Top 10 Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket History: Unstoppable Spirit

Test cricket is known for its patience, grit, and strategy. But nothing excites fans more than a thrilling final-innings run chase. Over the years, several teams have created history by overcoming massive targets in the fourth innings. These Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket not only displayed individual brilliance but also showed the strength of teamwork, belief, and resilience. Here’s a look at the top 10 Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket.

List of Top 10 Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket History

10. England vs India – 371/4 (2025, Leeds)

One of the most recent additions to the list of Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket came in 2025 at Headingley. Chasing 371 in the fourth innings against India, England showed nerves of steel and aggressive intent. Ben Duckett provided a flying start with a blistering 149, setting the tone early. Zak Crawley supported him with a well-paced 65 before India fought back with quick wickets. At 253/4, the match hung in the balance, but Joe Root and Ben Stokes displayed composure under pressure. Root’s experience and calm batting were instrumental in anchoring the chase.

Although Stokes fell before the end, Root remained unbeaten with a fluent half-century, sealing one of England’s finest chases in front of a home crowd. This marked another instance where England redefined the art of fourth-innings chases under their new aggressive philosophy, contributing to one of the Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket.

Player	Score
Ben Duckett	149
Zak Crawley	65
Joe Root	50+*

9. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 382/3 (2015, Pallekele)

Pakistan produced one of their most iconic moments in Test cricket in 2015 by chasing 377 runs against Sri Lanka at Pallekele. This match became a textbook example of the Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket. Veteran Younis Khan played a masterclass innings of 171* to guide the chase. He was ably supported by young opener Shan Masood, who scored his maiden Test hundred. The pair added a 242-run partnership that frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers.

With no Rangana Herath in the side, Sri Lanka’s bowling lacked bite. Misbah-ul-Haq added finishing touches with a composed half-century. Pakistan reached the target with seven wickets in hand, marking one of the Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket, and highlighting the importance of experience and partnership in long chases.

Player	Score
Younis Khan	171*
Shan Masood	125
Misbah-ul-Haq	59*

8. England vs India – 378/3 (2022, Edgbaston)

In 2022, England chased down 378 runs at Edgbaston, executing one of the most dominant Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket. Known for their fearless style under Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England launched a brutal counter-attack. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow both scored unbeaten centuries, steering the team to victory with ease. Root’s fluent 142* and Bairstow’s aggressive 114* showcased how modern Test cricket was evolving.

England lost only three wickets and finished the chase on the fifth day with style. Their approach left India stunned and leveled the series 2-2. This match became one of the Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket, further establishing England’s aggressive cricketing identity and proving how even daunting targets can be conquered with the right mindset.

Player	Score
Joe Root	142*
Jonny Bairstow	114*
Alex Lees	56

7. India vs England – 387/4 (2008, Chennai)

After the devastating 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, India found solace and pride in their epic chase of 387 against England. It was one of the most emotional and Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket. Sehwag blasted 83 off just 68 balls to set the foundation. The chase was anchored by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who scored an unbeaten 103.

Yuvraj Singh also remained not out on 85, partnering with Tendulkar to take India home. The victory was about more than just cricket – it was a moment of national healing. Tendulkar’s dedication of the innings to the victims of the attack made it even more special. It was a powerful example of cricket’s ability to unite and inspire.

Player	Score
Sachin Tendulkar	103*
Virender Sehwag	83
Yuvraj Singh	85*

6. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – 391/6 (2017, Colombo)

Sri Lanka achieved one of their proudest victories by chasing 388 against Zimbabwe in 2017. This ranks high among the Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket. The hosts were in trouble at 203/5, but Asela Gunaratne and Niroshan Dickwella led a spirited fightback. Gunaratne, batting with an injured hand, showed incredible resilience to remain unbeaten on 80.

Dickwella contributed a steady 81, and their partnership turned the game around. Kusal Mendis also played an important early role with 66. Sri Lanka’s chase denied Zimbabwe their first Test win over the island nation and reminded fans that no match is over until the final run is scored.

Player	Score
Asela Gunaratne	80*
Niroshan Dickwella	81
Kusal Mendis	66

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

The West Indies stunned the world in 2021 with one of the most extraordinary Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket. Chasing 395 in the fourth innings in Bangladesh, debutant Kyle Mayers played a once-in-a-lifetime knock. His 210* remains one of the greatest innings by a Test debutant. Supported by Nkrumah Bonner’s 86, Mayers soaked up pressure and battled spin on a wearing pitch.

The victory was even more impressive as the team had been trailing by 171 runs after the first innings. Their incredible fightback showcased grit, courage, and belief, lifting the spirits of Caribbean fans and proving that anything is possible in Test cricket.

Player	Score
Kyle Mayers	210*
Nkrumah Bonner	86

4. India vs West Indies – 406/4 (1976, Port of Spain)

India’s chase of 403 against West Indies in 1976 remains one of their proudest moments in Test history. It stands as one of the Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket. Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath scored magnificent centuries. Mohinder Amarnath added a gritty 85. The Indian team displayed bravery against a strong West Indies attack on a deteriorating pitch.

Their victory shocked the hosts and triggered a major change in West Indies cricket – the rise of the fearsome four-pronged pace attack. This match was not just a victory but a turning point in global cricket, showing how strategy evolves through competition.

Player	Score
Sunil Gavaskar	102
Gundappa Viswanath	112
Mohinder Amarnath	85

3. Australia vs England – 404/3 (1948, Leeds)

The Australian Invincibles, led by Sir Don Bradman, chased 404 against England in 1948, making it one of the earliest examples of the Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket. The match was played on uncovered pitches, which made batting tougher. Arthur Morris starred with 182, while Bradman anchored with a sublime 173*.

Their partnership was clinical and calm, guiding Australia to victory with seven wickets to spare. This chase sealed their undefeated tour and set a benchmark for excellence in Test cricket. It was a display of pure class and skill from one of the greatest teams ever.

Player	Score
Arthur Morris	182
Don Bradman	173*
Lindsay Hassett	63*

2. South Africa vs Australia – 414/4 (2008, Perth)

South Africa’s historic chase of 414 against Australia in Perth in 2008 is remembered as one of the boldest and Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket. Graeme Smith led from the front with a confident 108, while AB de Villiers crafted a mature 106*.

Hashim Amla and JP Duminy also contributed vital runs. Facing a fast Australian bowling attack, South Africa remained calm and chased the target with six wickets in hand. The win not only gave them a lead in the series but also showed that visiting teams could conquer Australian conditions with the right mindset and preparation.

Player	Score
Graeme Smith	108
AB de Villiers	106*
JP Duminy	50*
Hashim Amla	53

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

At the top of the list of the Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket stands West Indies’ legendary chase of 418 against Australia in 2003. Set a daunting target and trailing 0-3 in the series, the West Indies responded with courage and determination. Brian Lara scored 60, but the stars were Sarwan (105) and Chanderpaul (104), whose counterattacking partnership changed the momentum. Lower-order contributions from Omari Banks and Vasbert Drakes completed the miracle.

Despite pressure and wickets falling late, the team held its nerve. The chase remains unbeaten to this day and symbolizes the Caribbean spirit of resilience and pride.

Player	Score
Ramnaresh Sarwan	105
Shivnarine Chanderpaul	104
Brian Lara	60
Omari Banks	47*

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