Cricket is a sport filled with rich history and memorable moments, and one of the most cherished aspects of the game is partnerships. These partnerships often become the building blocks for teams and help set the stage for incredible victories. From the highest first-wicket stands to the incredible 10th-wicket partnerships, these records reflect the essence of the game. Let’s take a journey through some of the highest wicket partnerships in the history of women’s cricket:
1st Wicket – 241 runs
- Batsmen: Kiran Baluch (242) and Sajjida Shah (98)
- Team: Pakistan
- Opponent: West Indies
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Season: 2003–04
The highest first-wicket partnership in women’s cricket was orchestrated by Kiran Baluch and Sajjida Shah, an opening stand for the ages that yielded 241 runs. Their partnership exemplified the essence of a strong opening partnership, laying the foundation for Pakistan’s success in the 2003–04 season.
2nd Wicket – 275 runs
- Batsmen: Thirush Kamini (192) and Poonam Raut (130)
- Team: India
- Opponent: South Africa
- Venue: Gangotri Glades Cricket Ground
- Season: 2014–15
Thirush Kamini and Poonam Raut’s mammoth partnership of 275 runs for the second wicket remains one of the finest examples of teamwork and resilience in women’s cricket. Their incredible stand took place in the 2014–15 season against South Africa, showcasing the art of partnership building.
3rd Wicket – 309 runs
- Batsmen: Lindsay Reeler (110*) and Denise Annetts (193)
- Team: Australia
- Opponent: England
- Venue: Collingham and Linton Cricket Club Ground
- Season: 1987
In 1987, Lindsay Reeler and Denise Annetts etched their names into the history books with a remarkable 309-run partnership for the third wicket. Their synergy and resilience against England were instrumental in Australia’s success, setting a record that still stands as one of the highest in women’s Test cricket.
4th Wicket – 253 runs
- Batsmen: Karen Rolton (209*) and Louise Broadfoot (71)
- Team: Australia
- Opponent: England
- Venue: Headingley
- Season: 2001
Karen Rolton and Louise Broadfoot’s incredible 253-run partnership for the fourth wicket showcased the strength of Australia’s middle order. Their partnership in the 2001 season against England was a defining moment in the history of women’s cricket.
5th Wicket – 138 runs
- Batsmen: Johmari Logtenberg (74) and Charlize van der Westhuizen (83)
- Team: South Africa
- Opponent: England
- Venue: Denis Compton Oval
- Season: 2003
Johmari Logtenberg and Charlize van der Westhuizen’s partnership for the fifth wicket demonstrated the power of resilience. Their 138-run stand was a crucial turning point in the match against England in 2003, showcasing their fighting spirit.
6th Wicket – 229 runs
- Batsmen: Jodie Fields (139) and Rachael Haynes (98)
- Team: Australia
- Opponent: England
- Venue: New Road, Worcester
- Season: 2009
Jodie Fields and Rachael Haynes orchestrated an extraordinary partnership for the sixth wicket in 2009 against England. Their incredible teamwork propelled Australia to a memorable victory, underlining the significance of partnerships in the game.
7th Wicket – 157 runs
- Batsmen: Mithali Raj (214) and Jhulan Goswami (62)
- Team: India
- Opponent: England
- Venue: Taunton
- Season: 2002
Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami’s partnership for the seventh wicket in 2002 displayed the importance of partnerships, even in challenging situations. Their remarkable stand against England in Taunton remains a testament to their skill and determination.
8th Wicket – 181 runs
- Batsmen: Sally Griffiths (133) and Debbie Wilson (92*)
- Team: Australia
- Opponent: New Zealand
- Venue: Cornwall Park
- Season: 1989–90
Sally Griffiths and Debbie Wilson formed a resilient partnership for the eighth wicket in the 1989–90 season against New Zealand. Their incredible stand highlighted the value of partnerships in the lower order, showcasing their determination and skill.
9th Wicket – 107 runs
- Batsmen: Beverly Botha (72) and Maureen Payne (33)
- Team: South Africa
- Opponent: New Zealand
- Venue: Newlands
- Season: 1971–72
Beverly Botha and Maureen Payne’s partnership for the ninth wicket in the 1971–72 season displayed the tenacity and spirit of South African cricket. Their partnership was a crucial aspect of the match, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in women’s Test cricket.
10th Wicket – 119 runs
- Batsmen: Shelley Nitschke (81*) and Clea Smith (42)
- Team: Australia
- Opponent: England
- Venue: County Ground, Hove
- Season: 2005
Shelley Nitschke and Clea Smith’s exceptional partnership for the 10th wicket in 2005 was a thrilling display of resilience. Their remarkable stand was a testament to the fighting spirit of Australian cricket, underlining the significance of partnerships even in the tail.
These records illustrate the vital role partnerships play in women’s Test cricket. They highlight the determination, skill, and teamwork of players who have come together to create memorable moments in the history of the sport. As the legacy of these partnerships lives on, they continue to inspire future generations of cricketers to work together and create their own historic moments on the cricket field.