Test cricket is often about patience and strategy, but some matches break all the rules with extraordinary performances. Since 2000, cricket fans have witnessed incredible moments where teams have achieved Successful Run Chases under pressure, rewriting the record books. Below are the Top 10 Successful Run Chases, ranked from 10 to 1, each with thrilling stories of grit, glory, and greatness.
List of Top 10 Most Powerful and Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket Since 2000
10. South Africa vs Sri Lanka – 2006
South Africa stunned the world in 2006 with a gritty batting effort to pull off one of the Successful Run Chases in Test cricket. Chasing 352 against Sri Lanka, the Proteas showed tremendous character as they battled through pressure situations.
Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince anchored the innings before Mark Boucher played a crucial late hand. It was a nail-biting finish that saw South Africa cross the line with just one wicket left.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 2006 | 352 | 9 |
9. Pakistan vs Australia – 2019
One of Pakistan’s finest Test moments came in 2019, where they completed one of their most dramatic Successful Run Chases against a dominant Australian side. They chased 362 runs while losing 9 wickets.
The middle order showed heart, and tailenders held their nerve in the final overs. Though not often talked about, this win remains a proud achievement in Pakistan’s Test history.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2019 | 362 | 9 |
8. New Zealand vs India – 2025
In a memorable clash in Wellington, New Zealand chased down a mammoth 373 against India in 2025. It was one of the most impressive Successful Run Chases by the Kiwis in modern Test cricket.
Kane Williamson and Devon Conway built a solid partnership that guided the chase. Their calmness under pressure made this one of the greatest Test wins in New Zealand’s history.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 2025 | 373 | 5 |
7. England vs India – 2022
England’s exciting new era in Test cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum saw them achieve one of their boldest Successful Run Chases – 378 against India at Edgbaston.
Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow batted with fearless intent, both scoring centuries. England’s aggressive mindset changed how the cricketing world views fourth-innings chases.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 2022 | 378 | 3 |
6. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 2015
Pakistan’s win in Pallekele in 2015 was among the most clinical Successful Run Chases in their Test history. Chasing 382 against Sri Lanka, they made it look easy.
Younis Khan’s experience and Shan Masood’s impressive knock created the backbone of the chase. Pakistan showed dominance and maturity on the final day.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 2015 | 382 | 3 |
5. India vs England – 2008
India pulled off an emotional and historic win in Chennai in 2008, just weeks after the Mumbai terror attacks. They chased down 387, marking one of their finest Successful Run Chases.
Sachin Tendulkar scored an unbeaten century, dedicating the win to the victims. Virender Sehwag set the tone early, and the entire nation found joy in cricket once again.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 2008 | 387 | 4 |
4. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – 2017
In 2017, Sri Lanka chased 391 runs against Zimbabwe in a thriller. Though not against a top-tier team, this was one of the most underrated Successful Run Chases in Test history.
Asela Gunaratne stood out with a brave knock under pressure. The game was a tight one till the last hour, making the win even more special.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 2017 | 391 | 6 |
3. West Indies vs Bangladesh – 2021
In one of the most shocking Successful Run Chases, West Indies chased 395 against Bangladesh in 2021. What made it iconic? Kyle Mayers scoring a double century on debut in the fourth innings.
This was not just a victory – it was a bold statement from a young, inexperienced West Indies side. It brought hope back to Caribbean cricket fans.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 2021 | 395 | 7 |
2. South Africa vs Australia – 2008
South Africa chased 414 runs against Australia in Perth in 2008. It’s remembered as one of the boldest and cleanest Successful Run Chases in Test match history.
AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith led the way with calm, confident batting. This win changed the mindset of many teams who had previously feared chasing big totals.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2008 | 414 | 4 |
1. West Indies vs Australia – 2003
At number one is the greatest of all Successful Run Chases – West Indies chasing 418 against Australia in Antigua in 2003. No other team has gone past this record to date.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan played stunning innings. It was a fearless and unforgettable effort against the world’s best bowling attack at the time.
| Team Chased Against | Year | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2003 | 418 | 7 |
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FAQ
Q1: What is the highest successful run chase in Test cricket history?
Ans: The highest successful run chase is 418/7 by West Indies against Australia in 2003.
Q2: Who scored a double century in a fourth-innings chase on debut?
Ans: Kyle Mayers of West Indies scored 210* against Bangladesh in 2021.
Q3: Which team chased over 400 twice since 2000?
Ans: Both West Indies and South Africa have done it.
Q4: Which was India’s highest successful chase in this list?
Ans: India chased 387 runs against England in 2008.
Q5: What makes a fourth-innings run chase special?
Ans: The pitch becomes difficult to bat on, pressure is high, and teams need strong mental strength and skill.