The Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, set to begin on February 19th. This prestigious One Day International (ODI) format tournament has seen fierce competition over the years, with teams striving to put together massive totals. Strong batting partnerships have always been one of the key ingredients in achieving such totals. Since its inception in 1998, the Champions Trophy has witnessed some memorable partnerships, with a few standing out as the biggest in the history of the tournament.
5 biggest partnerships in the Champions Trophy
1. Shane Watson & Ricky Ponting: A Record-Breaking Partnership
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The 2009 Champions Trophy witnessed one of the most memorable partnerships in ODI cricket history. Australia’s Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting put on a mammoth 252-run partnership against England, leading their team to a comprehensive 9-wicket victory.
– Shane Watson contributed 136 runs from 132 balls, while Ricky Ponting added 111 runs from 115 balls.
– This partnership still stands as the highest partnership in the Champions Trophy and remains a defining moment in the tournament’s history.
2. Shakib Al Hasan & Mahmudullah: A Game-Changing Fifth-Wicket Stand
In the 2017 Champions Trophy, Bangladesh defeated New Zealand by 5 wickets, with the match turning on a brilliant partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah.
– The two batsmen combined to put on 224 runs for the 5th wicket, leading Bangladesh to an unforgettable win.
– Shakib Al Hasan scored 114 runs from 115 balls, while Mahmudullah contributed 102 runs from 107 balls.
– This partnership is one of the most significant in Champions Trophy history, as it helped Bangladesh reach a historic semi-final.
3. Shoaib Malik & Mohammad Yousuf: Pakistan’s Match-Winning Partnership
In 2009, Pakistan triumphed over India in a thrilling match that was largely built on the back of a solid 206-run partnership between Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf for the 4th wicket.
– Shoaib Malik played an exceptional knock of 128 runs from 126 balls, while Mohammad Yousuf contributed 87 runs from 88 balls.
– This firm partnership guided Pakistan to a 54-run victory over their archrivals, India.
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4. Sehwag-Ganguly & Gayle-Hinds: Two Iconic Partnerships
In the 2002 Champions Trophy, India’s explosive opener Virender Sehwag, and the steady captain Sourav Ganguly formed a 192-run partnership that propelled India to victory against South Africa.
– Sehwag smashed 126 runs, while Ganguly scored 116 runs, and together they guided India to an 8-wicket win.
Later, in the 2004 Champions Trophy, the West Indian duo of Chris Gayle and Wavell Hinds created their own 192-run partnership against Bangladesh.
– Gayle scored a near-century, making 99 runs, while Hinds supported him with 82 runs.
– This partnership led to a comprehensive victory for the West Indies, further cementing the importance of strong opening partnerships in the Champions Trophy.
5. Jacques Kallis & Herschelle Gibbs, Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli: A Tie for Fifth Position
There are two notable partnerships that share the 5th position in the list of highest partnerships in the Champions Trophy’s history:
– Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs of South Africa put on a solid 178-run partnership against India in the 2002 Champions Trophy. Gibbs scored 116 runs, while Kallis contributed 97 runs. Although South Africa lost by 10 runs, their partnership was a remarkable one.
– In 2017, India’s top-order stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli put on a 178-run partnership against Bangladesh. Rohit made an unbeaten 123 runs, while Kohli supported with a classy 96 runs, guiding India to victory.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Champions Trophy Batting
With the rise of T20 cricket, the approach to batting in ODIs has evolved. Batsmen are now more aggressive, focused on high strike rates, and looking to clear the boundary with greater frequency. This shift in the approach to batting will undoubtedly impact the Champions Trophy 2025, as we can expect to witness some swashbuckling performances and explosive innings.
Among the top contenders for big partnerships and high run totals are players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Travis Head, Phil Salt, and Jos Buttler. Especially with the challenging pitches in Pakistan, the possibility of seeing mammoth totals on the board is high. Fans can expect to witness some thrilling cricketing moments in the upcoming tournament, as these dynamic players look to add their names to the growing list of record-breaking partnerships in the history of the Champions Trophy.
also read: Rohit Sharma Near The 11,000 Run Milestone
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