Highest opening partnerships in India in women’s T20s
The emergence of T20 leagues for women has proved to be a major factor behind them putting up tough and equal competition against their male counterparts. No doubt the men’s game keeps the audiences engaged, but the women’s game is no less. And with the Women’s Big Bash League and the Women’s Premier League opening the doors to multiple opportunities, the women’s T20 has seen an upsurge.
The inaugural edition of the WPL 2023 was meant to be revolutionary. It stood up to the expectations as within just one week, the tournament witnessed several records being created and broken. One such record that set a benchmark in women’s T20s was the partnership between Delhi Capitals players Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma.
On that note, let us have a look at the highest opening partnerships in India in women’s T20s-
3. Lizelle Lee and Sune Luus | 144(95) | IND-W vs SA-W
When the Proteas Women toured India in October 2019, a magnificent 144-run partnership between openers explosive batter Lizelle Lee and skipper Sune Luus led to South Africa clinching a record 105-run victory in their final T20I of the six-match series. After posting a total of 175/3, South Africa restricted India to mere 70 runs. Though India lost that game, they won the series by 3-1.
2. Madhusmita Behera and Sarita Meher | 154(120) | OG-W vs OP-W
In the Odisha Women’s T20 Cricket League 2021, Odisha Purple batted first against Odisha Green. Opening batters Madhusmita Behera and Sarita Meher put up a brilliant unbeaten partnership of 154 runs. They played the entire 20-over quota. While chasing the target, Orisha Green could reach only 109/6 as the Purple won the game by 45 runs.
1. Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning | 162(87) | DC-W vs RCB-W
Delhi Capitals’ campaign opener of the inaugural Women’s Premier League saw their openers Shafali Verma and skipper Meg Lanning stitch a brilliant 162-run partnership in merely 87 deliveries. As a result, Delhi managed to post a humungous 223/2 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. While Lanning scored 72 runs off 43 deliveries, Shafali notched up 84 runs off 45 deliveries. The bowlers did a wonderful job and restricted RCB to 163/8 to win the game by 60 runs.
