5 Highest Successful Run Chases in Test History

Test cricket has been one of the oldest and most prevalent formats of the sport. Ever since its advent, Test cricket has been home to one of the most legendary games being played. The excitement of the format continues in the form of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship Final, whereby, Australia declared their innings on day 4 of the WTC 2023 final after posting 270/8 on the board. As a result, team India need a mammoth 444 runs to not only win the Test mace but break into the record galore for the highest run chase in the fourth innings of a Test match ever.

So far after losing some early wickets in the last session, a spirited Indian side is fighting it out at The Oval with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane on the crease, as India finish the day with 164/3 on day 4. This meant that to earn the ultimate glory India need another 280 runs on the last day of the WTC 2023 final.

In the same vein, there have been many run chases that have left the crowd dazzled on several occasions as well. Whether that’d be the West Indies’ heroics against Australia back in 2003 or Don Bradman showcasing his class against England in 1943, with many successful run chases having taken place in the longest format.

Let us have a look at the top five highest successful run chases in Test cricket:

5. West Indies vs Bangladesh (2021)

When West Indies took on Bangladesh back in February 2021, the first Test of the series saw Bangladesh notch up 430 runs on the board in the first innings, thanks to a brilliant ton by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The Windies replied with a score of 259 runs in their first innings. 

Coming in to bat in the second innings, Bangladesh put in yet another sensational performance, declaring their innings after scoring 223 runs on the board. However, the Windies were sensational during the run chase, chasing down a target of 395 runs. 

4. India vs West Indies (1976)

The third-highest run chase in Test cricket history came when India took on West Indies in 1976. In the third Test of the series, West Indies amassed 359 runs on the board in the first innings. In reply, India only managed to score 228 runs. 

In the second innings, Alvin Kallicharran’s ton helped the side post 271 runs and declare the innings. Chasing down a target of 403 runs, India amassed 406 runs and won the game in sensational fashion. 

3. Australia vs England (1948)

Back when Australia took on England in 1948, England amassed 496 runs on the board. However, the Aussies were quick to reply with 458 runs in the first innings, thanks to a brilliant ton by Neil Harvey.

The Englishmen were sensational in the second innings as well, declaring the innings after scoring 365 runs. However, Australia had one of the most historic run chases in store. Chasing down a target of 404 runs, Australia won the game in sensational fashion.

2. South Africa vs Australia (2008)

The Second-highest run chase in Test cricket came when South Africa took on Australia in 2008 in the first Test of the series in Perth. Valiant knocks by the batters helped Australia notch up 375 runs on the board in the first innings. In response, South Africa managed to amass 281 runs. 

In the second innings, the Aussies were bundled out for 319 runs, and as South Africa had to chase down 414 runs to win, the Proteas did just that as they chased down 414 runs through brilliant tons by Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers. 

1. West Indies vs Australia (2003)

The highest run chase recorded in Test cricket history came when the West Indies took on Australia in 2003. The Aussies managed to notch up 240 runs on the board in the first innings. In response, the West Indies put in a similar performance, notching up 240 runs. 

However, Australia heavily improved in their second innings. Brilliant tons by Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden helped the side post 417 runs on the board. Coming in to chase down a target of 418, the West Indies put in a performance for the ages. Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s brilliant centuries helped the West Indies chase the target down and win the game.

Top 10 highest successful run chases in Test cricket history: