Cricket is a beautiful and unpredictable game. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), when the opening batsmen score centuries, it usually means their team is in a strong position. Openers lay the foundation for a big total or a successful run chase. But sometimes, even the brightest starts end in heartbreak. The phenomenon of Openers Scored Centuries but Teams Still Lost highlights how middle-order collapses, exceptional opposition bowling, or pressure moments can turn the game around.
List of Top 10 ODI Matches Where Openers Scored Centuries but Teams Still Lost
10. Virender Sehwag & Gautam Gambhir vs Pakistan – Karachi, 2006
In one of the most thrilling ODIs ever played, India faced Pakistan in Karachi in 2006. Chasing a mammoth target of 349, Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir got off to a dream start. Sehwag’s fearless strokeplay and Gambhir’s controlled aggression set the platform with a massive 202-run opening partnership. Both openers scored centuries but teams still lost the match in a tight finish. Despite this explosive beginning, the Indian middle order faltered against the clever bowling of Pakistan’s spinners. In the last overs, the pressure mounted, and India fell short by just 5 runs. This match is remembered as a classic case where openers scored centuries but teams still lost.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sehwag, Gambhir | 114, 102 | 202 | 349 | 343/9 | Pakistan won by 5 runs |
9. Chris Gayle & Evin Lewis vs England – Grenada, 2019
West Indies’ powerhouse openers Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis were in no mood to hold back as they chased a record target of 419 set by England. Gayle smashed 135 and Lewis made a solid 108, putting up a 232-run stand that left fans stunned. It was a spectacle of six-hitting and dominant batting. Despite this massive effort, wickets kept tumbling once the openers got out. England’s death bowling, particularly by Woakes and Stokes, was exceptional. Yet again, openers scored centuries but teams still lost, highlighting how cricket is never over till the last ball.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
| Gayle, Lewis | 135, 108 | 232 | 419 | 389/10 | England won by 29 runs |
8. Andrew Strauss & Alastair Cook vs India – Bangalore, 2011
This World Cup encounter between England and India is often called one of the best matches in tournament history. Chasing a daunting total of 339, England’s openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook showed remarkable class and calm under pressure. Strauss led from the front with a commanding 158, while Cook supported him well with 109. They stitched a 192-run opening stand. Even though openers scored centuries but teams still lost the chance to win, the game ended in a dramatic tie. This game perfectly reflects the fine margins in cricket.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
| Strauss, Cook | 158, 109 | 192 | 339 | 338/8 | Match Tied |
7. Fakhar Zaman & Imam-ul-Haq vs South Africa – Centurion, 2021
Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq set up a memorable chase against South Africa with a 227-run opening partnership. Chasing 342, both batsmen looked in supreme touch as they tore into the Proteas bowling. Fakhar scored a fiery 138, while Imam added 113. However, the middle order could not finish the job. Rabada’s tight bowling and pressure in the final overs resulted in Pakistan falling short by just 10 runs. A classic example where openers scored centuries but teams still lost.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
| Fakhar, Imam | 138, 113 | 227 | 342 | 331/9 | South Africa won by 10 runs |
6. Jason Roy & Jonny Bairstow vs India – Pune, 2021
Chasing 337 against India, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow gave England a lightning-fast start. Both openers scored centuries but teams still lost due to a sharp collapse. They shared a 135-run partnership, giving the team belief that the chase was on track. But Indian bowlers Shardul Thakur and Bhuvneshwar Kumar made a comeback in the death overs, breaking England’s momentum. The match slipped away, and England was bowled out for 330, losing by just 7 runs.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
| Roy, Bairstow | 101, 111 | 135 | 337 | 330/10 | India won by 7 runs |
5. Hashim Amla & Quinton de Kock vs Pakistan – Centurion, 2013
South Africa’s openers, Amla and De Kock, were in top form against Pakistan. They put up a brilliant 212-run stand, with Amla scoring 119 and De Kock 108. Their team set a total of 299, a score that looked defendable. But Shahid Afridi’s blazing 88 off just 48 balls changed the game completely. Pakistan snatched victory with just one wicket to spare, again proving that openers scored centuries but teams still lost.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
| Amla, De Kock | 119, 108 | 212 | 300 | 299/5 | Pakistan won by 1 wicket |
4. Martin Guptill & Colin Munro vs England – Hamilton, 2018
New Zealand openers Guptill and Munro launched a fierce attack on England’s bowlers while chasing 336. They scored 114 and 103 respectively, contributing to a massive 204-run opening partnership. However, once they were dismissed, the rest of the lineup failed to carry the momentum forward. England’s bowlers executed brilliant death overs, ensuring another game where openers scored centuries but teams still lost.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
| Guptill, Munro | 114, 103 | 204 | 336 | 329/9 | England won by 6 runs |
3. Upul Tharanga & Tillakaratne Dilshan vs India – Rajkot, 2009
Sri Lanka nearly chased down a massive 415-run target against India, thanks to a 213-run opening stand from Tharanga and Dilshan. Tharanga scored 111 while Dilshan blazed his way to 106. With the openers laying such a strong foundation, Sri Lanka looked favourites to win. But a few quick wickets in the middle overs and smart Indian bowling led to one of the closest finishes where openers scored centuries but teams still lost.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
| Tharanga, Dilshan | 111, 106 | 213 | 415 | 411/8 | India won by 3 runs |
2. Tamim Iqbal & Liton Das vs Zimbabwe – Sylhet, 2020
Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das scored big centuries against Zimbabwe, putting up a record 292-run stand. Tamim hit 128 and Liton 121, guiding their team to a total of 322. However, Zimbabwe chased it down dramatically, thanks to solid middle-order performances. It was an incredible upset where openers scored centuries but teams still lost in the final over.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
| Tamim, Liton | 128, 121 | 292 | 323 | 322/7 | Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets |
1. David Warner & Aaron Finch vs India – Rajkot, 2020
Australia’s opening duo, David Warner and Aaron Finch, gave a masterclass in chasing with a 225-run stand while pursuing India’s 341. Finch scored 153 and Warner added 124. The match was firmly in Australia’s hands until both openers fell in quick succession. India’s bowlers took control and skittled the rest of the lineup. This was another iconic match where openers scored centuries but teams still lost despite being ahead for most of the game.
| Openers | Individual Scores | Partnership Runs | Target | Team Total | Result |
| Warner, Finch | 124, 153 | 225 | 341 | 304/10 | India won by 36 runs |
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FAQ
Q1. Why do teams lose even when openers score centuries?
A1. Cricket is a team game. If middle and lower-order batters fail or bowlers don’t perform, the team can still lose.
Q2. Has any team won after both openers scored centuries?
A2. Yes, many teams have won when openers scored big, but this article focuses on the rare times they still lost.
Q3. Which is the closest loss among these matches?
A3. Sri Lanka’s loss to India in 2009 was very close just 3 runs short after a 213-run opening stand.
Q4. What’s the highest partnership among these matches?
A4. Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das had a 292-run opening partnership against Zimbabwe in 2020.
Q5. Do such matches happen often in ODIs?
A5. No, they are rare. Usually, when openers score centuries, the team wins. That’s why these matches stand out.
