Top 5 highest successful run chases in ICC Cricket World Cup history

Pakistan hold the record for the highest successful run chase in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup.

Certainly, the ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the most highly anticipated events in the cricketing world. In this edition of the tournament (ICC Cricket World Cup 2023), we've witnessed some remarkable moments, including New Zealand's explosive batting performance against England in the opening game, South Africa achieving the first-ever 400+ score in the ODI World Cup 2023, and the emergence of talents like Rachin Ravindra, among other compelling stories.

This World Cup has been a thrilling roller-coaster ride, marked by numerous record-breaking performances. On Tuesday, 10th October, the Pakistani batsmen added to the list of records by achieving one of the highest successful run chases in ICC Cricket World Cup history. Let's take a look at the top 5 highest successful run chases in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Here are the highest successful run chases in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup:

5. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe - 313/7 (1992):

In a 1992 World Cup League match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, played at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, the Sri Lankans achieved a historic feat by successfully chasing down a 300+ target for the first time in the history of ODI World Cup. Zimbabwe had scored 312/4, with Andy Flower scoring an unbeaten century (115* runs off 152 balls) in his debut ODI match.

While chasing down the enormous total of 313, the opening pair of Mahanama and Samarasekera (50 in 33 balls) gave Sri Lanka a great start, with an opening stand of 128 at almost a run a ball. However, the middle order struggled to maintain the momentum. It was skipper Arjuna Ranatunga who played an important knock of 88* and his partnership with Jayasuriya (32 off 24 balls) that drove his team to a record-breaking victory.

4. Bangladesh vs West Indies - 322/3 (2019):

On the day of the match between Bangladesh and West Indies in the 2019 ODI World Cup, at Taunton, West Indies set a high target of 321/8. Hetmyer (50), Shae Hope (96), and Ewin Lewis (70) all smashed half centuries, with Hope just short of four runs to score his century.

Despite the tough challenge, Bangladesh were up for the task and put on a world-class performance. Tamim Iqbal provided the required start. Shakib Al Hasan then smashed 124* runs off 99 balls, while Litton Das scored 94* runs off 69 balls.

Thanks to this outstanding performance, Bangladesh successfully chased the target and sealed an impressive victory. Shakib was awarded the Player of the Match award for his exceptional batting display.

3. Bangladesh vs Scotland - 322/4 (2015):

In a remarkable moment during the 2015 World Cup held at Saxton Oval in Nelson, Bangladesh showcased their prowess by successfully chasing down their second-highest total in the history of One Day International (ODI) matches. Scotland had posted an impressive 318/8 on the scoreboard, with Kyle Coetzer being the standout performer, amassing an impressive 156 runs off 134 balls, standing out as the sole player from Scotland to achieve such a significant score.

The Bangladeshi team, led by the dynamic opener Tamim Iqbal, launched their innings with a dazzling start. Tamim Iqbal, renowned for his explosive batting, fell just shy of a century, scoring a blazing 95 runs off 100 deliveries. His electrifying performance set the stage for what would turn out to be a thrilling chase.

Supporting their opener's spectacular effort, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shakib Al Hasan played crucial roles by notching up half-centuries. Their collective effort paved the way for an extraordinary victory, as Bangladesh successfully hunted down the daunting target set by Scotland. It was a match that showcased Bangladesh's resilience and batting prowess, leaving cricket fans in awe of their remarkable performance.

2. Ireland vs England- 329/7 (2011):

The year 2011 was truly remarkable for cricket fans worldwide, with the ODI World Cup serving as the stage for the rise of Indian cricket. Amidst the heroic triumph of MS Dhoni's Indian team, there was an unforgettable moment when Ireland, the underdogs, achieved a remarkable victory over England. In a thrilling ODI match, Ireland successfully chased down a daunting target of 329 runs.

This game, widely regarded as one of the best in ODI history, saw Ireland's Kevin O'Brien play a stunning innings of 113 runs off just 63 balls. It was a performance that will forever be etched in cricketing memory, as the underdogs outperformed the cricketing giants, creating an enduring legacy.

1. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka - 345/4 (2023):

Few would have expected Pakistan to successfully chase down the daunting target of 345 runs against Sri Lanka, especially after losing two early wickets. Not only did they lose their opening batsmen, but the Sri Lankan bowlers also managed to dismiss Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam.

It seemed like the end for Pakistan at that point. However, thanks to centuries from Mohammed Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique, the green team achieved the improbable feat of chasing down the target in just 48.2 overs. This historic achievement has now made Pakistan the first team in the history of the ODI World Cup to successfully chase 340+ in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup.

(All stats updated till 27th October, 2023)