On this date in 2006, during the inaugural Test match between India and Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, openers Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid forged an impressive partnership of 410 runs. They fell short of breaking the world record for the highest opening stand in Test cricket by a mere three runs.

The record for the highest opening partnership was previously held by India's Pankaj Roy and Vinoo Mankad, who scored 413 runs against New Zealand in 1956. Sehwag and Dravid's collaboration appeared set to eclipse this achievement as they effectively dominated the Pakistani bowling attack on a favourable pitch.

Sehwag's explosive innings

Sehwag showcased his extraordinary talent, amassing 254 runs from 247 deliveries, which featured 47 fours and a six. His innings were characterized by a swift surge, as he achieved his double century in a mere 182 balls, ranking among the quickest in Test cricket history.

Conversely, Dravid served as the ideal complement to Virender Sehwag's dynamic play. The Indian captain contributed an unbeaten 128 runs from 233 balls, exemplifying his renowned patience and technical prowess. His steadfast defence guaranteed that the partnership remained intact throughout the fourth day.

Weather plays spoilsport

As the pair approached the record, adverse weather conditions disrupted play. Fog and poor visibility limited the final day's action to just 14 deliveries. During this short span, Sehwag was dismissed, caught behind off the bowling of Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, leaving the partnership frustratingly close to setting a new world record.

The Test match itself was characterized by high scores, with Pakistan declaring their first innings at 679 for 7, bolstered by significant contributions from Younis Khan (199), Mohammad Yousuf (173), and later in the order, Shahid Afridi (103) and Kamran Akmal (102*), both of whom also achieved centuries. India mounted a robust response, reaching 410 for 1 before the match concluded in a draw due to rain delays.

Notably, the record opening partnership of 413 runs set by Pankaj Roy and Vinoo Mankad was surpassed two years later in Chittagong by South African openers Neil McKenzie and Graeme Smith, who scored 415 runs. Sehwag and Dravid's partnership of 410 runs ranks third on the list.

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