The first two days of WTC final 2023 match belonged to the Australian side where its top batters Steve Smith and Travis Head smacked Indian bowlers ruthlessly to score a ton each. Meanwhile, both the batters built a record-breaking partnership of 285 runs for the fourth wicket at The Oval.
Where on one side, the veteran batter Steve Smith displayed his class in a high-pressure game by hitting 121 runs, Travis Head, on the other side, smashed 161 runs, thereby becoming the first ever centurion of WTC Final. The splendid partnership between both the batters was much required so as to help Australia recover a stumbling start where they lost their first 3 wickets for 76 runs.
One Partnership, Multiple Records
With this, the duo have broken not only one but multiple records as mentioned below:
Highest ever partnership in WTC Final
Though, it’s only the second edition of WTC Final, but the duo of Steve Smith and Travis Head has set a new benchmark in terms of highest partnership in the “Ultimate Game”. A game like WTC 2023 Final is a high-pressure one where building such a big partnership is not only crucial but also a display of the class of batters. So, this 285-run partnership is a true master-piece.
Earlier, this record was held by Ross Taylor & Kane Williamson (New Zealand) who together added 96 runs during WTC 2021 Final.
First-ever partnership to cross 100-run mark in WTC Final
Smith & Head also became the first ever duo to have crossed 100-run partnership in WTC Final. Earlier, the highest partnership recorded was for 96 runs between Kiwi duo Ross Taylor & Kane Williamson.
Highest 4th wicket partnership at The Oval
The power-packed duo of Smith & Head also achieved the feat of highest 4th wicket partnership at the Oval, London. Earlier, this record was held by Wally Hammond & Stan Worthington (England) who built a partnership of 266 runs against India in the year 1936.
4th Highest partnership against India (Any wicket)
On Day 2 of WTC 2023 Final, Smith & Head registered the fourth highest partnership of 285 runs against India. The top three partnerships from Kangaroos against team India are listed below:
| Batters | Runs | Wkt | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting | 386 | 4th | Adelaide | 2012 |
| Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey | 334* | 5th | Sydney | 2012 |
| Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting | 288 | 4th | Sydney | 2012 |
First-ever Century by a batter in WTC Final
Travis Head became the first-ever batter to have hit a ton in WTC Final match by smashing 161 runs off 174 balls. A stupendous knock which he played at a strike rate of 93.68 including 25 boundaries and one six made it appear as if he is playing an ODI final rather than a test match.
Disclaimer: This is the updated information till the end of Day 2 of WTC Final Match.