Partnerships win matches – and often when individual batters complement each others work so well, magic happens. Over the years, Pakistan has had its fair share of memorable partnerships in T20Is. Here is the list: Top 10 highest partnerships in Pakistan T20I history, explained in a simple and enjoyable way.
1 – Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan vs England (Karachi, 2022)*
Wicket: 1st
Runs: 203
Match Context: Chased down 199 without losing a wicket.
Why It Matters: This was history. A record breaking chase and a perfect example of class, calm, and control.
“Pakistan had NEVER chased this big without losing a wicket. Rizwan & Babar were simply untouchable that night.”
2 – Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan vs South Africa (Centurion, 2021)
Wicket: 1st
Runs: 197
Power Pairing: Babar and Rizwan played some great shots in Centurion and made runs all over the ground.
Match Recap: Helped Pakistan post a record 200+ total.
Babar’s grace + Rizwan’s hustle = perhaps the most lethal combination in world cricket.
3 – Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan vs West Indies (Karachi, 2021)
Wicket: 1st
Runs: 158
Style of Play: A calculated start, then acceleration — textbook T20 partnership.
“The West Indies bowlers had no answers that day. This was controlled domination.”
4 – Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan vs India (Dubai, 2021)*
Wicket: 1st
Runs: 152
T20 World Cup Magic: This was not just a win — it was an emotional moment for every Pakistani fan.
Why Fans Still Talk About It: First ever WC win against India, and done without losing a single wicket.
“That night, history was written — and it felt like a dream for every Pakistani.”
5 – Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan vs England (Nottingham, 2021)
Wicket: 1st
Runs: 150
Consistency Alert: These two just kept delivering, and this knock proved their value again.
“When these two open, you just sit back and enjoy the show.”
These top partnerships also reflect how consistent these players have been in T20Is. Pakistan’s highest run scorers in T20Is have set some incredible records.
6 – Mohammad Hafeez & Ahmed Shehzad vs Zimbabwe (Harare, 2013)*
Wicket: 2nd
Runs: 143
Old is Gold: Back when handsomeness ruled and Rizwan-Babar were not in the picture, Hafeez & Shehzad were the pair matching the aesthetic of playing in white clothes.
Unbeaten Knock: They stayed till the end and finished the job.
“A classic from the early T20 era – clean shots, cool heads.”
7 – Salman Butt & Kamran Akmal vs Bangladesh (Gros Islet, 2010)
Wicket: 1st
Runs: 142
T20 World Cup: This was during a high-pressure game, and they delivered.
Why It Stands Out: One of Pakistan’s earliest dominant opening pairs in T20Is.
8 – Mukhtar Ahmed & Ahmed Shehzad vs Zimbabwe (Lahore, 2015)
Wicket: 1st
Runs: 142
Power-Hitting: Mukhtar big hitting + Shehzad form gave Zimbabwe a nightmare.
Home Crowd Energy: Played in Lahore, and the atmosphere was electric.
9 – Mohammad Rizwan & Fakhar Zaman vs Ireland (Dublin, 2024)
Wicket: 3rd
Runs: 140
Different Combo, Same Rizwan: Fakhar added flair while Rizwan anchored.
Comeback Kings: Helped Pakistan recover after early wickets.
10 – Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan vs Ireland (Dublin, 2024)
Wicket: 2nd
Runs: 139
Once Again: You just can not keep Rizwan & Babar out of this list.
Smooth Flow: Runs came easily, and they made it look effortless.
While openers build these partnerships, finishers often seal the win with their big hitting. Here are some of the best finishers in T20 cricket who have done this time and again.
FAQs for “Top 10 Highest Partnerships for Pakistan in T20I Cricket”
1. Who holds the record for the highest partnership for Pakistan in T20Is?
Answer: Pakistan record holder for the greatest unbroken opening partnership of 203 runs against England in Karachi during 2022, when they expertly reduced the target of 199 without getting anyone out, is Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
2. Which Pakistani batting pair has the most century stands in T20 internationals?
Answer: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have formed the highest number of two-centuries partnerships in the history of Pakistan Internationals.
3. What is Pakistan highest successful run chase in T20I cricket?
Answer: With Babar scoring 122 and Rizwan 73 to help Pakistan comfortably go over the target, the T20 International credible chase is 204 runs against South Africa at Centurion in April 2021.
Final Thoughts
These are not stats — these are stories. They are examples of two players who use the power of trust and the benefit of timing to further their objectives. Pakistan has been fortunate to have so many phenomenal pairings — and with Rizwan & Babar partnership continuing to succeed, expect many record breaking partnerships to come in the years ahead.
