On this day in 2006, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid crafted an unforgettable partnership during the first Test against Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Their mammoth 410-run opening stand fell just three runs short of breaking the long-standing world record for the highest opening partnership in Test cricket, set by Pankaj Roy and Vinoo Mankad in 1956.
A Partnership for the Ages
Sehwag and Dravid showcased contrasting batting styles to put India in a commanding position. While Sehwag unleashed a breathtaking assault on the Pakistani bowlers, Dravid provided calm stability at the other end. Together, they dismantled the bowling attack on a placid pitch, ensuring India mounted a strong response to Pakistan’s imposing first-innings total.
Sehwag’s Blistering Knock
Virender Sehwag was in his element, scoring a phenomenal 254 runs off just 247 deliveries. His innings featured 47 boundaries and a six, with a strike rate that defied traditional Test cricket norms. He raced to his double century in just 182 balls, one of the fastest in Test history, leaving the opposition bowlers with no answers to his aggressive approach.
Dravid’s Solid Support
In stark contrast to Sehwag’s aggression, Rahul Dravid anchored the innings with his trademark composure. The Indian captain scored an unbeaten 128 runs off 233 balls, ensuring the partnership remained steady. His impeccable technique and measured approach complemented Sehwag’s explosive batting perfectly, allowing the pair to dominate the day.
Weather Denies Record
With just four runs needed to surpass the world record opening stand of 413, set by Pankaj Roy and Vinoo Mankad against New Zealand in 1956, bad weather played spoilsport. Dense fog and poor light on the final day allowed for only 14 balls to be bowled. Unfortunately, in that short window, Sehwag was dismissed, caught behind off Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, leaving the partnership at 410.
High-Scoring Contest Ends in a Draw
The Test itself was a run-fest. Pakistan declared their first innings at a formidable 679/7, powered by centuries from Younis Khan (199), Mohammad Yousuf (173), Shahid Afridi (103), and Kamran Akmal (102*). In response, India reached 410/1, thanks to the monumental partnership between Sehwag and Dravid, before rain and bad light forced a draw.
A Record Eventually Broken
Though Sehwag and Dravid’s partnership remains etched in cricketing history, the record for the highest opening stand was eventually surpassed in 2008. South Africa’s Neil McKenzie and Graeme Smith scored 415 against Bangladesh in Chittagong, pushing Sehwag and Dravid’s stand to third place on the all-time list.
Sehwag and Dravid’s partnership remains a testament to the synergy of contrasting styles and the sheer brilliance of their individual talents.
