Cricket is a team sport, and partnerships between batsmen can often prove to be crucial in determining the outcome of a match. In the T20I World Cup, partnerships can be even more critical as the format demands a quick run-rate and quick wickets. Pakistan has been a consistent performer in the T20I World Cup, and over the years, their batsmen have produced some memorable partnerships. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 biggest partnerships in T20I World Cups for Pakistan. From Misbah and Malik to Rizwan and Babar, these partnerships have played a crucial role in Pakistan's success in the tournament over the years.
1. Mohammad Rizwan And Babar Azam Vs India
Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam's unbeaten partnership of 152 runs against India in the 2021 T20I World Cup was a stunning display of batting. After losing an early wicket, Rizwan and Azam came together and played with great composure to steady the ship. Azam, who was the more aggressive of the two, struck 6 fours and 3 sixes in his 45-ball knock, while Rizwan played a more anchor role and hit 7 fours and a six in his 52-ball innings.
2. Kamran Akmal And Salman Butt Vs Bangladesh
Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt's partnership of 142 runs against Bangladesh in the 2010 T20I World Cup was a masterclass in opening batting. They both batted with patience and precision, rotating the strike and taking advantage of the loose balls. Akmal, in particular, was in a devastating form, hitting 4 sixes and 6 fours in his 50-ball 71, while Butt played a more composed knock, hitting 5 fours in his 65-ball innings.
3. Mohammad Hafeez And Imran Nazir Vs Bangladesh
Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Nazir's partnership of 124 runs against Bangladesh in the 2012 T20I World Cup was a breath-taking display of batting. After electing to bat first, Pakistan lost an early wicket, but Hafeez and Nazir came together to produce a brilliant partnership. Nazir was quite impressive, striking 8 fours and 4 sixes in his 36-ball knock, while Hafeez hit 4 fours and 2 sixes in his 49-ball innings.
4. Shoaib Malik And Misbah-ul-Haq Vs Australia
Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq's partnership of 119* runs against Australia in the 2007 T20I World Cup was a historic one for Pakistan. After being put into bat, Pakistan got off to a poor start, losing two early wickets. However, Malik and Misbah came together and produced a brilliant partnership that resurrected the innings. They both played with great composure and skill, rotating the strike and hitting the bad balls to the boundary.
5. Mohammad Rizwan And Babar Azam Vs Namibia
Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam's partnership of 113 runs against Namibia in the 2021 T20I World Cup was a dominant display of batting. After losing the toss and being put into bat, Pakistan got off to a shaky start, losing an early wicket. Rizwan scored 79 runs off just 49 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes, while Babar played scored 51 runs off 42 balls, hitting 5 fours.
6. Mohammad Rizwan And Babar Azam Vs New Zealand
Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam's partnership of 105 runs against New Zealand in the 2022 T20I World Cup was a crucial factor in Pakistan's victory. Rizwan and Babar joined hands and began to build a solid partnership that ensured Pakistan's innings did not falter. They both played with great patience and skill, rotating the strike well and punishing the bad balls.
7. Younis Khan And Shoaib Malik Vs Sri Lanka
Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik's partnership of 101 runs against Sri Lanka in the 2007 T20I World Cup was a significant moment in Pakistan's campaign. Younis played the role of the anchor, scoring 51 runs off 36 balls, while Malik was the aggressor, hitting 57 runs off just 50 balls. Their partnership helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 189/6, which proved too much for Sri Lanka to chase.
8. Kamran Akmal And Umar Akmal Vs Australia
Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal's partnership of 96 runs against Australia in the 2014 T20I World Cup was a brilliant display of aggressive batting. Batting first, Pakistan lost their opener early, but Kamran and Umar put together an excellent partnership that included some stunning strokes and powerful hitting. Their partnership propelled Pakistan to a total of 191/5.
9. Ahmed Shehzad And Mohammad Hafeez Vs Australia
In the 2016 T20I World Cup, Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez formed a crucial partnership of 95 runs against Australia. Batting first, Pakistan was struggling at 42/2 when the pair came together at the crease. However, they steadied the innings and then started to score at a brisk pace. Ahmed Shehzad was the aggressor, scoring 52 runs off 39 balls, while Hafeez played a supporting role with his 38 runs off 27 balls.
10. Ahmed Shehzad And Shoaib Malik Vs Bangladesh
In the 2014 T20I World Cup, Ahmed Shehzad and Shoaib Malik played a crucial role in Pakistan's victory against Bangladesh with their 83 runs partnership. Ahmed Shehzad was the aggressor, scoring 56 runs off just 36 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes, while Malik played a sensible knock of 26 runs off 22 balls.
