Published on: Jul 14, 2023 1:17 pm IST|Updated on: Jul 14, 2023 1:17 pm IST
In One Day International (ODI) cricket, the player occupying the number three position plays a crucial role for the team, especially when they lose their first wicket early in the innings. This player must be prepared to face the new ball at any time and handle the pressure of the situation. Throughout the history of cricket, there have been several players who have risen to the challenge after an early wicket and performed admirably under pressure. Marlon Samuels, Rahul Dravid, Abdul Razzaq, Steven Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Inzamam-ul-Haq are just a few examples of such players.
When a team manages to build a substantial partnership for the second wicket, it instills confidence in the middle-order batsmen, allowing them to play their natural game without feeling burdened by the early setback. There have been three instances in ODI history where a team has constructed a partnership of 300 or more runs for the second wicket. Remarkably, India has achieved this feat twice, highlighting their strength in building substantial partnerships.
The highest 2nd wicket partnership in ODI cricket stands at an impressive 372 runs. This record was set by West Indies batsmen Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels against Zimbabwe at Canberra on February 24, 2015. Gayle played a phenomenal innings, scoring 215 runs, contributing significantly to this historic partnership. The second-highest second-wicket partnership of 331 runs was established by Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid against New Zealand in Hyderabad on November 8, 1999. This partnership exemplified the skill and resilience of these two accomplished batsmen.
In the history of ODI cricket, India has recorded 13 instances where they have accumulated 200 or more runs for the second wicket. These partnerships have showcased India’s batting prowess and ability to recover from early setbacks. The first-ever 200-plus run partnership for the second wicket by an Indian pair was achieved by Sachin Tendulkar and Navjot Sidhu against Pakistan in Sharjah on April 15, 1996. This milestone was a significant moment for Indian cricket, demonstrating their potential to forge formidable partnerships. Another memorable partnership occurred in 1999 when Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid amassed 236 runs for the second wicket, further solidifying India’s reputation as a team capable of building substantial alliances.
In the history of ODI cricket, the Indian team has recorded an impressive 13 instances of scoring 200+ runs for the 2nd wicket partnership. Following closely, Pakistan has achieved this feat 5 times, while Australia and West Indies have done so on 4 occasions each. Sri Lanka has managed it 3 times, with England, South Africa, and Bangladesh accomplishing the milestone twice. Surprisingly, New Zealand is yet to establish a partnership of 200+ runs for the 2nd wicket in ODI matches.