Highest Successful Run-chases In T20Is: The T20I format has evolved largely from a hit-and-miss format to a more strategic one. There are matchups and tactics that have taken over the game. But the spirit of the format largely remains the same.
Teams aspire to outscore each other in every passing game. Short boundaries and flat wickets also aid in batting. Batters leave no stone unturned to make merry in such conditions. These factors contribute to large totals being posted and them being chased.
We Look At 5 Of The Highest Successful Run-Chases In T20Is:
#5 Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 2018 [Target: 215]
It was in this series that the seeds of rivalry between these two sides were sown. In a high-scoring encounter, tempers flew thick and fast. Batting first, Sri Lanka had posted a huge total of 214-6. Kusal Perera top-scored for Lanka with 48 balls-74. But it was Upul Tharanga’s cameo of 15 balls-32 that eventually got them to the total.
Little did they know that Bangladesh would come all out for the total. The openers set the stage for the carnage to follow. Mushfiqur Rahim’s 35 balls-72 took Bangladesh home.
#4 England vs South Africa, 2020 [Target: 223]
The Eoin Morgan-led England side broke new grounds post the 2015 ODI World Cup. They played ODIs as an extension of T20Is. South Africa posted a mountain-like score (222) batting first. It was a solid team effort with Heinrich Klassen’s top lining act. He scored 66 off 33 balls at a strike rate of 200.
England on expected lines came out all guns blazing despite losing Jason Roy early. Jonny Bairstow pummelled 34 balls-64, but it was Captain Morgan who won it for England. He smashed 22 balls-57 comprising 7 sixes in a stunning assault.
#3 England vs South Africa, 2016 [Target: 230]
It was a high-stakes T20 World Cup encounter in 2016 between two competitive sides. This was England’s first real test of playing the aggressive game. South Africa notched up a tall of a total on a pitch that was as flat as the highway. England had to chase down 230 on the Wankhede strip.
A ground notorious for its small and fast outfield, England fancied their chances. But one batter outdated everyone that night. Joe Root (44 balls-83) of all the batsmen won the game for England. He reigned supreme on a night that showed how far the game has evolved. England won the game with two balls to go and with 2 wickets to spare.
#2 West Indies vs South Africa, 2015 [Target: 232]
The action shifts from Wankhede to Wanderers. There is something about the huge totals that get the Proteas. They feature thrice on the wrong side of this list. South Africa batting first didn’t have the greatest of starts. Their innings were primarily about one big partnership and a spectacular knock.
Faf du Plessis, the captain smashed 56 balls 119. It took South Africa to a daunting score of 231. But the response from the Windies was even more ballistic. Chris Gayle did what Chris Gayle does. He single-handedly finished the game with a 41-balls 90, a knock studded with 7 sixes and 9 boundaries.
#1 Australia vs New Zealand, 2018 [Target: 244]
This game holds the record for the second highest runs aggregate in T20Is. Eden Park in Auckland had to have this record for witnessing the highest successful run-chase. No other venue in the world is so built for T20 as Eden Park is.
New Zealand batting first posted a mammoth score of 243 largely owing to Martin Guptill’s 54 balls-105. Australia in response didn’t hold back. Their counterattack took the home side by surprise. The openers did most of the damage as David Warner (24-balls 59) and D’Arcy Short (44-balls 76) made a tall total look like a cakewalk. Australia romped home with 7 balls to spare and with 5 wickets in hand!
