Top 10 Highest Run Chases in Test Cricket History: Records & Analysis (2025 Update)

Test cricket has experienced significant transformations over the past ten years. In the past, cricketers focused on how to salvage a Test match instead of aiming for victory; currently, the format has experienced an increase in aggressive mindset, especially from batters. Due to the emergence of contemporary attacking strategies and bold mentalities, even the longest format of the game is now being contested at a significantly quicker tempo. Mastering the art of chasing in Test cricket is unique. In contrast to limited-overs formats, there isn’t a strict over limit that regulates the tempo.

Rather, captains and batters need to find a balance among the target run rate, shifting pitch conditions, mental fatigue, and the approaching passage of time. While Test cricket maintains its traditional spirit, the combination of patience and measured aggression has emerged as the new standard. The influence of confrontational attitudes, especially from entities with offensive principles, has changed Test dynamics. Players now view chasing 300-plus totals not as a challenge, but as a chance to demonstrate their ability to achieve the target. This article explores the Highest run chases in Test cricket.

Complete List of Highest run chases in Test cricket

Some of the most significant moments in Test cricket have occurred when teams pursued large targets in their last innings. Run chases are consistently challenging, featuring fatigued bowlers, difficult pitches, and significant pressure. However, teams have still achieved remarkable victories, such as West Indies’ 418 versus Australia or England’s recent 371 against India. With teams displaying greater attacking intent now, significant fourth-innings chases occur more frequently than ever. Here’s a glimpse at the largest of them.

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10. England against India – 371 runs (2025)

The most recent addition to the record books originates from the current England versus India rivalry. In June 2025 at Headingley, England pursued 371 runs in their final innings to overcome India, recording one of the greatest successful run chases in history.

Chasing 371 to win on the last day, England’s top order provided a fiery beginning. opener Ben Duckett blasted 149 at almost a run-a-ball, while Zak Crawley made 65, placing England in a solid position. Nonetheless, India responded in the afternoon: pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur captured two wickets in two deliveries, dismissing Duckett and the incoming batsman Harry Brook in back-to-back balls to surprise England.

From 253/2, England quickly dropped to 253/4, providing India with a hint of optimism. In came Joe Root and Ben Stokes, two of England’s top performers in crucial games, who forged a resilient partnership to seal India’s fate. The seasoned duo steadily navigated that stressful phase and slowly picked up pace, responding to India’s bowlers with a blend of strong defense and well-timed boundaries.

Root, playing at home, stayed undefeated with a smooth half-century, while captain Stokes offered consistent backing until Jadeja got him out. England achieved the target with Root at the forefront, and the Headingley crowd burst into celebration. This triumphant pursuit marks England’s second appearance in the all-time top ten, highlighting how their aggressive batting style in Test cricket under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes persists in producing record-setting achievements. It also signified that England secured the Test and leads the five-match series 1-0.

Key Performers:

• Ben Duckett (149)
• Zak Crawley (65)
• Joe Root (unbeaten half-century)

9. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 377 runs (2015)

Pakistan’s remarkable pursuit of 377 runs against Sri Lanka at Pallekele in July 2015 is considered one of their greatest Test triumphs and a standout fourth-innings performance in cricket’s history. Pakistan showcased an almost perfect batting display characterized by poise, serenity, and measured aggression.

The basis of the pursuit was established through an outstanding 242-run collaboration between seasoned player Younis Khan and emerging talent Shan Masood.

Facing pressure as Pakistan batted, Younis displayed his signature determination and expertise, scoring a splendid unbeaten 171. In just his fifth Test, Masood supported him excellently with a finely crafted 125. Pakistan’s victorious pursuit of 382/3 (target 377) in 103.1 overs marked their best chase in Test history. It was a reflection of their faith, endurance, and capability to perform when it mattered.

