Memorable ODI Partnerships
It is essentially a partnership that dictates the team’s fortunes in an ODI. Batters who complement each other often end up setting up the game for their team. Indian cricket too has had legendary ODI batters over the years. Let us look at Memorable ODI Partnerships in detail.
The opening partnership of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly is still fresh in the minds of fans. But there are certain partnerships that have changed the narrative in Indian cricket. These partnerships are now part of cricketing folklore.
We look at 4 such memorable ODI partnerships for India:
#4 Yuvraj – Kaif, 2002 Natwest Final
India didn’t know the art of winning the big final for the longest time. Sourav Ganguly led side made it to the finals of most tournaments but failed at the last step. They were the standout team in the Natwest series in 2002. In the finals though England had smashed 325 runs batting first. It again seemed as if the jump is far too high for India.
To their credit, they started the chase on a high. But once they lost Ganguly, it was a procession. India was reeling at 146-5 in the 25th over. Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif was India’s last recognized batting pair. The duo slowly started rebuilding the innings. Their 123-run partnership stirred hopes. India went on to notch a historical win!
#3 Gambhir – Kohli and Dhoni, 2011 World Cup
India had to contend not just with a spirited Lankan side but also the expectations of a billion people. They got off to the worst possible part losing both their decorated openers chasing a competitive total. Virat Kohli joined Gautam Gambhir to take India out of tricky waters.
Before Kohli got out he had done enough for India to seize the advantage. MS Dhoni then took over walking in at 5 to power India in the chase. Gambhir’s contribution though underrated can never be forgotten.
#2 Yuvraj – Raina, 2011 World Cup
It was India’s most difficult game in the World Cup. Australia had last lost a knockout game in the 1996 World Cup. India’s last knockout defeat had come against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final. The team lost half their side needing more than 70 odd runs in their chase of 260 in the quarterfinal. Yuvraj Singh was in prime form but he needed a partner who could steer the chase.
In walked Suresh Raina who was playing just his second game of the World Cup. But he appeared to time the ball sweetly right from ball one. Both the left-handers then combined to counterattack brilliantly. India defeated the mighty Aussies to progress into the semis eventually winning the trophy.
#1 Kapil Dev – Syed Kirmani, 1983 World Cup
India walked into the 1983 World Cup as a bunch of no-hopers. In a must-win game against Zimbabwe, they were tottering at 17-5 and later 140-8. Captain Kapil Dev was a one-man wonder at the batting crease. Syed Kirmani in at number 10 proved to be an able ally. Their partnership of 126 runs lifted India to 266.
Kapil Dev became the world record holder for scoring 175* which was then the highest ODI score in an inning. India went on to win the game to surge ahead in the tournament to ultimately win it. The heart of India’s unexpected World Cup win was this highly unlikely yet beautiful partnership.
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