When it comes to cricket rivalries, nothing compares to India vs Pakistan. Every run matters, every wicket is celebrated wildly, and every partnership becomes a potential turning point. In the high-pressure format of T20 Internationals (T20Is), partnerships are often the difference between victory and heartbreak.
Over the years, India and Pakistan have produced some unforgettable batting stands in T20 cricket — partnerships that shifted momentum, silenced crowds, and etched players’ names into rivalry folklore.
This detailed, SEO-optimized guide explores the highest partnerships in India–Pakistan T20Is, their match context, impact, and why they remain iconic moments in cricket history.
Why Partnerships Matter in India vs Pakistan T20 Matches
T20 cricket is fast-paced and unpredictable. In a format limited to 20 overs per side, partnerships:
- Stabilize early collapses
- Accelerate scoring in middle overs
- Anchor difficult chases
- Counter hostile bowling spells
- Build match-winning momentum
In India–Pakistan matches, the psychological pressure doubles. A steady partnership can calm nerves and silence opposition fans — whether in Dubai, Melbourne, Manchester, or Ahmedabad.
Highest Partnerships in India–Pakistan T20Is
Below are some of the most significant and highest partnerships in India–Pakistan T20 history.
1️⃣ Virat Kohli & Hardik Pandya – 113 Runs
Asia Cup 2022, Dubai
4
Match Situation
India was under pressure after losing early wickets while chasing Pakistan’s total. With the required run rate climbing and Pakistan’s pace attack firing, the game looked evenly poised.
The Partnership
Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya stitched together a 113-run partnership, one of the highest in India–Pakistan T20Is. Kohli anchored the innings with controlled aggression, while Pandya provided power-hitting when required.
Why It Was Special
- Helped India chase successfully
- Showed Kohli’s adaptability in T20 chases
- Neutralized Pakistan’s pace attack
- Turned a tense game into a composed finish
This stand is remembered as one of the finest India–Pakistan T20 chases in recent years.
2️⃣ Mohammad Rizwan & Babar Azam – 152 Runs
T20 World Cup 2021, Dubai
4
The Historic Stand
This partnership holds the record for the highest partnership in India–Pakistan T20Is.
Chasing India’s target in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan put on a dominant, unbeaten 152-run opening partnership.
Impact
- Pakistan chased the total without losing a wicket
- First-ever 10-wicket victory over India in a World Cup
- Completely dismantled India’s bowling attack
- Became one of the most talked-about matches in rivalry history
This stand remains a landmark moment in T20 cricket between the two nations.
3️⃣ Gautam Gambhir & Yuvraj Singh – 63 Runs
T20 World Cup 2007 Final, Johannesburg
4
The Context
The inaugural ICC T20 World Cup final in 2007 remains one of the most historic India–Pakistan encounters.
After early wickets, India needed stability. Gambhir and Yuvraj built a crucial partnership that stabilized the innings.
Why It Mattered
- Helped India post a competitive total
- Laid the foundation for India’s first T20 World Cup title
- Set the tone for future India–Pakistan T20 clashes
Though not the highest numerically, its importance in a World Cup final makes it unforgettable.
4️⃣ Virat Kohli & Ravindra Jadeja – 52 Runs
T20 World Cup 2022, Melbourne
4
High-Pressure Chase
In front of over 90,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India faced a daunting chase.
Kohli and Jadeja built a crucial middle-order partnership that steadied the innings before the dramatic final overs.
Legacy of the Stand
- Allowed Kohli to accelerate later
- Reduced required run rate
- Set up one of the greatest T20 innings ever (Kohli’s 82*)
While smaller in number, this partnership changed the game’s direction.
Key Statistics: Highest Partnerships Snapshot
| Players | Runs | Venue | Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan | 152* | Dubai | T20 WC 2021 | Pakistan won |
| Virat Kohli & Hardik Pandya | 113 | Dubai | Asia Cup 2022 | India won |
| Gambhir & Yuvraj Singh | 63 | Johannesburg | T20 WC 2007 Final | India won |
| Kohli & Jadeja | 52 | Melbourne | T20 WC 2022 | India won |
What Makes India–Pakistan Partnerships So Memorable?
1. Immense Pressure
Unlike bilateral series, India vs Pakistan matches carry political, emotional, and historical weight.
2. World Tournament Context
Most high partnerships occurred in ICC tournaments — raising stakes significantly.
3. Quality Bowling Attacks
From Wasim Akram’s legacy to Shaheen Afridi’s modern pace threat, scoring big partnerships against Pakistan’s bowling is no small feat. Similarly, India’s bowling depth adds to the challenge.
4. Global Audience
Millions watch these games worldwide, amplifying every boundary and every run.
Tactical Analysis: Why Big Partnerships Are Rare
In T20 cricket:
- Powerplays demand aggression
- Middle overs require rotation
- Death overs encourage risk-taking
Against quality attacks, sustaining long partnerships is difficult. Hence, 100+ stands are rare in India–Pakistan T20Is.
The 152-run partnership in 2021 remains exceptional because:
- It was unbeaten
- It came in a high-pressure World Cup match
- It dismantled India’s bowling without losing wickets
Impact on Future India–Pakistan T20 Matches
These record stands influence strategy in future encounters:
- Teams prioritize strong opening combinations
- Anchors like Kohli and Babar are valued highly
- Stability is emphasized over reckless aggression
- Bowling sides focus on breaking partnerships early
Modern T20 strategy in India–Pakistan matches revolves around partnership control.
Rising Stars Who Could Break Records
With emerging talents on both sides, future India–Pakistan T20s may witness new record partnerships.
Possible future combinations:
- Young Indian openers in ICC tournaments
- Pakistan’s evolving middle order
- Aggressive power hitters redefining T20 scoring rates
Given the evolving nature of T20 cricket, 160+ partnerships may not be far away.
The Emotional Side of Record Partnerships
Beyond numbers, these partnerships represent:
- Calm under pressure
- Rivalry-defining performances
- Career-defining moments
- National pride
Fans remember where they were when Kohli finished games or when Babar and Rizwan dominated in Dubai.
These are not just statistics — they are stories etched into cricket history.
Conclusion: Records That Define a Rivalry
The highest partnerships in India–Pakistan T20Is showcase more than just runs scored. They reflect composure, skill, and mental toughness under immense pressure.
From the historic 152-run stand by Babar and Rizwan to Kohli’s match-winning collaborations, each partnership tells a story of resilience and dominance.
As cricket continues to evolve and the rivalry intensifies in ICC events, new records will inevitably be set. But for now, these partnerships remain benchmark moments in one of the greatest sporting rivalries of all time.