ODI World Cup: One of the most consistent team of the modern era when it comes to ICC ODI World Cup. They have played the finals in last two edition. But unfortunately they have lost both important games and are still looking for the maiden ODI World title. In 2015 final they lost to Australia by seven wickets.
But the most unlucky way a team could lose came in the finals at Lord’s in 2019 against England. After the score was tied, the super-over also ended in a tie. Hence, as a result, England were crowned champions on the basis of boundary count, one of the weirdest and bizarre ways to decide the winner, that too in the grand final of the most prestigious tournament in cricket.
Well, in this article, we will cover the highest partnerships for New Zealand in the ODI World Cup.
3. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor (160 runs) against West Indies in 2019 ICC event
This was the 29th match of the 2019 World Cup between New Zealand and West Indies in Manchester. After winning the toss, the Caribbean team decided to bowl first, and it turned out to be a good start for them. They removed the first two wickets of New Zealand in their very first overs at a score of 7. But then came an incredible innings by skipper Kane Williamson.
He scored 148 runs off 154 balls and Ross Taylor also helped him with a knock of 69 runs. Both batsmen added 160 runs for the third wicket and helped their team reach a competitive total of 291/8. West Indies also batted well and came so close with Chris Gayle (87) and Carlos Brathwaite (101) playing excellent innings. But in the end, the Black Caps won the match by just 5 runs.
2. Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum (166* runs) against Zimbabwe in 2011 ICC event
It was the 18th match of the 2011 World Cup between New Zealand and Zimbabwe at Ahmedabad. After winning the toss, Zimbabwe chose to bat first, But this decision totally backfired on them as they couldn’t face the Kiwi bowlers and got all out. They only managed to score 162 runs in their first innings.
It was never going to be a big challenge for New Zealand, and they did chase it down easily. Both Kiwi openers played and added a 166* unbeaten partnership to win the match by 10 wickets and with 16.3 overs to spare. Martin Guptill remained unbeaten on 86* off 108 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. While Brendon McCullum was not out on 76* off 95 balls, including six fours and two maximums.
1. Lee Germon and Chris Harris (168 runs) against Australia in 1996 ODI World Cup
The highest partnership for New Zealand came in the 1996 World Cup against Australia at Chennai. New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. But they had a bad start and lost their first three matches for 44 runs. But after that, Chris Harris and skipper Lee Germon added 168 runs for the 4th wicket to help their team reach 286/9 in their 50 overs.
Harris scored 130 runs and Germon scored 89 runs. Despite having a competitive target, New Zealand couldn’t defend it. Australia chased down the target with six wickets in hand and 13 balls to spare. Mark Waugh scored a brilliant century of 110 runs and won the “Man of the Match” award.
List of New Zealand Highest Partnership in ODI World Cup
| Players | Runs | Wkt | Against | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Germon and Chris Harris | 168 | 4th | Australia | Chennai | 1996 |
| Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum | 166* | 1st | Zimbabwe | Ahmedabad | 2011 |
| Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor | 160 | 3rd | West Indies | Manchester | 2019 |
| RG Twose and Chris Cairns | 148 | 4th | Australia | Cardiff | 1999 |
| Scott and Jacob Oram | 138* | 5th | England | Gros Islet | 2007 |
| James Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme | 132 | 6th | Pakistan | Birmingham | 2019 |
| Brendon McCullum and James Franklin | 71 | 7th | Ireland | Providence | 2007 |