The T20I World Cup is one of the most exciting cricket tournaments in the world, with teams from around the globe competing for the coveted title. Over the years, South Africa has produced some memorable performances in the tournament, including some big partnerships that have helped them achieve success. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 biggest partnerships in T20I World Cups for South Africa. These partnerships have not only been instrumental in helping the team win matches but have also provided some thrilling moments for cricket fans around the world.
1. Quinton de Kock And Rilee Rossouw Vs. Bangladesh
In the T20I World Cup 2022, Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw set a record-breaking partnership of 168 runs for the second wicket against Bangladesh. De Kock played a brilliant inning, smashing 63 runs off just 38 balls, while Rossouw also contributed with a blistering 109 off 56 balls.
2. Herschelle Gibbs And Justin Kemp Vs. West Indies
Herschelle Gibbs and Justin Kemp's unbeaten partnership of 120 runs against the West Indies for the third wicket in the 2007 T20I World Cup makes it to the second spot. While chasing a target of 205 runs, the duo ensured an eight-wicket victory for their team by chasing down the target in the 18th over.
3. Rassie van der Dussen And Aiden Markram Vs. England
On number three, we have Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram's unbeaten partnership of 103 runs against England in the 2021 T20I World Cup. The duo came together when South Africa lost their second wicket and guided the team to a total of 189 runs in the first inning. Ultimately, they won the match by ten runs.
4. Jacques Kallis And Graeme Smith Vs. India
Making their way to number four, we have Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith with their partnership of 97 runs against India in the T20I World Cup in 2010. After losing an early first wicket, the pair put up a great show to bring their team close to India’s total of 186 runs. However, they had to face a 14-run defeat in the end.
5. Hashim Amla And Quinton de Kock Vs. England
Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock's partnership of 96 runs against England in the T20I World Cup 2016 stands on number five. The quick knocks from the opening batters guided South Africa to a total of 229 runs in the first inning. However, England chased this total down with two wickets to spare.
6. Richard Levi And Hashim Amla Vs. Zimbabwe
Moving on, Richard Levi and Hashim Amla stitched an unbeaten partnership of 94 runs against Zimbabwe in the T20I World Cup 2012. After restricting Zimbabwe to only 93 runs in the first inning, the opening batters helped the team register a ten-wicket victory by scoring 94 runs in only 12.4 overs.
7. Hashim Amla And Quinton de Kock Vs. England
In the seventh place, we have Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock, who put up an opening partnership of 90 runs against England in the T20I World Cup 2014. Followed by a masterclass inning from AB de Villiers, this stand pushed South Africa to a total of 196 runs. Later, England scored 193 runs in the second inning, and thus, lost by three runs.
8. Graeme Smith And Jacques Kallis Vs. Scotland
The eighth position belongs to Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis for their formidable partnership of 87 runs during their T20I World Cup match against Scotland in 2009. The opening stand provided a great start to the team as South Africa put up 211 runs on the board. Following this, the bowlers restricted Scotland to only 81 runs.
9. Rassie van der Dussen And Aiden Markram Vs. West Indies
Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram find a place on this list with their unbeaten 83-run stand against West Indies during the 2021 T20I World Cup. While chasing a target of 143 runs set up by the Caribbean batters, this third-wicket partnership guided the team to an easy victory with eight wickets and ten balls to spare.
10. AB de Villiers And JP Duminy Vs. Afghanistan
Making it to the final spot on this list, we have AB de Villiers and JP Duminy with a well-stitched partnership of 76 runs in the ICC T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan in 2016. The fourth wicket partnership helped South Africa in posting a total of 209 runs on the board. In reply, Afghanistan could score only 172 runs and faced a 37-run defeat.
