Ranking The TOP 10 Best Opening Pairs in The History of ODI Cricket

Openers are like powerhouse of any cricket team they are always expected to give a strong start. they are responsible for the mindset of the upcoming batsmen.

Also, they need to face some of the most difficult tasks like facing the new ball which can swing and seam in the conditions also they need time to settle and to understand the pace of game.

That’s why every country wants their opening pair to be strong and well-coordinated. to give a strong start in every inning which follows through whole team.

So, here is the list of Top 10 opening pairs in the history of ODI cricket.

10. Marvan Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

There has been always a great pair of left- and right-hand batsmen. Left-handed batman Sanath Jayasuriya and right-handed batsman Maravan Atapattu were two Sri Lankan openers who gave many strong partnerships to Sri Lanka during their time. They opened together for Sri Lanka in 79 ODIs from 1999 to 2007.They scored 3382 runs together at an average of 43.92. The former Sri Lankan openers also hit 8 hundred-plus knocks and 19 fifty-plus knocks for the opening partnership. 

9. Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith (South Africa)

Right- handed batsman Gibbs and left-handed batter Smith played together in 74 ODIs for South Africa from 2002 to 2009. They scored 3007 runs as openers at an average of 41.19. They also smashed 8 hundred-plus scores and 13 fifty-plus scores together. Their highest partnership for the opening wicket was 174, which was made in an ODI match against Zimbabwe in August 2007.

8. Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar (India)

The two right-handed batsmen from India were one of the best opening pairs India ever had. The Indian opening pair opened for India in 93 ODIs from 2002 to 2012. They both scored 3919 runs as openers in 93 ODIs at an average of 42.13. they both scored 12 hundred plus knocks and 18 fifty plus knocks in partnerships. Their highest opening stand was 182 runs, which they scored in an ODI against New Zealand in November 2013.

Also Read: Top 10 Greatest Left-Handed Batsman of All Time

7. David Warner and Aaron Finch (Australia)

Australia’s current opening pair, Right-handed batsman Aaron Finch and Left-handed batsman David Warner has batted together for 70 ODIs for Australia so far since 2014, scoring 3638 runs at an average of 52.72. they both scored 12 hundred plus and 14 fifty plus partnerships in ODI cricket. Their highest ODI partnership was an unbeaten 258 runs against India in January 2020.

6. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

Hashim Amla retired from international cricket in 2019 while De Kock is an active player. The South African opening pair played 93 ODIs together from 2013 to 2019. The Right-handed batsman Hashim Amla and Left-Handed batsman Quinton de Kock scored 4198 runs in 93 ODIs at an average of 46.64. they also smashed 11 hundred plus knocks and 14 fifty- plus knocks. Their highest score together was an unbeaten 282 run knock in 2017 against Bangladesh.

5. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma (India)

Another opening pair from India who played 100 matches together since 2013 in ODIs as openers. Left-handed batsman Shikhar Dhawan and Right-handed batsman Rohit Sharma scored 4978 runs together at an average of 45.66. they have also scored 17 hundred plus knocks and 15 fifty plus knocks. Their highest ODI partnership was 210 against Pakistan in September 2018.

4. Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes (West Indies)

The former Caribbean players are among the best openers to ever play for West Indies. Both the batsmen played as openers in 102 ODIs for West Indies from 1979 to 1991.They piled up 5150 runs at an average of 52.55 while batting together as openers. Greenidge and Haynes also registered 15 hundred-plus and 24 fifty-plus opening stands. Their highest knock was an unbeaten 192 runs in an ODI against New Zealand in March 1987.

3. Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy (England)

England cricketers Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy have opened the innings for the English side in 45 ODIs so far since 2017. Both the Right-Handed batsmen scored 2739 runs at an average of 60.86. both scored 13 hundred plus knocks and 10 fifty plus knocks. Their highest opening partnership was of 147 runs in an ODI against Australia in June 2018.

Also Read: List of 5 Award Winning Cricketers who becomes flop

2. Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden (Australia)

Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden both were left-handed batsmen. They were most important players to the Australian side. They played 114 ODIs as openers for Australia from 2001 to 2008. They piled up 5372 runs at an average of 48.39. Both the hard-hitting Australian batsmen account for 16 hundred-plus and 29 fifty-plus opening stands in ODIs. Their highest opening partnership was 172, which they shattered against Sri Lanka in ODI World Cup 2007 final.

1. Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (India)

Former Indian cricket players Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly tops the list. They were arguably the best opening pair in the history of ODI Internationals. Left-handed batsman Ganguly and right-handed batsman Sachin Tendulkar have opened the innings for India in 136 matches, scoring 6609 runs at an average of 49.32. They have smashed 21 hundred-plus knocks and 23 fifty-plus knocks while batting as openers. Their highest opening stand was of unbeaten 258 runs in an ODI match against Kenya in October 2001.