Cricket has always been a sport where partnerships decide matches. No matter how strong the opposition is, when two batters settle at the crease and start building a stand, they can completely change the outcome of the game. The ICC Champions Trophy, earlier called the ICC KnockOut, has given cricket fans some of the most memorable batting partnerships ever witnessed in international cricket. These partnerships were not just about piling runs but also about saving teams from collapse, setting up match-winning totals, or chasing down difficult targets with confidence. Many of these moments are still celebrated today because they proved how crucial partnerships can be in big ICC events. In this article, we will revisit the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History, looking at the top 10 partnerships ranked from number 10 to number 1.
List of Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History
10. Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim
When talking about the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History, the stand of 166 runs between Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim against England in 2017 at The Oval holds great significance. Bangladesh were playing against a strong English side, and both batters displayed courage and maturity. Tamim played an aggressive role with his boundaries, while Mushfiqur focused on rotating the strike and holding the innings together. Their third-wicket partnership kept Bangladesh in the game for a long time and gave their fans belief against a top-tier opponent. Even though Bangladesh later lost momentum, this partnership remains one of their proudest moments in Champions Trophy cricket Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim | 166 | 3rd | England | 1 Jun 2017 |
9. Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo
Among the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History, one of the most stylish stands came from Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo in 2006 at Ahmedabad. They combined for 174 runs for the second wicket against England. Gayle dominated with his explosive power-hitting, smashing the English bowlers to all parts of the ground. Bravo, on the other hand, complemented him with classy stroke play and sharp running between the wickets. Their combination was perfect for West Indies, giving them control of the innings from the start. Fans still remember how this partnership allowed West Indies to dictate terms against a strong English bowling attack.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo | 174 | 2nd | England | 28 Oct 2006 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in ICC Champions Trophy History
8. Alec Stewart and Nasser Hussain
The 2000 ICC KnockOut tournament also featured one of the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History when England’s Alec Stewart and Nasser Hussain combined for 175 runs against Bangladesh in Nairobi. This was a second-wicket stand where Stewart played fluently with his wide range of strokes, while Hussain anchored the innings with composure. For Bangladesh, who were still new at the top level of cricket, this partnership highlighted the gap in experience. England built a commanding total thanks to this stand, showing how experienced players can make a difference on big stages.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alec Stewart, Nasser Hussain | 175 | 2nd | Bangladesh | 5 Oct 2000 |
7. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
One of the modern-day iconic stands in the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History came in the 2017 semi-final between India and Bangladesh at Birmingham. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the finest batters of this generation, put together an unbeaten 178-run partnership for the second wicket. Rohit played freely, hitting elegant shots all over the ground, while Kohli anchored the innings with his unmatched chase-master skills. Their partnership not only sealed the game for India but also showcased how calm and confident this pair was under pressure. It was a statement of dominance from Indian cricket at that time.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli | 178* | 2nd | Bangladesh | 15 Jun 2017 |
6. Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs
Another gem in the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History came from South Africa’s Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs. In 2002 at Colombo, they combined for an unbeaten 178-run stand for the second wicket against India. Kallis was the backbone, playing with balance and patience, while Gibbs played his natural attacking game. The Indian bowlers found it hard to break their partnership as both looked unshakable. This stand not only gave South Africa control but also reminded the world why Kallis and Gibbs were considered among the most reliable batting pairs of their era.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs | 178* | 2nd | India | 25 Sep 2002 |
5. Wavell Hinds and Chris Gayle
When speaking of power and aggression in the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History, the 192-run opening stand between Wavell Hinds and Chris Gayle for West Indies in 2004 at Southampton comes to mind. Gayle’s fearless hitting tore into the Bangladesh bowlers, while Hinds provided a steady hand at the other end. Together, they dominated the entire innings, making it nearly impossible for Bangladesh to recover. This stand reflected the Caribbean style of batting – fearless, aggressive, and entertaining to watch.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavell Hinds, Chris Gayle | 192 | 1st | Bangladesh | 15 Sep 2004 |
4. Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly
India’s 192-run partnership between Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly is another memorable entry among the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History. Playing against England at Colombo in 2002, Sehwag blasted his way with fearless strokes, while Ganguly added elegance and leadership at the other end. This was an opening stand that completely destroyed England’s bowling attack. The two openers played contrasting yet complementary styles of cricket, proving how dangerous they were together at the top of the order.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly | 192 | 1st | England | 22 Sep 2002 |
3. Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf
The rivalry between India and Pakistan has produced some of the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History, and the 206-run stand between Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf in 2009 at Centurion is one of the best. This fourth-wicket partnership came in a high-pressure match where both batters combined aggression and calmness. Malik attacked with intent, while Yousuf displayed elegance and patience. Their stand turned the game in Pakistan’s favor and gave their fans one of the sweetest victories against their arch-rivals Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf | 206 | 4th | India | 26 Sep 2009 |
2. Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah
One of the most iconic batting efforts in the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History belongs to Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah. In 2017, playing against New Zealand in Cardiff, Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble early in the innings. But Shakib and Mahmudullah joined hands to add a record-breaking 224 runs for the fifth wicket. Their fearless and calculated batting stunned the opposition and guided Bangladesh to a famous victory. This partnership is remembered as one of the finest moments in Bangladesh’s cricketing history, proving their ability to compete with top cricketing nations.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah | 224 | 5th | New Zealand | 9 Jun 2017 |
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1. Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting
At the top of the list of the Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History is the record-breaking stand between Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting. In 2009 at Centurion, they added an unbeaten 252 runs for the second wicket against England. Watson displayed raw power, hitting boundaries with ease, while Ponting batted with his trademark timing and class. The English bowlers were left helpless as these two dominated the innings from start to finish. This partnership not only remains the highest in Champions Trophy history but is also regarded as one of the greatest partnerships in ODI cricket overall.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting | 252* | 2nd | England | 2 Oct 2009 |
The Highest Partnerships in ICC Champions Trophy History are not just numbers on a scorecard; they represent moments of resilience, dominance, and teamwork in cricket. From Bangladesh’s inspiring stands to Australia’s record-breaking feats, each partnership tells its own unique story. They highlight how two players working together can turn matches around, uplift their teams, and create lasting memories for fans. These partnerships will forever be celebrated as iconic moments in ICC Champions Trophy history, showcasing why partnerships remain the backbone of cricket.