Luke Ronchi and Grant Elliott break ODI record for 6th-wicket partnership
Luke Ronchi and Grant Elliott put on a 267-run partnership against Sri Lanka on Friday to break the record for the highest 6th-wicket partnership in ODI cricket history. The New Zealand pair bettered the 218, MS Dhoni and Mahela Jayawardene put on together while playing for Asia XI against Africa XI in Chennai in 2007.
Ronchi slams 170*
Ronchi joined Elliott at the crease when the Kiwis were in dire straits at 93/5 in Dunedin. Ronchi took 15 deliveries to get a look in and broke the shackles by slamming Lankan mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis for two sixes off consecutive balls in the 25th over.
The wicketkeeper-batsman went on to register his first international century and ended his innings with a fabulously made 170* from just 99 balls. He hit a total of 14 fours and 9 sixes during his knock.
Ronchi took a liking to medium pacer Suranga Lakmal, whom he hit for 22 runs in the 45th over. The 27-year-old Sri Lankan ended with figures of 0/93 in his 10 overs.
Elliott answers critics
Elliott, who’s selection in New Zealand’s World Cup squad has come under heavy criticism, also began in conservative fashion but started to take on the bowlers towards the end of the innings. He went on score 104* from 96 deliveries.
The 35-year-old slammed 7 fours and 2 fours.
With his partnership, New Zealand now hold the record for the highest 6th-wicket partnership in both Test and ODI cricket. Only a few weeks ago, Kane Williamson and BJ Watling were involved in a 365-run partnership in the longest format of the game against Sri Lanka at Wellington.
The top five 6th-wicket partnership in ODIs are as follows:
| Partnership | Runs | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi | 267* | Sri Lanka | Dunedin | 2015 |
| Mahela Jayawardene, MS Dhoni | 218 | Africa XI | Chennai | 2007 |
| Stuart Matsikenyeri, Tatenda Taibu | 188 | South Africa | Benoni | 2009 |
| Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin | 165 | West Indies | Kuala Lumpur | 2006 |
| Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan | 165 | Australia | Hamilton | 2007 |