T20 Cricket's popularity is unarguably increasing in recent times. The T20 World Cup is one of the most global tournaments in cricket. To win a cup, the role of openers becomes more crucial, with a lot depending upon them to give a quickfire start. So, in this article, we will discuss 'Best Knocks by Openers in T20 World Cup'.
1. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, nicknamed Universe Boss, was one of the best players from West Indies, with more than handy off-spin bowling. In a game against South Africa in the 2007 World Cup, batting first, West Indies piled up 205 runs on a road of a pitch, with Gayle smacking a century. Batting first, Gayle stitched together a 145-run stand with Devon Smith. In his 57-ball knock, he smashed seven boundaries and ten gigantic sixes, scoring 117 runs. Notably, this came in a losing cause.
2. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler is one of the best players from England, with more than handy wicketkeeping skills. In a game against Sri Lanka in the 2021 T20 World Cup, batting first, England piled up 163 runs on a tricky pitch, with Buttler smacking a century. With a score reading 35-3, Buttler stitched together a 112-run stand with Eoin Morgan. In his 67-ball knock, he smashed six boundaries and six gigantic sixes, scoring 101 runs. Notably, this came in a winning cause.
3. Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene was one of the best players from Sri Lanka and needs no introduction. In a game against West Indies in the 2010 World Cup, batting first, Sri Lanka piled up 195 runs on a road of a pitch, with Jayawardene smacking a half-century. With a score reading 7-1, Jayawardene stitched together a 166-run stand with Kumar Sangakkara. In his 56-ball knock, he smashed nine boundaries and four gigantic sixes, scoring 98 runs. Notably, this came in a winning cause.
4. Tilakaratane Dilshan
Tillakaratane Dilshan was one of the best players from Sri Lanka, with more than handy off-spin bowling. In the semi-final game against West Indies in the 2009 World Cup, batting first, Sri Lanka piled up 158 runs on a tricky pitch with Dilshan smacking a half-century. With a score reading 77-3, Dilshan stitched together a 50-run stand with Chamara Silva. In his 57-ball knock, he smashed 12 boundaries and two gigantic sixes, scoring 96 runs. Notably, this came in a winning cause.
5. Devon Conway
Devon Conway is one of the best players from New Zealand, with handy wicketkeeping skills. In a game against Australia in the 2022 T20 World Cup, batting first, New Zealand piled up 200 runs on a road of a pitch with Conway smacking a half-century. With a score reading 56-1, Conway stitched together a 69-run stand with Kane Williamson. In his 58-ball knock, he smashed seven boundaries and two gigantic sixes, scoring 92 runs. Notably, this came in a winning cause.
6. Shane Watson
Shane Watson was one of the best players from Australia, with handy medium-pace bowling. In a game against Pakistan in the 2010 T20 World Cup, batting first, Australia piled up 191 runs on a road of a pitch with Watson smacking a half-century. With a score reading 64-2, Watson stitched together a 98-run stand with David Hussey. In his 49-ball knock, he smashed seven boundaries and four gigantic sixes, scoring 81 runs. Notably, this came in a winning cause.
7. Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill was one of the best players from New Zealand, with handy batting at the top of the order. In a game against Pakistan in the 2016 T20 World Cup, batting first, New Zealand piled up 180 runs on a road of a pitch with Guptill smacking a half-century. Batting first, Guptill stitched together a 62-run stand with Kane Williamson. In his 48-ball knock, he smashed ten boundaries and three gigantic sixes, scoring 80 runs. Notably, this came in a winning cause.
8. Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan is unarguably one of the best players from Pakistan, with more than handy wicketkeeping skills. In a game against Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup, batting first, India piled up 151 runs on a road of a pitch with Virat Kohli smacking a half-century. Chasing 152 runs, Rizwan stitched together a 152-run stand with Babar Azam. In his 55-ball knock, he smashed six boundaries and three gigantic sixes, scoring 79 runs. Notably, this knock came in a winning cause.
9. Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir was unarguably one of the best players from India, with more than handy bating at the top of the order. In the final game against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup, batting first, India piled up 157 runs on a tricky pitch with Gambhir smacking a half-century. With a score reading 40-2, Gambhir stitched together a 63-run stand with Yuvraj Singh. In his 54-ball knock, he smashed eight boundaries and two gigantic sixes, scoring 75 runs. Notably, this came in a winning cause.
10. Jason Roy
Jason Roy is unarguably one of the best players from England, with more than handy bating at the top of the order. In a game against England in the 2016 T20 World Cup, batting first, New Zealand piled up 153 runs on a tricky pitch. Chasing 154 runs, Roy stitched together an 82-run stand with Alex Hales. In his 44-ball knock, he smashed 11 boundaries and two gigantic sixes, scoring 78 runs. Notably, this came in a winning cause.
