Highest Successful Run Chases by India in Tests
South Africa have set India an enormous target of 549 runs in the ongoing second Test at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. With only four sessions left to level the series, India face a monumental task — one they have never achieved in their long Test history. So let’s have a look at Highest Successful Run Chases by India in Tests.
Despite several memorable fourth-innings heroics over the decades, India have never chased more than 450 runs in Test cricket. Here’s a detailed look at India’s most iconic successful run chases across formats, venues and opponents.
South Africa Set India a Mammoth 549-Run Target
In the second innings, South Africa declared at 260/5 in 78.3 overs.
Tristan Stubbs fell just short of a century with a brilliant 94 off 180 balls, stitching key partnerships with Tony de Zorzi (49) and Wiaan Mulder (35*). Their composed batting stretched South Africa’s lead to 548 runs.
For India, Ravindra Jadeja starred with the ball, returning exceptional figures of 4/62. Washington Sundar chipped in with one wicket.
India now require 549 runs in 110 overs — a target far beyond anything they have chased before.
India’s Highest Successful Run Chases in Tests
India’s highest-ever successful chase came 49 years ago, against the West Indies in 1976.
Top Successful Test Run Chases by India
| Target | Score | Overs | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 403 | 406/4 | 147 | West Indies | Port of Spain | 1976 |
| 387 | 387/4 | 98.3 | England | Chennai | 2008 |
| 328 | 329/7 | 97 | Australia | Brisbane | 2021 |
| 276 | 276/5 | 80.4 | West Indies | Delhi | 2011 |
| 264 | 264/5 | 78.4 | Sri Lanka | Kandy | 2001 |
Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 103 in Chennai 2008 remains one of India’s most cherished fourth-innings masterclasses.
India’s Highest Successful Run Chases at Home
India’s biggest home chase is 387 against England in 2008, driven by Tendulkar, Sehwag, and Yuvraj.
Top Home Fourth-Innings Chases
| Target | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 387 | 387/4 | Chennai | 2008 |
| 276 | 276/5 | Delhi | 2011 |
| 261 | 262/5 | Bengaluru | 2012 |
| 254 | 256/8 | Mumbai | 1964 |
| 216 | 216/9 | Mohali | 2010 |
India’s Highest Successful Run Chases vs South Africa
India have rarely been asked to chase big totals against South Africa, with their highest successful chase being a modest 117 in Kolkata in 2004.
Top Chases vs South Africa
| Target | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 117 | 120/2 | Kolkata | 2004 |
| 79 | 80/3 | Cape Town | 2024 |
| 62 | 64/2 | Kanpur | 2008 |
What’s at Stake in Guwahati?
If India fail to chase 549, South Africa will secure a historic Test series win in India after 25 years — their last coming in 2000.
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