IND vs SA: Top 5 Highest Opening Partnerships In India vs South Africa T20Is

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IND vs SA - The 5-match T20I series between India and South Africa is mere days away as both the team would start their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. Both these teams didn't have a successful outing in the World T20 2021 and would be eyeing an impactful comeback this year. 

India will host South Africa for a 5-match T20I series starting June 9th (Thursday) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. With notable names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma & Jasprit Bumrah rested from the series, players would have a chance to prove their worth and cement their spot for the upcoming T20 World Cup. 

Here are the top 5 highest opening partnerships in India vs South Africa T20Is. 

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#5. Ajinkya Rahane & Rohit Sharma (39 runs)

Chasing a target of 173 against South Africa in the Semi-Final of WT20 2014, openers Ajinkya Rahane & Rohit Sharma added 39 runs for the opening wicket in 3.5 overs to get India to a more or less decent start. Rahane scored 32 runs in 30 deliveries while Rohit Sharma smashed 24 off 13. 

Batting at #3, Virat Kohli plundered 72 runs off 44 deliveries with 5 fours & 2 sixes and finished the match for India with 6 wickets & 5 deliveries in hand. 

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#4. Gautam Gambhir & Rohit Sharma (48 runs)

In another WT20 match, South Africa set a target of 131 runs against India in a group match in 2009. Indian openers Gautam Gambhir & Rohit Sharma provided a good start as these two added 48 runs in 6.2 overs for the opening wicket.

However, wickets tumbled after the partnership was broken and India was halted to 118/8 in 20 overs, losing the match by 12 runs. 

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#3. Gautam Gambhir & Robin Uthappa (71* runs)

The only T20I at Johannesburg in 2012 would have been a high scoring thriller of a match had it not been for the rain to play the spoilsport. Chasing a huge target of 220, India were off to a blazing start as openers Gautam Gambhir & Robin Uthappa got India to a blazing start. Gambhir smashed 49 runs in 28 deliveries while Uthappa played the anchor at the other end. 

However, rain interference after 7.5 overs concluded the match and South Africa were declared the winner by 11 runs via the D/L method. 

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#2. Quinton de Kock & Reeza Hendricks (76 runs)

After an impactful performance with the ball in the 3rd T20I at Bangalore in 2019, the Proteas followed it up with an equally good batting display. Chasing 135, openers Quinton de Kock & Reeza Hendricks added 76 runs for the opening wicket in 10.1 overs. De Kock remained unbeaten on 79 runs in 52 deliveries while Hendricks scored 28 off 26 balls. 

South Africa chased down the total with 19 deliveries remaining and won the match by 9 wickets. 

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#1. Hashim Amla & AB de Villiers (77 runs)

Two South African legends - Hashim Amla & AB de Villiers lead this list with an opening partnership of 77 runs after Rohit's hundred powered India to 199/5 in 20 overs. Amla & de Villiers added 77 runs for the first wicket in 7.4 overs. ABD scored 51 runs in 32 deliveries while Amla scored a 24-ball-36.

South Africa chased down the total in 19.4 overs and won the match by 7 wickets in the 1st T20I at Dharamsala in 2015.