The Pakistan Super League is no longer a newcomer on the T20 cricket scene. Season after season, it's steadily climbing the ranks to be considered among the elite leagues.
Several factors contribute to this rise. Firstly, the PSL boasts a high-octane brand of cricket. Fast-paced matches featuring explosive batting and nail-biting finishes keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The presence of international superstars alongside exciting domestic talent creates a compelling mix.
Secondly, the PSL has shown impressive growth commercially. Attracting big-name sponsors and lucrative broadcast deals signifies a financially strong foundation. This allows the league to invest in player salaries, infrastructure, and overall production value.
Thirdly, the league benefits from a passionate fanbase. Pakistan has a rich cricket tradition, and the PSL has tapped into that fervour. Packed stadiums and enthusiastic online communities showcase the unwavering support for the league.
PSL has started making records and here we bring you the list of 5 highest partnerships in the history of the league.
1) Saud Shakeel & Jason Roy – Quetta Gladiators
The 2nd match of the 9th PSL season saw a phenomenal opening partnership between Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel for the Quetta Gladiators against Peshawar Zalmi.
The duo put on a masterclass, amassing a staggering 157 runs for the first wicket. Roy, the experienced opener, dazzled with a 48-ball 75, peppering the boundary with 6 fours and 4 sixes.
Shakeel, playing in his first PSL match, wasn't to be outdone. He smashed a well-paced 74 off 47 deliveries, including 8 fours and 3 sixes.
2) Liam Livingstone & Babar Azam – Karachi Kings
The 2019 PSL witnessed Liam Livingstone, making his PSL debut, and the ever-reliable Azam, tore into the bowlers. Livingstone's brute force, a whirlwind of sixes and fours, propelled him to a blazing 82 off just 43 balls.
Azam wasn't to be outdone, showcasing his elegant strokeplay with a well-compiled 77 from 59 deliveries. Together, they amassed a staggering 157-run stand, the highest opening partnership in PSL history at the time.
Their dominance laid the foundation for a comfortable Karachi Kings victory, putting the PSL on notice of a special batting duo.
3) Usman Khan & Mohammad Rizwan – Multan Sultans
The 2022 PSL encounter between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators witnessed a fiery opening partnership between Usman Khan and Mohammad Rizwan. While Khan stole the limelight with the fastest PSL century (36 balls), Rizwan wasn't just a supporting act.
Their 79-run stand in just 62 balls laid the foundation for a mammoth total, putting immense pressure on the Quetta Gladiators' batting line-up.
Though Rizwan fell short of a century himself (51 off 42 balls), his experience alongside Khan's explosiveness proved a potent combination that dismantled the Gladiators' bowling attack.
4) Saim Ayub & Babar Azam – Peshawar Zalmi
PSL 2022 saw a promising opening partnership blossom between Babar Azam and Saim Ayub for Peshawar Zalmi against Quetta Gladiators. The duo took the attack to the bowlers from the get-go, stitching together a quickfire 70 runs in the powerplay.
Azam, known for his elegant strokeplay, anchored the innings with a well-composed 68 runs. Ayub, the aggressor, played a blistering knock of 42 runs off just 26 balls, peppering the boundary with sixes and fours.
Overall, the duo displayed a partnership of 162 runs in 13.3 overs and made headlines in the league.
5) Sharjeel Khan & Babar Azam – Karachi Kings
The 2021 PSL witnessed a historic partnership blossom between Sharjeel Khan and Babar Azam for Karachi Kings against Islamabad United.
This opening pair rewrote the record books, amassing a staggering 176 runs – the highest ever for any wicket in PSL history. Khan, known for his aggressive strokeplay, unleashed a whirlwind knock, scoring a scintillating 105 runs off just 59 balls.
Azam, the epitome of elegance, played a more composed innings, contributing a valuable 62 runs. Their contrasting styles perfectly complemented each other, creating a nightmare for the Islamabad United bowlers.
