Highest Run Chase in Test Cricket
Chasing a target in Test cricket requires strategic planning, skillful batting, and sometimes resilience, as the conditions on the pitch can change over the course of the match.
A successful run chase in Test cricket is considered a remarkable achievement, especially if the target is substantial or if the conditions are challenging.
It requires batsmen to showcase patience, concentration, and adaptability to different situations.
The history of Test cricket is dotted with memorable run chases that have left a lasting impact on the sport, showcasing the thrill and drama that makes Test cricket a unique and fascinating format.
Top 10 Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket
1- West Indies vs. Australia (2003):
In a remarkable Test match at the Antigua Recreation Ground, West Indies achieved an extraordinary run chase against Australia.
Facing a massive target of 418 runs, West Indies, led by the legendary Brian Lara, successfully chased down the total. Lara played a mesmerizing innings, scoring an unbeaten 153.
Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, Lara’s innings was characterized by exquisite strokeplay, strategic shot selection, and an unyielding determination to guide his team to victory.
His ability to absorb pressure and maintain composure under challenging circumstances was on full display as he orchestrated the run chase with poise and elegance.
2- South Africa vs. Australia (2008):
The match in Perth witnessed a stunning run chase by South Africa against Australia. Facing a target of 414 runs, South Africa, under the leadership of Graeme Smith, achieved the daunting task.
Smith’s innings of 108 played a pivotal role in the team’s successful pursuit. Smith’s knock played a pivotal role in steadying the ship for South Africa, providing the anchor around which the team could build their pursuit of the mammoth total.
The 2008 Test match in Perth will forever be remembered as a chapter in which Graeme Smith and South Africa scripted a story of triumph against the odds.
3- India vs. West Indies (1976):
During a Test match in Port of Spain, India demonstrated exceptional batting prowess by successfully chasing 403 runs against the West Indies.
The match was poised on a knife’s edge, with the West Indies having set a formidable target, placing the Indian team under significant pressure.
The challenge at hand required a blend of technique, determination, and temperament, and it was during this crucial juncture that Sunil Gavaskar emerged as the linchpin of India’s pursuit.
Sunil Gavaskar, a batting maestro renowned for his impeccable technique and focus, played a crucial role in this remarkable chase, scoring an impressive 102 to help India secure a memorable win.
4- Australia vs. England (1948):
In a classic encounter in Leeds, England set a challenging target of 404 runs for Australia in the fourth innings, setting the stage for an unforgettable chapter in Test cricket.
Australia successfully chased down the total, marking one of the highest successful run chases in Test cricket history. The great Sir Don Bradman showcased his batting brilliance, scoring an unbeaten 173.
The successful run chase of 404 runs was not just a statistical achievement; it was a statement of dominance and a reflection of the unyielding spirit of the Australian team under Bradman’s leadership.
The match at Leeds became a chapter in cricketing folklore, illustrating the indomitable will of a team to achieve greatness.
5- West Indies vs. Bangladesh (2021):
Bangladesh set a formidable target of 395 for the West Indies in their second innings.Kyle Mayers (210) and Nkrumah Bonner (86) starred in the West Indies’ run chase with a brilliant partnership of 308 runs.*
This was the highest successful run-chase by a West Indies team in Asia and the fifth-highest in Test history.
It was a thrilling victory for the West Indies, and Kyle Mayers was awarded Player of the Match for his exceptional performance.
6- Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe (2017):
Sri Lanka chased down a mammoth target of 388 runs against Zimbabwe in 2017.
Zimbabwe, batting first, put up a valiant total of 377 on the back of Sikandar Raza’s masterful century (127) and a crucial partnership with Malcolm Waller (68).
In reply, Sri Lanka faced an uphill battle. Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews provided a solid start, but wickets kept tumbling, leaving them struggling at 203-5 on the final day.
Niroshan Dickwella and Asela Gunaratne, the heroes of the day, formed a phenomenal partnership of 121 runs, defying Zimbabwe’s bowling attack and steering Sri Lanka towards victory.
7- India vs. England (2008):
This epic clash took place on the fifth and final day of the first Test between India and England in Chennai, India, from December 11th to 15th, 2008.
England, batting first, amassed a formidable total of 387 thanks to centuries from Alastair Cook (109) and Andrew Strauss (129).
The pitch was expected to deteriorate over time, making India’s task of chasing down such a mammoth target seem almost impossible.
Virender Sehwag’s explosive batting, characterized by his fearless strokeplay, played a significant role in altering the complexion of the match. Sehwag took the attack to the English bowlers, smashing a blistering 83 off just 68 balls.
Sachin Tendulkar also played a masterful innings of 109, navigating the difficult pitch with his immense skill and experience. The 2008 Chennai Test remains one of the most iconic cricket matches ever played.
8- Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka (2008):
Pakistan did indeed chase down a daunting target of 377 runs against Sri Lanka in 2015. It was the final Test of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka from July 3rd to 7th, 2015.
