India cricket team are bracing themselves for a mammoth target to chase down in the IND vs SA 2nd Test. A win seems quite literally impossible for Rishabh Pant and co. as the Proteas currently lead by 504 runs in their 2nd innings. To date, the highest 4th innings total chased down by India was way back in 1976 in Port of Spain when they successfully chased down a 403-run target against the West Indies.
Highest successful run-chases by India in Tests
While India’s highest successful run-chase in Tests came against WI in 1976, the maximum that they were able to chase down at home was against England in 2008. Back then, India had managed to chase down the 387 run target with 6 wickets left in hand.
| Target | Scored | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 403 | 406/4 | West Indies | Port of Spain | 1976 |
| 387 | 387/4 | England | Chennai | 2008 |
| 328 | 329/7 | Australia | Brisbane | 2021 |
| 276 | 276/5 | West Indies | Delhi | 2011 |
| 264 | 264/5 | Sri Lanka | Kandy | 2001 |
| 261 | 262/5 | New Zealand | Bengaluru | 2012 |
| 257 | 258/5 | Sri Lanka | Colombo (PSS) | 2010 |
| 254 | 256/8 | Australia | Mumbai (BS) | 1964 |
| 230 | 233/6 | Australia | Adelaide | 2003 |
| 216 | 216/9 | Australia | Mohali | 2010 |
| 207 | 207/3 | Australia | Bengaluru | 2010 |
| 203 | 203/4 | Pakistan | Delhi | 2007 |
| 200 | 200/5 | New Zealand | Dunedin | 1968 |
| 192 | 192/5 | England | Ranchi | 2024 |
| 190 | 190/3 | Zimbabwe | Delhi | 2000 |
In response to South Africa’s 489-run 1st innings total in IND vs SA 2nd Test, India were bowled out for just 201 runs, giving the Proteas the upper hand in the contest. On Day 3, SA piled up more misery on India, as they finished at 220/4 and a lead of 504 runs at Lunch. While the Indians are waiting for SA to declare, they would certainly be hoping that they can get to draw this match. A defeat would mean a second whitewash at home in a year’s time for India.
