Published By: Alfaraz Laique

Best opening pairs in one day cricket ever

In one-day cricket, the opening pair is considered to be one of the most crucial positions in a team's batting line-up. It sets the tone for the rest of the innings and lays the foundation for a big score.

Here are some of the best opening pairs in one-day cricket history.

Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly - The Indian duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly is considered to be one of the best opening pairs in one-day cricket history. They played together in 136 matches, scoring 6,609 runs at an average of 49.32. They formed a formidable partnership that helped India win many matches.

Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden - The Australian opening pair of Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden was a nightmare for bowlers around the world. They played together in 114 matches, scoring 5,372 runs at an average of 48.98. They also hold the record for the highest partnership in one-day cricket, scoring 389 runs against Zimbabwe in 2003.

Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes - The West Indian opening pair of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes was one of the most successful partnerships in one-day cricket history. They played together in 148 matches, scoring 5,938 runs at an average of 52.55. They helped the West Indies win two World Cups in 1979 and 1983.

Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana - The Sri Lankan opening pair of Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana revolutionized one-day cricket with their aggressive approach. They played together in 118 matches, scoring 3,634 runs at an average of 32.17. They also played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's World Cup victory in 1996.

Alistair Cook and Ian Bell - The English opening pair of Alistair Cook and Ian Bell was one of the most successful partnerships in recent years. They played together in 69 matches, scoring 2,728 runs at an average of 40.58. They also hold the record for the highest partnership for any wicket in a one-day international, scoring 250 runs against Australia in 2013.

Mark Waugh and Adam Gilchrist - The Australian opening pair of Mark Waugh and Adam Gilchrist was one of the most exciting partnerships in one-day cricket history. They played together in 93 matches, scoring 3,868 runs at an average of 43.07. They helped Australia win the World Cup in 1999.

Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly - The Indian opening pair of Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly was a lethal combination that often gave nightmares to bowlers. They played together in 69 matches, scoring 3,388 runs at an average of 49.32. They formed a formidable partnership that helped India win many matches.