Most partnerships runs as T20I openers

Opening the batting in cricket is one of the toughest jobs in cricket, a belief that has prevailed for centuries. There is some underlying truth to the statement as well, but with the advent of field restrictions and the emergence of T20 cricket, the openers have got a license to thrill. Although there have been several opening pairs that have dazzled with their exploits at the top of the innings, only a few have yielded prolific scores for a considerable amount of time. Today we look at some of the most prolific opening pairs in T20I history.

Kevin O’Brien & Paul Stirling(Ireland) – 1576 runs

The Irish pair of Kevin O’Brien & Paul Stirling might not be the most eye-pleasing stroke-making partnership in cricket but when it comes to scoring runs at the top of the order in the shortest format of the game, they were one of the most effective during their time. Stirling, who was renowned for his fearless approach at the start of the innings found an able partner in Kevin O’Brien, who started off as a middle-order dasher. The pair led Ireland to numerous memorable victories in the shortest format of the game.

Shikhar Dhawan & Rohit Sharma(India) – 1743 runs

India’s all-format skipper Rohit Sharma, the leading run-getter in T20Is, was supported by his close friend and partner in crime Shikhar Dhawan through the majority of his career. Although KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma have been formidable for the Indian team in the shortest format of the game, it was Dhawan who formed a prolific partnership with Rohit in the last decade. While contrasting in playing styles, the duo complimented each other’s games and took India to great heights in the shortest format of the game.

Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan(Pakistan) – 1757 runs

It is no surprise that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s best two batter’s are at the top of this list. The pair have been churning out runs for fun in T20Is for the Men in Green in recent times. Pakistan struck gold when they decided to move Babar, a designated middle-order batter to the opening slot, as the Pakistani skipper took the new role like a fish takes to water. While Babar has been one of the most sought-after talents in the World, Mohammad Rizwan has come into his own in the last couple of years and even toppled his skipper to become the number-one ranked batter in T20Is.