Top 5 highest successful run-chases in test cricket history

Only four times 400+ has been chased successfully in test cricket.

Test cricket is the oldest and traditional format of the game, where a team’s skills and patience are tested over five days. Chasing a target is often considered a challenging task in this format because the pitch is worn out in the fourth innings, which gives an edge to the bowlers.

In the past, some teams have chased down mammoth totals to script history in test cricket. If we look at the highest successful chases in tests, on 14 occasions, 350+ has been chased successfully, which speaks a lot about the difficulties of batting in the fourth innings of a test.

Moreover, targets over 400 have been chased only on four occasions so far. With the successful big chases, these teams registered memorable victories and surprised the cricket fraternity. On that note, below are the top five highest successful chases in test cricket history.

Top 5 highest successful run-chases in test cricket history

5. West Indies – 395/7 vs Bangladesh, 2021

West Indies capture the fifth spot on this list with their 395-run chase against Bangladesh in a test match in February 2021 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram. Bangladesh piled up 430/10 in the first innings with a century by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Later, the West Indies were bowled out for 259.

With Mominul Haque’s ton, Bangladesh declared their batting at 223/8 in the second innings, setting a 395-run target for the visitors. Surprisingly, the West Indies chased down the target with a marvellous double century by debutant Kyle Mayers (210*), winning the clash by three wickets.

4. Australia- 404/3 vs England, 1948

Australia once chased down a 400-plus total against England in 1948, and this match occupies the fourth spot on this list. The fourth test of the five-match series took place at Headingley, Leeds. In the high-scoring clash, England posted 496/10 in the first innings. Later, Australia responded with 458/10.

In the second innings, England declared their innings at 365/8 and set a gigantic target of 404 runs for Australia. However, Arthur Morris (182) and Don Bradman (173*) slammed spectacular centuries to power Australia to victory by seven wickets in the encounter.

3. India – 406/4 vs West Indies, 1976

India and the West Indies locked horns at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, in the third test of a four-match series in 1976. In the first innings, West Indies posted 359/10 and bowled out India for 228 runs.

In the second innings, the West Indies declared at 271/6, setting a gigantic target of 403 runs for India. However, the visitors bounced back in the second innings to win the encounter by six wickets. Sunil Gavaskar (102) and Gundappa Viswanath (112) hammered centuries to power India to a memorable victory by six wickets.

2. South Africa- 414/4 vs Australia, 2008

During the first test against Australia in Perth in December 2008, South Africa chased down a 414-run target. In the first innings, Australia finished with 375/10 on the scoreboard and bowled out the Proteas for 281 runs.

Later, Australia were bundled out for 319 runs in the second innings, setting a 414-run target for the opposition. Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers set the platform for South Africa’s victory with their centuries. South Africa won the encounter by six wickets.

1. West Indies – 418/7 vs Australia, 2003

West Indies hold the record for the highest successful run-chase in test cricket, which came in a clash against Australia in 2003. During the encounter at Antigua Recreation Ground, St John’s, Australia, were bowled out for 240 in the first innings. Surprisingly, the West Indies were also all out for 240 in their first innings.

In the second innings, Aussie openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden scored centuries to guide the total fo 417/10. Later, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul hammered tons in the second innings to power the West Indies to victory by three wickets in a thrilling encounter.

(All stats updated till 5th July, 2025)

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