Cricket has always had a special place for the opening pair while batting. A lot is traditionally assumed to be dependent on these batsmen to set the team in the right direction. We have all suggested, opined, argued, killed (some have, I guess) over choosing the best pairs in test as well as ODI cricket. But what about the T20 format? We have constructed a model to start the trend in T20 as well. So now we have another reason to keep disagreeing over cricket with our friends.
T20I Opening Pairs Rankings:
*Updated as on 30th December, 2010
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Rank
|
Pair
|
Points
|
1
|
Dilshan - Jayawardene (SL)
|
524
|
2
|
Bosman - Smith (SA)
|
491
|
3
|
Dilshan - Jayasuriya (SL)
|
475
|
4
|
K Akmal - Butt (Pak) |
435
|
5
|
Warner - Watson (Aus) |
410
|
6
|
Chanderpaul - Gayle (WI) |
409
|
7
|
B McCullum - Ryder (NZ) |
398
|
8
|
Kallis - Smith (SA) |
391 |
9
|
Gambhir - Sehwag (Ind)
|
388 |
10
|
Kieswetter - Lumb (Eng)
|
381 |
Note: 1. Only pairs with 5 or more T20I opening partnerships are taken into account. 2. These are pairs of players who haven't yet retired from the format and thus can still serve as opening pair to their teams.
Parameters for opening pair ranking points:
1. The average runs scored by the pair for opening stands. This when compared to present international standards throw light on which pair is able to do it best.
2. Consistency and dependence. A pair might be able to put up great opening stand but if they are inconsistent at it, the team cannot depend on them to strategise.
3. Individual services to the team as openers. An opener's job is not restricted to fall of first wicket. This parameter covers their performances individually to bring in light the benefit team generally gets of them as first batsmen to face the opposition.
4. Independence from each other. This one puts light on dependency that openers put on each other for their own performance. The more they are independent, the lesser an opposition can emphasise on getting the first wicket.
Parameter specifically avoided in this ranking:
Relation of the pairs' performance with team victories. The opening batsmen cannot be held responsible for winning the game but just setting up a healthy platform for it. Most of the team's victories cannot be marked to opening pairs' performance objectively.
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