The introduction of the T20 format has certainly given a new life to the game of cricket. It has also affected the other two formats in a good way. The mindset of a batsman and a bowler has changed completely because it brings more competition in a shorter time. Well, that is how the game is moving, and T20 leagues are the next future of cricket.
There have been many different T20 leagues in the world which have been played every year. But one league which makes it to the top is Australia’s Big Bash League. The BBL is among the top leading tournaments in cricket and offers a lot of thrilling contests with some of the biggest names in the game. The next edition of the BBL will start on December 13. And in this article, we will cover the list of the highest partnerships in BBL history.
3. Rob Quiney and Luke Wright (172 runs) vs Hobart Hurricanes in 2012
This partnership remained on top from 2012 to 2020 for almost eight seasons. However, now it is in third place. It was the game between the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes at Hobart in the 2012 season. Melbourne won the toss and decided to bat first, and they had a dream start. Both openers batted for almost 17 overs of the innings to make a record-breaking partnership. Both openers added 172 runs for the first wicket.
Rob Quiney got out after scoring 62 off 50 balls with four boundaries and one six. While Luke Wright went on to score a brilliant century. He made 117 off 60 balls with eight fours and nine sixes. Thus, Melbourne made 203/3 in their 20 overs. In reply, the Hobart Hurricanes batted decently in a big chase. But they ended up with 184/9 in their 20 overs and lost the match by 19 runs. Wright won the “Man of the Match” for his century.
2. Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short (203 runs) vs Adelaide Strikers in 2020
The opening pair of Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short is one of the most dangerous in the history of the BBL. They have won many matches for their team together. Hence, this pair is the second spot with the highest partnership. It came in the 2020 season when Hobart Hurricanes faced Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide. After winning the toss, Hobart batted first and registered a record partnership. Both Wade and Short added 203 runs for the first wicket in 18.2 overs.
Short got out after scoring 72 off 55 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. But Wade remained not out and scored an unbeaten century. He made 130* off 61 balls, with 11 fours and seven sixes. Hobart made 217/1 in their 20 overs. In reply, Adelaide tried very hard and looked in control. But in the end, they fell short by just 10 runs and made 207/8. Wade won the “Man of the Match”.
1. Marcus Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright (207 runs) vs Sydney Sixes in 2020 (Highest in BBL)
There have been only two BBL partnerships that went past the 200-run mark. And the top spot goes to the pair of Marcus Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright. It came in the 2020 season when the Melbourne Stars faced the Sydney Sixers at the MCG. Sydney won the toss and chose to bowl first. However, that decision totally backfired on them. Both openers of Melbourne Stars gave them a dream start and registered the highest BBL partnerships.
Stoinis and Cartwright made 207 runs for the first wicket and played 19.1 overs. Cartwright was dismissed for 59 off 40 balls with six fours and three wickets. Stoinis carried his bat through the innings and made 147* off 79 balls with 13 fours and 8 sixes. Thus, Melbourne made 219/1 in 20 overs. Chasing the target, Sydney Sixers could only manage 175/7 and lost the match by 44 runs.
List of Highest Partnership in BBL T20
| Pair | Runs | Wkt | Team | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Stoinis & Hilton Cartwright | 207 | 1st | Stars | Sixers | Melbourne | 12 Jan 2020 |
| Matthew Wade & D’Arcy Short | 203 | 1st | Hurricanes | Strikers | Adelaide | 26 Jan 2020 |
| Rob Quiney & Luke Wright | 172 | 1st | Stars | Hurricanes | Hobart | 9 Jan 2012 |
| Shaun Marsh & M Klinger | 171* | 1st | Scorchers | Renegades | Melbourne (Docklands) | 30 Dec 2015 |
| Alex Carey & J Weatherald | 171 | 171 | Strikers | Hurricanes | Adelaide | 17 Jan 2018 |
| Josh Philippe & James Vince | 167* | 2nd | Sixers | Hurricanes | Sydney | 23 Jan 2019 |
| Mike Hussey & Jacques Kallis | 160 | 1st | Thunder | Stars | Sydney | 21 Dec 2014 |
| Matthew Wade & D’Arcy Short | 158* | 1st | Hurricanes | Strikers | Adelaide | 21 Jan 2019 |
| M Bryant & Ben Cutting | 158* | 1st | Heat | Stars | Brisbane | 8 Feb 2019 |
| Ben McDermott & George Bailey | 151 | 3rd | Hurricanes | Renegades | Melbourne (Docklands) | 12 Jan 2017 |