Top 10 Highest Run Chase in Test - Know the Masterclass Chasing
by Maivizhi A
Updated Jul 11, 2023
Top 10 Highest Run Chase in Test
Test cricket, often considered the pinnacle of the sport, has witnessed some truly remarkable moments over the years. Among these extraordinary feats are the highest run chases, where teams display tremendous resilience, skill, and determination to chase down daunting targets. These thrilling encounters have captivated cricket enthusiasts around the world and left an indelible mark on the history of the game.
1
West Indies v Australia
418
2003
2
South Africa v Australia
414
2008
3
India v West Indies
406
1976
4
Australia v England
404
1948
5
West Indies v Bangladesh
395
2021
6
Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
391
2017
7
India v England
387
2008
8
Pakistan v Sri Lanka
382
2015
9
England v India
378
2022
10
Australia v Pakistan
369
1999
S.No
Teams
Target
Year
In this article, we delve into the top 10 highest run chases in Test cricket. Each chase represents a unique blend of strategic brilliance, unwavering commitment, and exceptional individual performances. These matches have seen teams come together, displaying immense teamwork and belief in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
From the iconic venues to the nerve-wracking final moments, these high-scoring run chases have produced countless unforgettable memories. Fans have witnessed some of the sport's greatest batsmen displaying their masterful stroke play and composure under pressure, while bowlers have tested their mettle against determined opponents.
Highest Run Chase in Test
As we explore the top 10 highest run chases in Test cricket, prepare to relive the nail-biting moments, heroic batting displays, and the sheer joy of witnessing history unfold on the pitch. These matches serve as a testament to the true spirit of cricket, where anything is possible and records are meant to be broken. Join us on this journey through some of the most awe-inspiring run chases in the annals of Test cricket.
1. West Indies v Australia (St John’s) 2003
In the memorable match between West Indies and Australia in 2003, the West Indies staged one of the greatest comebacks in Test cricket history to successfully chase down a massive target of 418 runs. The match took place at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John's, Antigua.
After Australia set a challenging target of 418 runs in the fourth innings, West Indies began their chase with determination. Openers Chris Gayle and Wavell Hinds provided a solid start, putting up a partnership of 105 runs. However, it was Brian Lara's heroic innings that stole the show. Lara played a breathtaking knock of 153 runs, including 19 boundaries and a six. His exceptional innings inspired the rest of the team.
The middle order, led by Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, contributed valuable runs to the chase. Despite some nervy moments, the West Indies managed to reach the target with just three wickets remaining, winning the match by three wickets. This incredible run chase remains etched in cricket history as one of the most remarkable comebacks in Test cricket.
2. South Africa v Australia (Perth) 2008
The Test match between South Africa and Australia in 2008 witnessed an extraordinary run chase by South Africa to achieve a target of 414 runs. The match was held at the WACA Ground in Perth, Australia.
Australia had set a formidable target, but South Africa responded with determination and resilience. The opening partnership between Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie laid a solid foundation, putting up 151 runs together. However, it was Hashim Amla who played a match-defining innings. Amla scored a magnificent 175 runs, showcasing impeccable technique and stroke play.
Contributions from AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis further bolstered South Africa's chase. The match went down to the wire, with South Africa eventually reaching the target with just two wickets in hand. Mark Boucher, with an unbeaten 57, played a crucial role in guiding his team to a historic victory.
This remarkable run chase not only secured a famous win for South Africa but also became the highest successful run chase in Test cricket at that time, surpassing the previous record of 406 runs.
3. India v West Indies (Port of Spain) 1976
The Test match between India and West Indies in 1976 witnessed a monumental run chase by the Indian cricket team, as they successfully pursued a target of 406 runs. The match took place at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
India's chase was anchored by a magnificent innings from Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar, renowned for his impeccable technique, showcased his skill and determination by scoring an unbeaten 102 runs. His knock was crucial in laying the foundation for the Indian team's pursuit of the mammoth target.
Supported by valuable contributions from Gundappa Viswanath, who scored 112 runs, and Dilip Sardesai, who contributed 40 runs, India steadily made progress towards the target. Despite facing a formidable West Indian bowling attack, the Indian batsmen displayed exceptional resilience and determination.
In the end, India reached the target with just six wickets down, securing a historic victory and setting a record for the highest successful run chase at that time. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the skill and determination of the Indian team during that era.
4. Australia v England (Leeds) 1948
In the 1948 Ashes series, Australia and England faced off in what would become one of the most remarkable matches in Test cricket history. The match took place at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, England. Australia, batting first, posted a mammoth total of 404 runs in their first innings. Don Bradman, the legendary Australian batsman, played a pivotal role by scoring 138 runs. England, in response, faltered in their first innings, managing only 228 runs.
