In cricket, the final wicket is often seen as a formality. But sometimes, the No. 10 and 11 batters stand tall, flip the script, and leave the world stunned. These last-wicket partnerships aren’t just lucky moments — they’re acts of grit, resistance, and occasionally pure genius.
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Let’s look back at the Top 10 Legendary Last-Wicket Partnerships in Cricket, where the tail-enders went from forgotten to forever remembered.
10. Brett Lee & Michael Kasprowicz – 2005 Ashes, Edgbaston
Partnership: 59 runs
Australia needed just 62 runs to win with one wicket in hand. Lee and Kasprowicz almost pulled off the impossible — until Kasprowicz gloved one to the keeper. England won by 2 runs, but this last-wicket partnership is still legendary for its drama and courage.
9. Mohammad Amir & Saeed Ajmal – vs New Zealand, 2009
Partnership: 103 runs
At 6/101, Pakistan were reeling. Enter Amir and Ajmal. Their 103-run stand for the last wicket not only frustrated New Zealand but shifted momentum in the series. It was one of the most surprising last-wicket partnerships by two bowlers.
8. Jack Leach & Ben Stokes – 2019 Ashes, Headingley
Partnership: 76 runs
Stokes played the knock of his life, but without Jack Leach’s heroic one-run stand, it wouldn’t have mattered. Leach’s composure at one end made this one of the most iconic last-wicket partnerships in cricket folklore.
7. Tino Best & Denesh Ramdin – vs England, 2012
Partnership: 143 runs
Tino Best, known more for pace than patience, shocked the world with a 95-run blitz. Alongside Ramdin, he powered West Indies to a commanding position. It’s one of the most entertaining last-wicket partnerships ever.
6. Ishant Sharma & VVS Laxman – vs Australia, Mohali 2010
Partnership: 81 runs
Chasing 216, India were nine down and still behind. Ishant’s defiance, paired with Laxman’s genius, snatched victory from the Aussies. A magical and gritty last-wicket partnership that turned the tide.
5. James Anderson & Monty Panesar – vs Australia, Cardiff 2009
Partnership: 62 runs
With more than 11 overs left, England were staring at defeat. But Anderson and Panesar blocked everything to save the Test. That defiant last-wicket partnership saved the Ashes and built the foundation for England’s 2009 triumph.
4. Angelo Mathews & Malinga – vs Australia, Melbourne 2010
Partnership: 132 runs
Sri Lanka were 107/8 chasing 240. Enter Mathews and Malinga. Their counterattack stunned Australia, taking Sri Lanka to a historic win. This last-wicket partnership showcased pure Sri Lankan grit.
3. Inzamam-ul-Haq & Mushtaq Ahmed – vs Australia, Karachi 1994
Partnership: 57 runs
Pakistan were about to lose at home. Inzamam shepherded Mushtaq brilliantly, and they chased 315 in a tense, slow-burn thriller. This last-wicket partnership is still talked about in Pakistani cricket circles.
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar & Mohammed Shami – vs England, Lord’s 2014
Partnership: 111 runs
In swinging conditions, India’s tail wagged fiercely. Bhuvi and Shami’s fearless strokeplay stunned England, turning a modest score into a match-winning lead. An underrated but vital last-wicket partnership for Indian Test success overseas.
1. Joe Root & James Anderson – vs India, Trent Bridge 2014
Partnership: 198 runs
Yes, you read that right. Root and Anderson added 198 runs — the highest last-wicket partnership in Test cricket for England. Anderson scored 81, a career-best, and frustrated India beyond belief. This stand broke records and hearts.
Why Last-Wicket Partnerships Matter
- They often decide the fate of close matches
- They energize fans and demoralize opponents
- They’re examples of patience, belief, and surprise brilliance
In a team sport like cricket, even the last man can be the hero — and that’s why these last-wicket partnerships matter.
Cricket teaches us that it’s never truly over until the final wicket falls. These last-wicket partnerships are proof that heart, focus, and teamwork can rewrite fate — even when all seems lost.
Tail-enders often carry the least expectations. But in moments like these, they carry the entire nation’s hope on their shoulders — and deliver memories that fans cherish forever.
FAQ – Last-Wicket Partnerships!
What is a last-wicket partnership?
It’s the stand between the last two batters — positions 10 and 11 — after 9 wickets have fallen.
Which team has the most last-wicket partnerships over 100?
Australia and England have historically had several century stands for the last wicket.
Can last-wicket partnerships change games?
Absolutely. Many Tests and ODIs have swung due to unexpected lower-order resistance.