Top 5 Highest Opening Partnership While Following-on In Test Cricket Ft. Babar Azam And Shan Masood

Test cricket, often revered for its timeless quality and ability to bring out the true skill of players, continues to provide thrilling moments that echo in the annals of history. One such unforgettable incident took place during the second and final Test match between South Africa and Pakistan, where Babar Azam and Shan Masood etched their names into history books. Their remarkable partnership not only kept Pakistan in the contest after being forced to follow-on, but it also set a new record for the highest opening wicket partnership after a follow-on in Test cricket. This incredible feat further enriched the legacy of Test cricket, showcasing the mental fortitude and resilience of the players.

The Record-Breaking Partnership: Babar Azam and Shan Masood

During Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, the final Test match at Cape Town presented a dramatic twist in the narrative. South Africa had posted a mammoth first-innings total of 615 runs, thanks to a magnificent team effort. However, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble, finishing their first innings with just 194 runs, trailing by a huge margin. The follow-on was enforced, and Pakistan’s hopes of salvaging the match rested on their opening pair.

In what would become a historic moment in Test cricket, Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Shan Masood defied the odds and produced a partnership that no one had quite anticipated. Playing against some of the most talented pacers in the world, the duo forged a 206-run opening stand, breaking the previous record for the highest partnership after a follow-on.

Masood and Azam’s resilience was on full display as they faced the relentless South African pacers, including the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen. The pitch, offering some bounce and movement, posed a stern challenge, but the pair played with impeccable composure and tactical awareness. Masood, often criticized for his inconsistent performances, found form and delivered a knock full of grit and determination. Azam, the captain, was equally stellar, displaying a mix of elegant strokes and solid defense.

Their partnership was not just a testament to their individual skills but also to their understanding of the game. Both players showed immense patience, wearing down the bowlers while keeping Pakistan’s chances of avoiding defeat alive. This partnership not only allowed Pakistan to show resilience in the face of adversity but also propelled them to a historic achievement in Test cricket.

Sadly, towards the dying moments of Day 3, Babar Azam, after a brilliant knock, gave his wicket away to Marco Jansen, thus ending the record-breaking partnership. Despite the setback, Pakistan had made a remarkable statement with the 206-run partnership, setting a new benchmark for opening partnerships in the face of a follow-on.

Top 5 Highest Opening Partnerships After a Follow-On in Test Cricket

While the partnership between Azam and Masood undoubtedly stole the show, their remarkable feat placed them in illustrious company. Over the years, there have been several high-profile instances where teams, under dire circumstances after being forced to follow-on, managed to produce record-breaking opening partnerships. Let’s take a look at the top 5 highest opening partnerships after a follow-on in the history of Test cricket.

(5) Graham Gooch and Michael Atherton (England) – 176 Runs

The England opening pair of Graham Gooch and Michael Atherton achieved an impressive 176-run partnership during the third Test of India’s 1990 tour of England at The Oval. India had posted a mammoth total of 606/9 in their first innings, bolstered by outstanding individual performances from Ravi Shastri and Kapil Dev. In reply, England could only manage 340 runs, forcing them to follow-on.

In what could have been a demoralizing situation, Gooch and Atherton stood tall. Their partnership not only helped England save the match but also set a foundation for a strong second innings. Gooch’s 88 runs were critical to the partnership, and though he was dismissed by Narendra Hirwani, the solid opening stand provided the necessary momentum for the rest of the batting lineup. England went on to score 477/4, and the match ended in a draw, securing a 1-0 series victory for England.

(4) Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan (England) – 182 Runs

Another memorable instance of resilience came in 2004 during the Test match at St. John’s, Antigua, between England and the West Indies. The West Indies had already created history in the match with Brian Lara scoring an unbeaten 400 runs, and they declared their innings at 751 runs.

England, in their first innings, were dismissed for 285 runs, leaving them to follow-on. Facing a monumental task, the opening duo of Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan put on a brave face and scored 182 runs for the first wicket in their second innings. Trescothick contributed 88 runs off 188 balls, and Vaughan helped hold the fort as well. Their partnership was vital in ensuring England’s second innings reached 422 runs, allowing them to save the match.

Though England could not win the match, their brave fightback ensured they avoided defeat in a match where they had been placed under extreme pressure.

(3) Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes (Bangladesh) – 185 Runs

Bangladesh’s tour of England in 2010 marked another example of defiance after a follow-on. In the opening Test at Lord’s, England had made 505 runs in their first innings, while Bangladesh could only muster 282 runs, leading to a follow-on.

The opening pair of Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes rose to the challenge in their second innings. Despite the difficult English conditions and the challenge posed by pacers like James Anderson, Tim Bresnan, and Steve Finn, the Bangladeshi openers put up a valiant resistance. Iqbal, in particular, played a stunning knock of 103 runs off just 100 balls, while Kayes contributed significantly to the partnership.

Together, they added 185 runs to Bangladesh’s total, but despite their best efforts, Bangladesh could only set England a target of 160 runs, which they chased down with ease. Nevertheless, the partnership was a testament to their fighting spirit and determination in the face of adversity.

(2) Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie (South Africa) – 204 Runs

In 2008, during South Africa’s tour of England, the two teams met at Lord’s for the first Test. England had posted an imposing 593/8 in their first innings, and South Africa found themselves bowled out for just 247 runs in reply. Forced to follow-on, South Africa needed a strong response to avoid a defeat.

The South African openers Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie delivered just that, putting together a historic 204-run partnership. Smith made an impressive 107 runs, while McKenzie faced a marathon innings of 447 balls, scoring 138 runs. The duo’s resilience helped South Africa finish their second innings at 477/4, and the match ended in a draw, with South Africa escaping with a hard-earned draw after being forced to follow-on.

(1) Babar Azam and Shan Masood (Pakistan) – 206 Runs

The record for the highest opening partnership after a follow-on in Test cricket now belongs to Babar Azam and Shan Masood. As mentioned earlier, the pair’s remarkable 206-run partnership against South Africa in Cape Town during the 2020 Test series was not only a record-breaker but also a display of exemplary temperament and skills.

Facing a daunting follow-on situation after South Africa posted 615 runs and Pakistan could only manage 194 runs in their first innings, Azam and Masood’s partnership provided the much-needed foundation for Pakistan’s survival. Their knock shattered the previous record for the highest opening partnership in such circumstances, and their efforts have rightfully earned them a place in cricket history.

The highest opening partnerships after a follow-on in Test cricket are not just about runs; they are about resilience, mental fortitude, and a team’s ability to rise to the occasion. These partnerships provide moments of history that will live long in the memories of fans and players alike. The remarkable feats of Babar Azam and Shan Masood, alongside the other partnerships in cricket’s history, underline the timeless excitement and drama that Test cricket continues to offer. For fans of the game, moments like these are a reminder of why Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport, providing endless stories of courage, skill, and determination.

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