The second innings saw England facing an enormous task of chasing down Australia's total. However, Len Hutton, the English opener, delivered a breathtaking innings that would go down in history. Hutton scored an astonishing 364 runs, which remains the highest individual score in Test cricket to this day. Supported by other batsmen, England successfully completed the highest-ever run chase in Test cricket, achieving the target of 404 runs with four wickets to spare. This remarkable victory helped England level the series 1-1.
5. West Indies v Bangladesh (Chattogram)2021
During a Test match held in Chattogram, Bangladesh, in February 2021, the West Indies and Bangladesh were engaged in a thrilling encounter. Batting first, Bangladesh declared their first innings at 430 runs. In response, the West Indies struggled and managed to score 259 runs in their first innings.
In their second innings, Bangladesh declared once again, setting a daunting target of 395 runs for the West Indies to chase. It seemed like a formidable task, but the West Indies batsmen rose to the occasion. Kyle Mayers, in his debut Test match, produced a historic performance that will be etched in cricketing folklore. Mayers scored an incredible unbeaten 210 runs, becoming only the sixth player in history to score a double century on Test debut.
Mayers' heroics guided the West Indies to a thrilling three-wicket victory, completing the fifth-highest successful run chase in Test cricket history. The West Indies achieved the target in the final session of the match, securing a memorable win and leveling the series 1-1.
6. Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe (Colombo) 2017
In July 2017, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe clashed in a Test match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe, batting first, posted a respectable total of 356 runs. In reply, Sri Lanka declared their innings at 346 runs, giving Zimbabwe a target of 388 runs to win the match.
Zimbabwe, known for their fighting spirit, embarked on an incredible run chase. The highlight of their innings was a magnificent unbeaten century by Sikandar Raza. Raza's brilliant knock of 127 runs, combined with contributions from other batsmen, helped Zimbabwe script a historic victory. With just three wickets remaining, Zimbabwe achieved the target of 391 runs, securing their first-ever Test win against Sri Lanka.
This remarkable chase marked the sixth-highest successful run chase in Test cricket. Zimbabwe's triumph not only ended their long wait for a Test victory but also served as a testament to the resilience and determination of their team.
7. India v England (Chennai) 2008
In one of the most thrilling test matches in cricket history, India pulled off a remarkable run chase against England in Chennai in 2008. Chasing a mammoth target of 387 runs in the fourth innings, India displayed tremendous resilience and determination to achieve an incredible victory.
India's opening batsmen, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, set the tone for the chase with a scintillating partnership. Sehwag's explosive batting style was on full display as he scored a magnificent 83 runs off just 68 deliveries. Gambhir, on the other hand, played a more patient innings, accumulating 66 crucial runs.
However, it was the heroics of Sachin Tendulkar that truly turned the match in India's favor. Tendulkar, considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time, showcased his immense skill and experience by scoring a brilliant unbeaten century (103*) to guide India to victory. His partnership with Yuvraj Singh (85*) played a vital role in achieving the target with 8 wickets in hand.
This historic run chase not only showcased India's batting depth but also highlighted the team's ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations. The match will be remembered as one of the finest displays of batting prowess in test cricket history.
8. Pakistan v Sri Lanka (Pallekele) 2015
In a thrilling encounter in Pallekele in 2015, Pakistan scripted a sensational run chase against Sri Lanka to secure an impressive victory. Chasing a challenging target of 382 runs, Pakistan's batsmen exhibited tremendous grit and determination throughout the innings.
Pakistan's opening pair, Ahmed Shehzad and Shan Masood, provided a solid start to the chase by stitching together a crucial partnership. Shehzad scored a magnificent century (131) and Masood contributed a valuable 125 runs, setting the foundation for the remarkable chase.
As the match progressed, Younis Khan, one of Pakistan's batting stalwarts, showcased his class and experience. He played a magnificent innings, scoring an unbeaten 171 runs and becoming the driving force behind Pakistan's victory. Khan's heroic knock included 18 boundaries and three sixes, and he received valuable support from Sarfraz Ahmed, who contributed 96 runs.
This historic run chase not only showcased Pakistan's resilience and determination but also highlighted the team's ability to chase down big targets. The match will be remembered as a testament to the fighting spirit of the Pakistani team.
9. England v India (Birmingham) 2022
In a thrilling encounter at Lord's in 2022, England and India produced a remarkable test match that ended with India achieving a memorable run chase. Set a target of 378 runs in the fourth innings, India's batsmen displayed exceptional skill and composure to secure a historic victory.
