ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Records: Which Players Have Played the Highest 2nd Wicket Partnerships?

T20 World Cup Records: Highest 2nd Wicket Partnership

T20 World Cup cricket is renowned for its explosive batting, and partnerships often determine match results. Second-wicket stands frequently stabilize innings or give the momentum required for a significant score, even though opening partnerships set the tone. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has seen a number of outstanding second-wicket alliances over the years. Still, Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw’s 168-run partnership for South Africa against Bangladesh in the 2022 tournament stands as the highest-ever second-wicket partnership.

De Kock & Rossouw’s Record-Breaking 168-Run Stand

Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw of South Africa put on a batting clinic against Bangladesh on October 27, 2022, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Australia, scoring 168 runs together for the second wicket. This historic stand eclipsed previous records to be the largest second-wicket stand ever in the T20 World Cup.

How Rossouw and De Kock Dominated Bangladesh

South Africa had been left to bat first when they lost their opening wicket too early. But the addition of Rilee Rossouw to the crease after Temba Bavuma was dismissed brought about one of the most exhilarating stand-of-a-lifetime innings in the history of the T20 World Cup.

• In a breathtaking innings, Rilee Rossouw struck seven fours and eight sixes and made 109 runs from 56 balls. His century, which was the fastest in the history of this tournament, dismantled Bangladesh thoroughly.
• Top score of 63 from 38 balls with seven fours and three sixes, free-striker Quinton de Kock was a perfect second to Rossouw.

South Africa registered 205/5 off 20 overs owing to the positive hitting of the pair, considerably more than could have been expected from Bangladesh. South Africa won by a dominating 104 runs, as Bangladesh only managed 101 runs in the reverse.

Other Notable Second Wicket Partnerships in the T20 World Cup History

Aside from the record De Kock-Rossouw partnership, the T20 World Cup has witnessed a plethora of other great second-wicket stands:

• 166: Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka vs. West Indies, 2010)

In the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup, two Sri Lankan legends, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, put together a 166-run partnership. Their partnership helped Sri Lanka record a match-winning score because it had the ideal balance of style and aggression.

• 152: Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan (Australia vs. England, 2021).

England’s Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan came up with a spectacular 152-run stand against Australia during the 2021 T20 World Cup, assuring their side a resounding win.

• 145: Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli (India vs. South Africa, 2010)

Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina put together a 145-run partnership against South Africa in the 2010 T20 World Cup. While Kohli performed the anchor position flawlessly, Raina produced an incredible century.

Strong Second-Wicket Partnerships are Crucial in T20 Cricket

A good second-wicket partnership is crucial in ensuring continuity, reviving innings after an early setback, or accelerating toward a considerable score, although opening pairs provide the foundation. As shown by the likes of Rossouw, de Kock, Jayawardene, and Kohli, an impeccable second-wicket partnership can shift the course of the match completely in their favor.

The T20 World Cup history is full of legendary batting partnerships that have changed the game. The record second-wicket partnership remains the 168-run stand of Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw, showing how a good stand can surpass the rival.

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