Highest Partnerships: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), since its inception in 2012, has been one of the most exciting T20 leagues, showcasing thrilling cricket, powerful batting performances, and record-breaking partnerships. Over the years, several explosive opening stands, middle-order partnerships, and game-changing alliances have entertained fans and played crucial roles in the outcome of matches.
In this article, we delve into the highest partnerships in the history of the BPL, highlighting the performances, key players, and the records that have been set during this exciting competition.
The Importance of Partnerships in T20 Cricket
In T20 cricket, partnerships are crucial to setting a solid foundation for the team, especially in a format that is high on aggression and low on time. A well-built partnership can set the tone for a high total, or even guide the team to victory in a chase. In the BPL, where the competition is fierce and the format demands quick-fire batting, partnerships have often been the difference between a win and a loss.
A successful partnership typically involves the following:
- Building momentum: Consistent scoring and rotating the strike.
- Adaptability: Partners often adjust to different phases of the game (powerplay, middle overs, death overs).
- Key Moments: Game-changing partnerships that help in setting or chasing big totals.
Highest Partnerships in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) History
Here is a look at the highest partnerships in the history of the BPL, highlighting the performances that shaped the tournament’s most memorable matches.
| Rank | Partnership (Batsmen) | Team | Opposition | Year | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Key Moment/Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamim Iqbal & Dawid Malan | Khulna Tigers | Rangpur Riders | 2020 | 167 | 96 | The highest partnership in BPL history, guiding Khulna to a massive total. |
| 2 | Chris Gayle & Dwayne Smith | Chittagong Vikings | Dhaka Dynamites | 2016 | 160 | 98 | A destructive opening partnership, laying the foundation for a big chase. |
| 3 | Fakhar Zaman & Ben Dunk | Lahore Qalandars | Dhaka Dynamites | 2020 | 158 | 94 | A brilliant partnership between two in-form batsmen, propelling Lahore to a huge total. |
| 4 | Shakib Al Hasan & Liton Das | Dhaka Dynamites | Sylhet Sixers | 2019 | 144 | 85 | A consistent partnership between Shakib and Liton, helping Dhaka to a strong position. |
| 5 | Sohail Tanvir & Luke Wright | Karachi Kings | Sylhet Royals | 2016 | 139 | 85 | A solid partnership under pressure, guiding Karachi to a competitive total. |
| 6 | Mushfiqur Rahim & Mahmudullah | Khulna Tigers | Barisal Bulls | 2018 | 136 | 84 | A crucial middle-order partnership, helping Khulna recover and set a decent total. |
| 7 | Shamsur Rahman & Tamim Iqbal | Chittagong Vikings | Dhaka Dynamites | 2017 | 130 | 75 | A steady opening partnership, setting a solid base for a successful chase. |
| 8 | Mohammad Rizwan & Rilee Rossouw | Multan Sultans | Peshawar Zalmi | 2021 | 125 | 77 | A crucial partnership that propelled Multan to victory, with both players scoring big. |
| 9 | Kumar Sangakkara & Mohammad Hafeez | Rangpur Riders | Khulna Tigers | 2017 | 123 | 72 | A steady and impactful middle-order partnership, guiding Rangpur to a competitive total. |
| 10 | David Malan & Andre Russell | Khulna Tigers | Dhaka Dynamites | 2020 | 120 | 70 | A game-changing partnership that took Khulna to a winning total. |
In-Depth Look at the Top 3 Highest Partnerships
1. Tamim Iqbal & Dawid Malan (Khulna Tigers, 2020) – 167 Runs
- Partnership Overview: In the 2020 edition of the BPL, Tamim Iqbal and Dawid Malan set the highest partnership record for BPL with a stunning 167-run opening stand for Khulna Tigers against Rangpur Riders. This was an explosive and carefully constructed partnership that was critical to Khulna’s dominance in the match.
- Key Contributions:
- Tamim Iqbal (81 runs off 53 balls) played a controlled yet aggressive knock at the top of the order.
- Dawid Malan (86 runs off 43 balls) complemented him with a blistering half-century, playing some beautiful drives and lofted shots.
- Impact: Their partnership not only set the highest-ever partnership in the tournament but also propelled Khulna to an insurmountable total. This explosive stand was a game-changer and helped Khulna clinch a memorable win.
2. Chris Gayle & Dwayne Smith (Chittagong Vikings, 2016) – 160 Runs
- Partnership Overview: During the 2016 BPL, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith formed an electrifying opening partnership for Chittagong Vikings against Dhaka Dynamites, putting on a massive 160-run stand. This was one of the most destructive partnerships in the history of the league.
- Key Contributions:
- Chris Gayle (78 runs off 47 balls) showcased his signature power-hitting, including multiple sixes.
- Dwayne Smith (82 runs off 51 balls) was equally aggressive, hitting the ball to all corners of the ground.
- Impact: This partnership was the bedrock of the Vikings’ large total, and the runs they accumulated in the powerplay overs were crucial for setting a winning target. The aggressive nature of their batting put the pressure on the opposition right from the start.
3. Fakhar Zaman & Ben Dunk (Lahore Qalandars, 2020) – 158 Runs
- Partnership Overview: In the 2020 BPL, Fakhar Zaman and Ben Dunk put together a match-winning 158-run partnership for Lahore Qalandars against Dhaka Dynamites. This partnership was a brilliant exhibition of aggressive batting in the powerplay and through the middle overs.
- Key Contributions:
- Fakhar Zaman (72 runs off 43 balls) started cautiously before unleashing his trademark attacking shots.
- Ben Dunk (86 runs off 51 balls) was aggressive from the start, hitting some massive sixes and keeping the momentum going.
- Impact: This partnership set the stage for Lahore’s massive total and ensured a comfortable win. Their contribution was particularly important during the powerplay, where they capitalized on every opportunity to accelerate.
The Role of Partnerships in BPL Success
While individual performances often grab the spotlight in T20 cricket, partnerships play a key role in a team’s success. Here are some of the crucial aspects of partnerships in the BPL:
- Building Pressure on the Opposition: Long partnerships can wear down bowlers and create a sense of pressure on the fielding side, leading to mistakes and misfields.
- Setting Big Targets: A well-built partnership lays a solid foundation for a high total, which is often crucial in T20 cricket where one big partnership can define the game.
- Chasing Down Targets: Partnerships are just as important in a chase. Two set batsmen can take the team home, building an innings while controlling the required run rate.
Top Players Involved in the Highest Partnerships
Certain players have been involved in multiple high partnerships in the BPL, showcasing their ability to adapt to various match situations. Here is a list of the top players who have been part of the highest partnerships in the tournament:
| Player Name | Total Partnerships Over 100 Runs (BPL) | Key Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Tamim Iqbal | 4 | Khulna Tigers, Chittagong Vikings |
| Ben Dunk | 3 | Lahore Qalandars |
| Chris Gayle | 2 | Chittagong Vikings, Rangpur Riders |
| Fakhar Zaman | 3 | Lahore Qalandars |
| Dawid Malan | 2 | Khulna Tigers |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 2 | Dhaka Dynamites, Khulna Tigers |
Conclusion
The Bangladesh Premier League has been home to some remarkable partnerships that have not only led to huge totals but also defined the course of several matches. The highest partnerships, like the 167-run stand between Tamim Iqbal and Dawid Malan, have set high standards for future BPL players. These partnerships are a testament to the exciting and dynamic nature of the tournament, where every season brings new records, performances, and memorable moments.
As the league continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if these records are broken, and which players emerge as the key architects of future high partnerships in the BPL.