Key Performers:

• Younis Khan (171*)
• Shan Masood (125)
• Misbah-ul-Haq (59*)

Also Read: The Art & Science of the Perfect Cover Drive

8. England against India – 378 runs (2022)

England’s bold new strategy for Test cricket, frequently referred to as “Bazball,” was prominently showcased at Edgbaston in July 2022. In a remarkable pursuit for England, they surpassed a 378-run target against India, concluding the match at 378/3 with an extraordinary batting performance. This pursuit is currently the ninth greatest in Test history.

Challenging a tough target of 378, England went on the offensive early and made the difficult pursuit appear manageable. Joe Root (142* not out) and Jonny Bairstow (114* not out) shone brightly, both scoring unbeaten centuries. The pair played with India’s bowlers, accumulating runs and diminishing the danger of both fast and spin bowling. This victory was notable due to its ease and dominance – England lost just three wickets along the way.

It marked England’s most significant successful pursuit and highlighted the team’s revived bold mindset. The victory equalized the delayed Test series at 2–2 and astonished fans at how run chases that previously appeared unattainable can now be accomplished with bold and aggressive cricket.

Key Performers:

• Joe Root (142* in 4th innings)
• Jonny Bairstow (114* in 4th innings)
• Alex Lees (56)

7.  India vs England – 387 runs (2008)

India’s unforgettable pursuit of 387 against England in Chennai in December 2008 was not only a cricketing success; it represented a moment of national recovery and strength. Arriving only weeks after the tragic Mumbai terror attacks, the Test series faced a haze of uncertainty, with feelings heightened throughout the nation.

Faced with a challenging goal of 387 in the fourth innings, the highest ever recorded in Asia at that moment, India started out slowly. As the pitch deteriorated and pressure increased, many anticipated the game would end in a stalemate.

India reached their goal of 387/4 in 98.3 overs, marking one of their finest Test victories ever. Sachin Tendulkar solidified the batting with an exceptional unbeaten 103. Yuvraj Singh, who scored an impressive 85* in a vital partnership, offered him outstanding assistance. This pursuit ranks as one of India’s highest successful run chases in Test cricket.

Key Performers:

• Sachin Tendulkar (103*)
• Virender Sehwag (83 off 68 balls)
• Yuvraj Singh (85*)

6. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – 388 runs (2017)

In July 2017, Sri Lanka achieved their highest successful run chase, scoring 391/6 to surpass a target of 388 set by Zimbabwe in Colombo. At that moment, this was the most triumphant fourth-innings pursuit in Asia and the fifth highest globally. The single Test had the home team facing significant pressure as Zimbabwe aimed for a historic victory. Sri Lanka struggled to 203/5, yet a game-changing partnership altered the outcome.

Asela Gunaratne (80* not out) stood out, showing poise while dealing with a hand injury, while Niroshan Dickwella (81) played an essential supporting role. Combined, they scored more than 100 runs for the sixth wicket, leading Sri Lanka to a win by four wickets. This intense pursuit prevented Zimbabwe from achieving what could have been their first Test victory against Sri Lanka. The win showcased Sri Lanka’s skill to remain composed under stress and is celebrated for the squad’s unity and perseverance during a nail-biting conclusion.

Key Performers:

• Asela Gunaratne (80*)
• Niroshan Dickwella (81)
• Kusal Mendis (66)

5. West Indies vs Bangladesh – 395 runs (2021)

The West Indies’ remarkable 395-run pursuit against Bangladesh in Chattogram in February 2021 is celebrated as one of the finest Test triumphs in their cricket history. A backup West Indies squad, lacking several experienced players because of COVID-19 worries, overcame all odds to achieve a remarkable victory. Central to the pursuit was Kyle Mayers, participating in his first Test match.

Entering with the odds heavily unfavorable for the guests, Mayers produced a stellar display, scoring an unbeaten 210, making him just the sixth player ever to achieve a double century on debut. West Indies scored 395/7 in 127.3 overs to achieve a remarkable three-wicket victory. It marked their second-best successful run chase in Test matches. Nkrumah Bonner backed him up with 86 runs, along with contributions from the lower order.

