On This Day in Cricket: Ronchi & Elliott’s Record 267-Run Stand for New Zealand

On January 23, 2015, cricket fans witnessed one of the most memorable comebacks in One-Day International (ODI) history as New Zealand clashed with Sri Lanka in the fifth and final match of their series at the University Oval in Dunedin. In what seemed to be a dire situation for the hosts, the Black Caps were reeling at 93 runs for the loss of five wickets halfway through their innings. But from that precarious position emerged a masterclass of aggression, resilience, and tactical batting that would go down in cricketing folklore.

Enter Luke Ronchi and Grant Elliott. Coming together when the match seemed to be slipping away from New Zealand, the pair immediately set about rebuilding the innings. What followed was a breathtaking display of stroke play, smart running, and fearless intent as they dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack and flipped the match entirely on its head.

Ronchi, the hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman, was particularly devastating. In just 99 balls, he blasted an unbeaten 170 runs, his maiden ODI century studded with 14 fours and nine maximums as he took charge of the proceedings. Elliott complemented him superbly, anchoring the partnership with a composed 104 not out from 96 deliveries. Their unbroken 267-run partnership for the sixth wicket was not only a masterstroke of counter-attack but also set a world record for the highest sixth-wicket stand in ODI cricket.

This stand, achieved from only 180 balls, propelled New Zealand to a daunting 360/5 one of their highest totals in ODIs and completely shifted the momentum in their favor. The Black Caps had rescued their innings from the brink of collapse and delivered a total that Sri Lanka would struggle to chase.

In response, Sri Lanka began with purpose. Stand-in captain Lahiru Thirimanne and veteran Tillakaratne Dilshan put on a solid 93 runs for the first wicket, and Dilshan went on to score a fine 116 runs of his own. But as soon as Dilshan fell, Sri Lanka’s lower order faltered badly. Four quick wickets triggered a collapse, and the tourists were eventually bowled out for 252, handing New Zealand a commanding 108-run victory.

The significance of the Ronchi–Elliott partnership cannot be overstated. It shattered the previous sixth-wicket world record of 218, set by MS Dhoni and Mahela Jayawardene for an Asian XI in 2007, and showcased the depth and fighting spirit of New Zealand’s batting lineup.

For Ronchi and Elliott, this match was a milestone in their careers. Ronchi’s explosive innings remains one of the most destructive in New Zealand ODI history, and Elliott’s composed century under pressure proved decisive in securing the series win. On this day in cricket, their epic partnership stands tall as a testament to how resilience and belief can turn around even the bleakest of situations.