The Highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL have been crucial in defining the team’s identity over the years. Sunrisers Hyderabad, known for its disciplined bowling, has also produced some of the most destructive and consistent opening pairs in the Indian Premier League. These opening partnerships for SRH in IPL have often provided explosive starts, allowing the middle order to play freely and dominate opposition teams. In this article, we take a closer look at the top 5 Highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL, showcasing the best moments that defined the franchise’s batting strength.
5. Kane Williamson and Shikhar Dhawan – 176 Runs vs Delhi Daredevils (2018)*
In the 2018 IPL season, SRH witnessed a memorable batting performance as Kane Williamson and Shikhar Dhawan built one of the highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL. Their unbeaten 176-run partnership against Delhi Daredevils was a fine mix of calm strategy and calculated aggression. The duo’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries regularly kept the opposition under immense pressure.
This opening stand laid a strong platform and ensured SRH chased down a stiff target without losing a wicket. Among the highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL, this one stands out due to the sheer control they exhibited throughout the innings. Their mutual understanding and clean shot selection made this one of the most well-paced innings in the franchise’s history.
| Total Partnership Runs | Opponent | Year |
| 176* | Delhi Daredevils | 2018 |
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4. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow – 160 Runs vs Punjab Kings (2020)
David Warner and Jonny Bairstow feature prominently in discussions around the highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL, and for good reason. In the 2020 IPL season, they delivered another masterclass by posting a 160-run opening stand against Punjab Kings. Their approach was aggressive from the very beginning, punishing loose deliveries and putting pressure back on the bowlers.
This performance was not a one-off but a continuation of their excellent chemistry as an opening pair. The partnership gave SRH a dominant start, allowing the middle order to capitalize later. It is performances like these that have secured their legacy in the list of the highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL.
| Total Partnership Runs | Opponent | Year |
| 160 | Punjab Kings | 2020 |
3. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head – 167 Runs vs Lucknow Super Giants (2024)
The rise of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head as a dynamic opening pair has added new strength to SRH’s top order. Their 167-run opening stand against Lucknow Super Giants in the 2024 season quickly earned a place among the highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL. Their fearless strokeplay and ability to find boundaries all around the ground gave SRH a significant advantage early in the innings.
This partnership displayed excellent understanding between the two batters, as they rotated strike smartly and pounced on any scoring opportunity. It was one of those games where everything clicked, and it resulted in one of the most impactful innings in the list of highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL.
| Total Partnership Runs | Opponent | Year |
| 167 | Lucknow Super Giants | 2024 |
2. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head – 171 Runs vs Punjab Kings (2025)
The 2025 IPL season witnessed yet another incredible opening stand from Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, this time a 171-run effort against Punjab Kings. This became one of the highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL, and showcased the duo’s continued dominance. Their partnership was filled with explosive boundaries, smart running between the wickets, and an unrelenting pace that left the opposition in tatters.
Not only did they dismantle the Punjab bowling attack, but they also displayed immense maturity in pacing the innings. Their growing coordination and powerful hitting have made this combination one of the most dependable in recent IPL seasons. With multiple entries in the list of highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL, they are truly writing a new chapter in SRH’s batting history.
| Total Partnership Runs | Opponent | Year |
| 171 | Punjab Kings | 2025 |
1. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow – 185 Runs vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019)
At the very top of the list of legendary highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL stands David Warner and Jonny Bairstow’s incredible 185-run stand against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019. This record-breaking partnership is not just SRH’s highest but also one of the most powerful in IPL history. It displayed the perfect mix of brutal hitting and smart running between the wickets.
This partnership has become a benchmark for evaluating other highest opening partnerships for SRH in IPL. Warner and Bairstow went after every bowler and showed how a fearless opening pair can completely demoralize the opposition. This historic stand still holds a special place in SRH’s IPL journey and is remembered by fans across the globe.
| Total Partnership Runs | Opponent | Year |
| 185 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2019 |