With the series tied 1-1, the stage was set for a thrilling finale, and both teams came out determined to secure victory. Sri Lanka amassed a formidable total of 377 thanks to a magnificent century from Kusal Mendis (104) and crucial contributions from Angelo Mathews (64) and Dinesh Chandimal (56).
Pakistan began their chase cautiously. Shan Masood and Younis Khan, two veterans of Pakistani batting, formed a solid opening partnership, laying the foundation for the chase.
Masood played a patient innings of 125, anchoring the chase, while Younis Khan displayed his legendary resilience, scoring an unbeaten 171.
With just a few runs needed for victory, Pakistan lost a couple of quick wickets, raising Sri Lanka’s hopes.
However, Yasir Shah held his nerve and hit the winning six off the bowling of Jehan Mubarak, sending the Pakistani players and fans into a frenzy of celebration.
9- England vs. India (2022):
England did indeed chase down a magnificent target of 378 runs against India in 2022, achieving a historic feat at Edgbaston during the rescheduled fifth Test of the 2021-22 series.
India amassed a formidable total of 416 runs in their first innings, thanks to centuries from Rishabh Pant (146) and Ravindra Jadeja (104).
England’s first innings faltered, reaching only 284, leaving them with a daunting target of 378 to chase in the fourth innings.
Undeterred by the massive chase, England started aggressively. Alex Lees and Zak Crawley provided a solid opening partnership, laying the foundation for the chase.
However, wickets started tumbling in the middle order, raising doubts about England’s chances.
Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root, the heroes of the day, formed a phenomenal partnership of 269 runs, defying India’s bowling attack and steering England towards victory.
10- Australia vs. Pakistan (1999):
This was the second Test of the three-match series, and with the first match ending in a draw, both teams were eager to take the lead.
Pakistan batted first and put up a respectable score of 222, thanks to Inzamam-ul-Haq’s 119. Australia responded with a solid 246, with Mark Waugh contributing 80.
In the second innings, Pakistan upped the ante, scoring a remarkable 392, powered by Saeed Anwar’s 185 and a lower-order flourish from Wasim Akram (69).
This left Australia with a daunting target of 369 to chase in the final innings, the highest ever set against them at the time.
The atmosphere was electric as Australia began their chase. Openers Michael Slater and Justin Langer started cautiously, knowing the gravity of the situation.
They steadied the innings, but wickets fell at the other end, raising doubts about Australia’s chances.
But Adam Gilchrist and Langer built a crucial partnership of 151, giving Australia a platform to launch from.
After Langer’s dismissal for 127, Damien Martyn (70) provided important support to Gilchrist, who went on to score a sensational 149.
The tension soared as wickets kept falling, but Gilchrist and Shane Warne (52*) held their nerve, guiding Australia to a remarkable victory with just 4 overs remaining.
Updated List of All Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket History:
| Sr. No. | Team | Score | Result | Opposition | Match Date |
| 1 | West Indies | 418/7 | won | v Australia | 9-May-03 |
| 2 | South Africa | 414/4 | won | v Australia | 17-Dec-08 |
| 3 | India | 406/4 | won | v West Indies | 7-Apr-76 |
| 4 | Australia | 404/3 | won | v England | 22-Jul-48 |
| 5 | West Indies | 395/7 | won | v Bangladesh | 3-Feb-21 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 391/6 | won | v Zimbabwe | 14-Jul-17 |
| 7 | India | 387/4 | won | v England | 11-Dec-08 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 382/3 | won | v Sri Lanka | 3-Jul-15 |
| 9 | England | 378/3 | won | v India | 1-Jul-22 |
| 10 | Australia | 369/6 | won | v Pakistan | 18-Nov-99 |
| 11 | Australia | 362/7 | won | v West Indies | 31-Mar-78 |
| 12 | England | 362/9 | won | v Australia | 22-Aug-19 |
| 13 | Sri Lanka | 352/9 | won | v South Africa | 4-Aug-06 |
FAQs:
Q: What is the highest run chase in Test history?
A: The highest successful run chase in Test history belongs to the West Indies, who chased down 418 runs against Australia in Antigua in 2003. This remarkable feat was achieved thanks to brilliant centuries from Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Q: What is the highest run chase at The Oval in the test?
A: The highest successful run chase at The Oval in a Test match is 359 runs, achieved by England against Australia in 2015. Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 200* was instrumental in this historic victory.
Q: Who is known as Chase Master in cricket?
A: Virat Kohli is known as chase master due to his phenomenal record in run chase in ODI cricket.
Q: What is the highest 4th innings successful run chase?
A: The highest successful fourth innings run chase in Test cricket history belongs to the West Indies, who chased down a mammoth target of 418 runs against Australia at Antigua in 2003, winning the match by 3 wickets.
This remarkable feat was achieved thanks to centuries from Ramnaresh Sarwan (111) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (108), who shared a crucial partnership of 204 runs for the fourth wicket.