India's openers, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, set the tone for the chase with a magnificent partnership. Sharma played an outstanding innings, scoring 127 runs, while Rahul provided crucial support with his composed knock of 101 runs. Their partnership laid a solid foundation for the rest of the team.
Virat Kohli, the Indian captain and one of the modern-day greats, played a captain's knock to guide his team to victory. Kohli's unbeaten century (108*) displayed his class and determination, and his partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (61*) proved to be crucial in the successful run chase.
This historic run chase at the home of cricket demonstrated India's batting prowess and their ability to conquer challenging situations. The match will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in test cricket history.
10. Australia v Pakistan (Hobart) 1999
In a memorable test match at Hobart in 1999, Australia produced an incredible run chase against Pakistan to achieve a thrilling victory. Chasing a target of 369 runs in the fourth innings, Australia's batsmen showed tremendous resilience and skill to pull off a remarkable victory.
Australia's opening pair, Michael Slater and Greg Blewett, provided a solid start to the chase with a magnificent partnership. Slater played a breathtaking innings, scoring a scintillating century (123) that set the tone for the rest of the innings. Blewett also made a valuable contribution with his composed knock of 97 runs.
As the match progressed, it was Justin Langer who played the defining innings of the chase. Langer's unbeaten century (127*) showcased his temperament and determination, and he received crucial support from Ricky Ponting, who contributed 58 runs.
This historic run chase not only demonstrated Australia's batting depth but also highlighted their never-say-die attitude. The match will be remembered as one of the greatest run chases in test cricket history, showcasing Australia's ability to chase down big targets under pressure.
Highest Run Chase in 4th Innings
The record-breaking match took place between West Indies and Australia from May 9 to May 12, 2003, as part of the fourth Test of the Frank Worrell Trophy.
Australia batted first and scored a mammoth total of 735 for 6 declared in their first innings, with Matthew Hayden smashing 177 runs and captain Steve Waugh contributing an unbeaten double century (200*). The West Indies were then bowled out for 240 in their first innings, conceding a significant lead of 495 runs.
Following the follow-on, the West Indies faced a daunting target of 418 runs in their fourth innings to win the Test match. It was a remarkable challenge considering no team had ever chased down more than 300 runs in the fourth innings to win a Test match at that time.
The West Indies displayed incredible resilience and determination during their run chase. Contributions from their middle order, particularly Ramnaresh Sarwan (105) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (104*), were crucial in achieving the historic victory.
With just three wickets remaining, the West Indies successfully reached the target of 418 runs on the final day of the Test match, winning the game by three wickets. It was an extraordinary achievement and a testament to their batting prowess and determination.
This record-breaking run chase not only secured a memorable victory for the West Indies but also set a new benchmark in Test cricket history. The previous highest successful fourth-innings chase was 406 runs, achieved by India against the West Indies in 1976.
Highest Run Chase in Test Cricket by India
406/4
403
West Indies
Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad
7 April 1976
387/4
387
England
M.A.Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India
11 December 2008
329/7
328
Australia
The Gabba, Brisbane, Australia
15 January 2021
276/5
276
West Indies
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, India
11 November 2011
264/3
264
Sri Lanka
Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka
22 August 2001
Score
Target
Against
Venue
Date
On 7 April 1976, in a cricket match held at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad, the West Indies set an impressive score of 406/4. They faced off against their opponents, England, who managed to score 403 runs but fell short of the target. Another notable match took place on 11 December 2008 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India, where England once again faced a formidable opponent.
This time, India set a target of 387/4, and England bravely attempted to chase it down, falling just short at 387 runs. Moving to a match played on 15 January 2021 at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, Australia faced off against their arch-rivals, India. Australia posted a challenging score of 329/7, but India managed to surpass it by scoring 328 runs, claiming a thrilling victory.
On 11 November 2011, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, India faced the West Indies, who set a target of 276/5. India successfully chased down the target, reaching 276 runs with 5 wickets to spare. Finally, on 22 August 2001, at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka batted first against India, setting a target of 264/3. However, India fell short and could only reach 264 runs, resulting in a tie. These matches showcased the competitiveness and excitement of cricket, with teams pushing themselves to achieve victory.
Top 10 Highest Run Chase in Test - FAQs
The highest successful run chase in Test cricket is 418 runs, achieved by the West Indies against Australia in 2003.
The match between the West Indies and Australia in 2003 holds the record for the highest successful run chase in Test cricket.
Brian Lara scored the most runs in the highest successful run chase in Test cricket, with a magnificent innings of 153 runs.
India achieved their highest successful run chase in Test cricket on April 7, 1976, against the West Indies at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket by India is 387 runs, achieved against England at M.A.Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India, on December 11, 2008.