In cricket, partnerships play a vital role in building up the innings and securing a match. Whether it’s a cautious beginning or an aggressive chase, a solid partnership between two batters can completely shift the momentum in favor of the batting side. Over the years, the ICC Champions Trophy has seen several iconic and match-defining partnerships that have left cricket fans amazed.
These powerful duos not only pile on the runs but also demoralize the bowling attack and build the platform for victory. In this article, we bring you the list of the highest partnerships in Champions Trophy history, including the thrilling records that still remain unbroken.
Why Are Partnerships So Important in Cricket?
A strong batting partnership:
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Builds momentum for the team.
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Adds scoreboard pressure on the opponents.
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Provides stability and reduces the risk of collapse.
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Boosts the confidence of the entire batting lineup.
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Can single-handedly win matches in high-pressure tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
Most Iconic Partnership in Champions Trophy – Watson & Ponting (252*)
The most memorable and highest partnership in ICC Champions Trophy history was set by Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting in 2009 against England. This record-breaking stand of 252 runs* remains unbeaten even in 2025.
Match Highlights:
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Event: Champions Trophy Semi-Final, 2009
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Venue: Centurion
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Date: 2nd October 2009
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Result: Australia won by 9 wickets
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Runs: 252* by Watson (136*) and Ponting (111*)
Their brilliant performance made the 258-run target look very small as they chased it down with ease and 49 balls to spare. Watson played the aggressor while Ponting anchored the innings like a true leader.
Other Record-Breaking Partnerships in Champions Trophy
1. Shakib Al Hasan & Mahmudullah – 224 Runs vs New Zealand (2017)
This partnership remains one of Bangladesh’s finest moments in international cricket. From a hopeless situation, Shakib and Mahmudullah stunned New Zealand with their calm yet fierce batting.
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Venue: Cardiff
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Date: 9th June 2017
Their partnership turned the game around and qualified Bangladesh for the semi-finals for the first time in an ICC event.
2. Shoaib Malik & Mohammad Yousuf – 206 Runs vs India (2009)
One of the most iconic India-Pakistan clashes saw this Pakistani duo deliver big. Malik and Yousuf stitched together a 206-run stand in Centurion to lead Pakistan to victory.
3. Sehwag & Ganguly – 192 Runs vs England (2002)
In Colombo, the explosive Sehwag and elegant Ganguly dominated the English bowlers with their aggressive stroke play and formed a massive 192-run opening stand.
4. Hinds & Gayle – 192 Runs vs Bangladesh (2004)
Caribbean power hitters Wavell Hinds and Chris Gayle put on a show in Southampton with their deadly opening combination, also scoring 192 runs.
5. Kallis & Gibbs – 178 Runs vs India (2002)*
A perfectly-paced unbeaten partnership by South African legends Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs gave India no chance to bounce back in this group-stage game.
6. Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli – 178 Runs vs Bangladesh (2017)*
This powerful Indian pair showed great chemistry and match control in a high-pressure semi-final. Rohit scored a fluent century while Kohli played the perfect supporting role.
7. Alec Stewart & Nasser Hussain – 175 Runs vs Bangladesh (2000)
This old-school English pairing ensured a commanding victory for England in the early years of the Champions Trophy.
8. Chris Gayle & Dwayne Bravo – 174 Runs vs England (2006)
West Indies’ batting muscle was on full display as Gayle and Bravo smashed England bowlers all over the park in Ahmedabad.
9. Tamim Iqbal & Mushfiqur Rahim – 166 Runs vs England (2017)
Bangladesh’s opening duo played classy cricket against the hosts England and made a strong mark with a 166-run partnership at The Oval.
Highest Partnerships in Champions Trophy – Full List
Rank | Players | Team | Runs | Opponent | Venue | Date |
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1 | Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting | Australia | 252* | England | Centurion | 2 Oct 2009 |
2 | Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah | Bangladesh | 224 | New Zealand | Cardiff | 9 Jun 2017 |
3 | Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf | Pakistan | 206 | India | Centurion | 26 Sep 2009 |
4 | Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly | India | 192 | England | Colombo | 22 Sep 2002 |
5 | Wavell Hinds, Chris Gayle | West Indies | 192 | Bangladesh | Southampton | 15 Sep 2004 |
6 | Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs | South Africa | 178* | India | Colombo | 25 Sep 2002 |
7 | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli | India | 178* | Bangladesh | Birmingham | 15 Jun 2017 |
8 | Alec Stewart, Nasser Hussain | England | 175 | Bangladesh | Nairobi | 5 Oct 2000 |
9 | Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo | West Indies | 174 | England | Ahmedabad | 28 Oct 2006 |
10 | Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 166 | England | The Oval | 1 Jun 2017 |
Final Thoughts
These record-breaking partnerships in the Champions Trophy have not just added to cricket’s thrill but also inspired fans and young cricketers around the world. As we move ahead in the Champions Trophy 2025, will we see this 252* run record by Watson and Ponting broken?
Only time will tell—but for now, these legendary partnerships stand tall in cricket history.