Highest Successful ODI Run-Chases: The Netherlands created history defeating the West Indies in the 2023 ODI World Cup qualifier. They eventually won the game on super over after being tied on scores at the end of fifty overs. It was one epic chase from the Dutch who refused to give up right throughout the run-chase.
The asking rate kept climbing up to almost 13 runs over per. But the Dutch middle and lower middle order rallied around to eventually tie the scores. The Netherlands side though went ballistic in the super-over and crushed the Windies’ hopes. But it was primarily the quality of their chase that stunned everyone.
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We look at the highest successful ODI run-chases of all time:
#5 England vs Pakistan, 359-4
It was the ODI World Cup year when England was pushing the benchmarks in batting. Pakistan had set a stiff total of 359 for England to chase at Bristol. They had every right to believe that it was a match-winning score. Their belief was immediately suspended when England’s openers went berserk. They put together an opening stand of 159 runs in 17.3 overs. Jonny Bairstow smashed 128 off 93 balls and the rest of the batters batted around him. England cantered home in just 44.5 overs!
#4 India vs Australia – 362-1
Australia had taken an early lead going into the second game of the 7-match ODI series. They put a humungous total of 359-5 batting first on a flat wicket in Jaipur. India got off to a fantastic start with the openers putting on 176 runs in 26.1 overs. Shikhar Dhawan departed for 95 missing out on a well-deserved century. India until that point was taking calculated risks. Enter Virat Kohli who changed the whole complexion of the game.
He scored India’s fastest ODI century off 52 balls while Rohit Sharma came of age with an unbeaten 141 off 123 balls. This is the only instance where a chasing side won with 9 wickets to spare. India’s chase in 43.3 overs is another unbeaten record chasing a score of 350+.
#3 England vs West Indies – 364-4
It was a dress rehearsal for both teams ahead of the 2019 ODI World Cup. Both sides were filled with power hitters. West Indies had posted a huge total of 360-8 batting first. But Jason Roy and Joe Root scored centuries to take England home fairly easily. Roy powered his way to 123 off 85 balls an innings that was laced with 15 fours and 3 sixes. England completed the chase in 48.4 overs losing just 4 wickets.
#2 South Africa vs Australia – 372/6
There is something about Australia that brings out the best in South Africa. It was a series where South Africa playing at home drubbed the Aussies 5-0. In the third ODI of the 5-match series, Australia batted first and posted an imposing total of 371-6. David Warner and Steve Smith scored centuries.
In response, South Africa got off to a terrific start with the score reading 140-1 in 17.1 overs. South Africa lost their way a bit losing the next 5 wickets for 125 runs in 20.3 overs. But an unbeaten 107 runs stand for the seventh wicket saw South Africa through. David Miller put on a show scoring an undefeated 118 off 79 balls.
#1 South Africa vs Australia – 438/9
It has been 17 years since this game but it still rekindles the same amount of emotions. Australia and South Africa played one of the greatest ODI of all time in Johannesburg in March 2006. In the deciding 5th game of the 5-match ODI series, Australia had broken all records to score a jaw-dropping 434-4 batting first. The home fans were shell-shocked at the hammering their bowlers received.
Jacques Kallis during the innings break quipped that Australia is 15 runs short on this wicket. This moment triggered the African batters in believing that anything is possible. Graeme Smith (90 off 55 balls) and Herschelle Gibbs (175 off 111 balls) tore apart Australian bowlers. Crucial cameos from Mark Boucher, Van Der Wath, and Roger Telemachus saw South Africa home. There were happy tears on fans’ faces. It remains an unforgettable game. In all certainty, it will continue to remain so forever!
