Cricket is a game of unpredictable moments, but one of the most thrilling occurrences is a last-wicket partnership that defies expectations. When a team loses nine wickets, most assume the innings will wrap up quickly. However, there have been incredible last-wicket partnerships in Test cricket and ODIs that changed the course of matches.
Understanding the Last-Wicket Partnership
What is a Last-Wicket Partnership?
A last-wicket stand happens when the last two batsmen form a partnership. Since there are no remaining batters after them, it is often seen as the last opportunity to add crucial runs to the scoreboard.
Challenges Faced by Last-Wicket Batsmen
- Facing top-quality bowlers determined to finish the innings
- Lack of batting skills, especially if the tailender is a specialist bowler
- Pressure to support the main batsman while avoiding risky shots
Despite these difficulties, history has seen several record-breaking last-wicket partnerships that turned matches around.
The Highest Last-Wicket Partnership in Cricket History
163 Runs – Phillip Hughes & Ashton Agar (Australia vs. England, 2013 Ashes)
The highest last-wicket partnership in Test cricket is 163 runs, made by Phillip Hughes and Ashton Agar for Australia against England in the 2013 Ashes.
Match Details:
- Date: July 10-14, 2013
- Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- Runs Scored: 163
- Significance: Ashton Agar, a debutant, stunned the world with an incredible 98 runs, narrowly missing a century.
This partnership took Australia from 117/9 to 280, making it one of the most dramatic last-wicket stands in Test cricket.
Historic Last-Wicket Partnerships in Test Cricket
While Agar and Hughes hold the record, several other partnerships have made history:
Top Last-Wicket Stands in Test Cricket:
- Brian Hastings & Richard Collinge (151 Runs, 1973) – New Zealand vs. Pakistan
- Joe Root & James Anderson (198 Runs Unbroken, 2014) – England vs. India
- Tino Best & Denesh Ramdin (143 Runs, 2012) – West Indies vs. England
These instances prove that last-wicket partnerships in Test cricket can be game-changers.
Memorable Last-Wicket Partnerships in Limited-Overs Cricket
Although rare, last-wicket partnerships in ODIs and T20s have also created unforgettable moments.
ODI Cricket:
106 runs – Mohammad Amir & Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan vs. New Zealand, 2009)
This remains the highest last-wicket partnership in ODI cricket and showcased Amir’s surprising batting skills.
T20 Cricket:
Chris Morris & Imran Tahir (South Africa, 2016) – A stunning finish against England
Although T20 cricket doesn’t see long partnerships, tailenders can still influence games when needed.
Key Factors Behind a Successful Last-Wicket Partnership
Mental Strength & Patience
- A batsman must keep calm under pressure.
Rotating Strike Effectively
- The set batsman should take most of the strike, while the tailender supports.
Adapting to the Situation
- If the batting side needs quick runs, the tailender must also play attacking shots.
These elements make a last-wicket stand in Test cricket more than just luck—it’s a strategic effort.
Last-Wicket Partnerships in World Cup Matches
World Cup games have seen crucial last-wicket partnerships that changed results:
Michael Bevan’s 1996 World Cup knock – A near match-winning last-wicket stand for Australia
2011 World Cup final – Though not a last-wicket stand, India’s lower order contributed valuable runs
While no team has won a World Cup purely due to a last-wicket partnership, such moments have played vital roles in victories.
Record-Breaking Last-Wicket Stands by Country
Each major cricketing nation has witnessed iconic last-wicket partnerships:
- Australia: 163 runs (Hughes & Agar, 2013)
- New Zealand: 151 runs (Hastings & Collinge, 1973)
- England: 198 runs (Root & Anderson, 2014, unbroken)
- West Indies: 143 runs (Best & Ramdin, 2012)
- Pakistan: 106 runs (Amir & Ajmal, 2009, ODI record)
These Test and ODI last-wicket partnerships showcase the fighting spirit of lower-order batsmen.
Conclusion
The highest last-wicket partnership in cricket history remains 163 runs by Phillip Hughes & Ashton Agar in the 2013 Ashes. Such partnerships demonstrate the unpredictability of cricket and prove that a game isn’t over until the last wicket falls. Whether in Test cricket, ODIs, or even T20s, these heroic stands create some of the most unforgettable moments in the sport.
FAQs
1. What is the highest last-wicket partnership in Test cricket?
163 runs by Phillip Hughes & Ashton Agar (Australia vs. England, 2013 Ashes).
2. Which team has the most 100+ last-wicket partnerships?
England and Australia hold multiple records for last-wicket century stands.
3. What is the highest last-wicket partnership in ODI cricket?
106 runs by Mohammad Amir & Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan vs. New Zealand, 2009).
4. Has a last-wicket partnership ever won a World Cup match?
No last-wicket stand has won a World Cup final, but some lower-order partnerships have been crucial in World Cup matches.
5. How do tailenders improve their batting?
Modern cricket teams focus on tailender batting training, helping lower-order players build resilience and technique.