exemplify the enduring allure of ODI cricket and the ability of talented batsmen to conquer unfamiliar conditions. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra’s record-breaking performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest displays of visiting batsmanship on Indian soil.