The ICC One-Day International World Cup is without a doubt one of the most anticipated events in cricket. It gathers the top teams from all around the world to battle for the renowned crown. The tournament’s rich history is full of great moments, heroic performances, and heart-stopping matches that have left an indelible impression on fans all around the world. Cricket’s distinct blend of strategy, talent, and drama captivates viewers on all continents. A cricket match has something for everyone to appreciate, whether it’s the brilliant strokeplay of batters, the deft spin of bowlers, or the acrobatic fielding performances. As the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup approaches, excitement is mounting, and cricket fans are keen to see their favorite countries and stars in action once more.
The World Cup has also witnessed some incredible stands between batsmen who have formed massive partnerships. This article will look at the top five highest batting partnerships in the ODI World Cup.
Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels
Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels’ incredible partnership during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup made history. Their record-breaking third-wicket stand of 372 runs against Zimbabwe at Manuka Oval in Canberra was simply remarkable. This partnership not only set a new record for the highest partnership in World Cup history, but it also demonstrated the destructive potential of West Indian batting.
Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid
The partnership of Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid at the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup was a remarkable moment in cricket history. Their 318-run second-wicket stand against Sri Lanka at the County Cricket Ground in Taunton remains one of the highest partnerships in World Cup history. Their 318-run combination not only boosted India to a commanding lead in that game but also highlighted their remarkable batting skills.
Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan
The partnership of Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup is recorded in cricket history as the third highest partnership in World Cup history. Their amazing first-wicket stand of 282 runs against Zimbabwe at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium demonstrated their batting strength.
David Warner and Steve Smith
Steven Smith and David Warner had the fourth-highest partnership in World Cup history at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, which was contested at the WACA Ground in Perth, Australia, against Afghanistan. Their explosive partnership collected 260 runs for the second wicket, with Warner leading the charge with a scorching 178 runs off just 133 deliveries, and Smith contributing 95 runs. This explosive partnership was critical to Australia’s dominance, propelling them to a mammoth total of 417/6 in their allocated 50 overs.
David Miller and JP Duminy
During the 2015 World Cup, David Miller and Jean-Paul Duminy achieved the fifth-highest partnership in ICC Cricket World Cup history, with a partnership of 256 runs, against Zimbabwe at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand. David Miller smashed a century and 138 runs, while Jean-Paul Duminy added 115 runs. This partnership was critical to South Africa’s triumph, as they scored 339/4 in their allocated 50 overs, ultimately securing a comfortable win against Zimbabwe.
Top 10 highest partnerships in ICC Cricket World Cup history
| Position | Partners | Runs | Wicket | Year | Opposition |
| 1 | Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle (WI) | 372 | 2nd | 2015 | Zimbabwe |
| 2 | Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid (IND) | 318 | 2nd | 1999 | Sri Lanka |
| 3 | Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL) | 282 | 1st | 2011 | Zimbabwe |
| 4 | David Warner, Steve Smith (AUS) | 260 | 2nd | 2015 | Afghanistan |
| 5 | David Miller, JP Duminy (SA) | 256* | 5th | 2015 | Zimbabwe |
| 6 | Faf du Plessis, HM Amla (SA) | 247 | 2nd | 2015 | Ireland |
| 7 | Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly (IND) | 244 | 2nd | 2003 | Namibia |
| 8 | Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid (IND) | 237* | 3rd | 1999 | Kenya |
| 9 | Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn (AUS) | 234* | 3rd | 2003 | India |
| 10 | Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL) | 231* | 1st | 2011 | England |
| 11 | K Van Noortwijk, JK Kloppenburg (NED) | 228 | 2nd | 2003 | Namibia |
Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle made the highest partnership of 372 runs against Zimbabwe in the 2015 ODI World Cup.
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