Key Performers:

• Kyle Mayers (210* on debut)
• Nkrumah Bonner (86)

4. India against West Indies – 406 runs (1976)

India achieved a remarkable run chase of 406/4 (pursuing a target of 403) against the West Indies in Port of Spain during April 1976. This ranked among the greatest chases in Test history and was particularly important for its consequences. The Indian batsmen, spearheaded by Sunil Gavaskar (102) and Gundappa Viswanath (112), displayed remarkable talent and bravery on a deteriorating pitch.

Against a West Indies bowling lineup featuring some intimidating fast bowlers, they batted with determination. India triumphed by six wickets, achieving one of the most remarkable successful chases in history. The shock from this defeat prompted a shift in West Indian cricket strategy – reportedly, stung by the loss, West Indies captain Clive Lloyd chose to deploy a group of fast bowlers in upcoming series, resulting in a decade of Caribbean supremacy. This game was not only an extraordinary comeback for India but also a pivotal moment that transformed West Indies cricket.

Key Performers:

• Sunil Gavaskar (102)
• Gundappa Viswanath (112)
• Mohinder Amarnath (85)

3. Australia vs England – 404 runs (1948)

Australia’s triumphant 404-run pursuit of England at Headingley, Leeds, in July 1948 is often considered one of the most iconic achievements in Test cricket. The unbeaten Australian squad, captained by the legendary Sir Donald Bradman during his last tour of England.

The pursuit was led by Arthur Morris, who made an impressive 182, alongside Sir Donald Bradman, who delivered a remarkable captain’s innings with an effortless 173*, steering Australia to the objective effortlessly.

Their collaboration of 301 runs facilitated a smooth victory over the Three Lions. Australia concluded with a score of 404/3 in only 114.1 overs. This win is historic not just for the chase’s magnitude but also for the era, as in the 1940s, pursuing 400+ runs was almost unfeasible.

Key Performers:

• Arthur Morris (182)
• Don Bradman (173*)
• Lindsay Hassett (63*)
• Ray Lindwall (7 wickets in match)

2. South Africa versus Australia – 414 runs (2008)

Australia is involved in another thrilling chase, marking the second-highest pursuit in history. In December 2008 at the WACA in Perth, South Africa successfully pursued 414 runs for 4 wickets to shock the home team. This still stands as the greatest run chase by a visiting team in Test history. With a target of 414, South Africa’s batting order stepped up to the challenge.

Captain Graeme Smith (108) established the rhythm with a assertive century, while AB de Villiers (106*) steadied the innings with a composed unbeaten hundred amidst pressure. They gained assistance from Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis (each contributing important fifties), along with newcomer JP Duminy.

Facing a formidable Australian bowling line-up (featuring a spirited Mitchell Johnson), the Proteas maintained their poise. The chase concluded with six wickets remaining, signifying one of the greatest run chases in Test history and securing a landmark series victory in Australia.

Key Performers:

• Graeme Smith (108)
• AB de Villiers (106*)
• JP Duminy (50*)
• Hashim Amla (53)

1. West Indies vs Australia – 418 runs (2003)

The West Indies’ remarkable pursuit of 418 runs versus Australia in St John’s, Antigua, in May 2003 remains the largest run chase in Test cricket history. The game was level after the initial innings for both sides, as they scored 240 runs each before being dismissed. In their second innings, Australia made 417 runs, with openers Mathew Hayden and Justin Langer contributing 177 and 111, respectively.

The West Indies needed 418 runs to win the last Test and equal the series. Even with early dismissals, the middle and lower order mounted a bold counteroffensive. Ramnaresh Sarwan delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 105 runs while aggressively challenging the Australian bowlers with remarkable counter-attacking play. Shivnarine Chanderpaul made a total of 104 runs. This assisted the Caribbean nation in pursuing the largest run chase in Test history.

Key Performers:

• Shivnarine Chanderpaul (104)
• Ramnaresh Sarwan (105)
• Brian Lara (60)
• Omari Banks (47*)