Highest 8th Wicket Partnership in T20 World Cup

T20 World Cup : One of the reasons that fans love watching T20 cricket is that it gives them more thrills, excitement, and surprises. Because everyone loves watching batsmen hit the ball for boundaries. Even some of the specialist bowlers, when they get a bat in their hand, can hit the ball big. It is an exciting sight to see a number 8 and 9 batsman hitting the boundaries because their runs are very crucial for the team.

And a partnership lower down the order can change the whole scenario of the match. And every bowler wants to contribute to the team with their bat as well. But there are not many instances when an eighth-wicket partnership has crossed the 50-run mark. It has happened twice in the World Cup. So, in this article, we will discuss the top ten highest 8th-wicket partnerships in the T20 World Cup.

1. Mike Hussey & Mitchell Johnson (53*) against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2010

This was the second semi-final of the 2010 World Cup between Australia and Pakistan. This match is remembered for the brute hitting of Michael Hussey. After winning the toss, Australia chose to bowl first. The Pakistani opener gave them a good start and, with an unbeaten half-century from Umar Akmal (56*), the Men in Green posted a bid total of 191/6. Chasing the target, the Aussies tumbled in the middle and kept losing wickets.

They lost their seven wickets for just 144, and needed 46 runs to chase in 17 balls. However, Michael Hussey played a destructive inning and held the majority of the strike. Johnson, on the other hand, played just three balls in the partnership. Both batters added an incredible 53 runs off just 16 balls to help their team achieve an incredible chase in the history of the World Cup. Hussey scored 60* off just 24 balls, including three fours and six sixes. Needing 18 off the last ball, he hit Saeed Ajmal for three sixes and one four.

2. Samit Patel and Greame Swann (51) against Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2012

This was the 22nd game of the 2012 T20 World Cup between Sri Lanka and England. After winning the toss, England chose to bowl first. Sri Lanka had a good start to the innings and some of the other batters also got a start. In the end, they posted a score of 169/6 in their 20 overs. Chasing the target, the English team had a horrible start and none of the batters scored any runs from the top or middle order.

Only Samit Patel was the lone savior. However, he got support from No. 8 Greame Swann. Both batters then added 51 runs for the 8th wicket and tried to bring England into the chase. But some excellent bowling from Lasith Malinga denied them the win. In the end, England fell short of the target by 19 runs. Malinga was named “Man of the Match” for his 5/31.

3. Umar Akmal & Umar Gul (49) against South Africa in the T20I World Cup 2012

The third highest partnership came in the 15th match of the 2012 World Cup between Pakistan and South Africa. After winning the toss, South Africa chose to bat first. But they didn’t get the start they would have liked. The batting line-up was totally clueless against Pakistani bowlers. Only JP Dunimy was the lone survivor, who made the highest 48 runs to help his team post 133/6, which was a below-par score.

Chasing the target, Pakistan also had the same problem as they also lost seven wickets early for just 76 runs. It looked like South Africa might win that game. But then came the match-turning partnership between Umar Akmal and Umar Gul for the 8th wicket. Both added 49 runs to help Pakistan chase down the target. Although Gul got out in the end, they won the match by 2 wickets with 2 balls to spare. 

T20 World Cup Highest 8th Wicket Partnership List