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With the first ball of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 set to be bowled on February 7—just a handful of days from now, the buzz is truly building. As fans across India and the world get ready for another festival of cricket, it’s the perfect time to look back at the moments that defined the tournament's history. Massive batting partnerships have often been the difference between a win and a loss, and these five stands are the biggest the competition has ever seen.
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Top 5 Highest Partnerships Over the Years
1. Jos Buttler & Alex Hales: 170* vs India (2022)
In the 2022 semi-final, England openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales delivered a performance that Indian fans would rather forget. Chasing 169 at the Adelaide Oval, the duo seemed to be playing a different game entirely. Their unbeaten 170-run partnership was ruthless and clinical, handing India a 10-wicket defeat and powering England straight into the final.
2. Quinton de Kock & Rilee Rossouw: 168 vs Bangladesh (2022)
South Africa is known for heavy hitting, and in this 2022 group stage match, they showed exactly why. Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw joined forces to absolutely dismantle the Bangladesh bowling attack. Their 168-run stand, highlighted by Rossouw’s blistering century, helped the Proteas post a massive 205 runs, resulting in a comfortable victory.
3. Mahela Jayawardene & Kumar Sangakkara: 166 vs West Indies (2010)
This partnership was a masterclass from two of Sri Lanka’s greatest legends. Playing against the host nation West Indies, in 2010, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara put on a show of elegance and timing. Their 166-run stand remains one of the most stylish displays in T20 history, with Jayawardene scoring a memorable 98 not out to silence the home crowd.
4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz & Ibrahim Zadran: 154 vs Uganda (2024)
Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket has been a joy to watch, and this partnership was a testament to their growth. In their 2024 opener, openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran dominated newcomer Uganda with a 154-run partnership. It was a professional and powerful display that announced Afghanistan as a serious threat in the tournament.
5. Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan: 152* vs India (2021)
Few matches have carried as much weight as the India vs. Pakistan clash in 2021. Chasing a target of 152, Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were flawless. They chased down the total without losing a single wicket. Their stand at the crease ended a decades-long wait for a World Cup win against their arch-rivals in truly historic fashion.
