Highest Successful Run Chases in ODI Cricket History
Cricket, especially in the ODI format, is full of thrilling moments, but nothing excites the fans. When the chasing team fights against all odds, maintains its composure under pressure and even overcomes the impossible. In short, it becomes a story that is written in golden letters.
Over the years, we have seen truly amazing run chases: games in which batsmen defied logic and bowlers were helpless. These matches are not about numbers; they showcase courage, teamwork and faith. From Africa’s legendary 438-run chase against Australia to India’s 362-run victory against the same opposition. These are the moments that define modern ODI cricket.
Here is a look at the top 10 most successful run chases in ODI cricket history till 2025.
Top Highest Successful Run Chases in ODI Cricket
| Rank | Team | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Result | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 438/9 | 49.5 | 8.78 | Won | Australia | Johannesburg | 12 Mar 2006 |
| 2 | Netherlands | 374/6 | 49.2 | 7.58 | Won | Scotland | Dundee | 12 Jun 2025 |
| 3 | South Africa | 372/6 | 49.2 | 7.54 | Won | Australia | Durban | 5 Oct 2016 |
| 4 | England | 364/4 | 48.4 | 7.47 | Won | West Indies | Bridgetown | 20 Feb 2019 |
| 5 | India | 362/1 | 43.3 | 8.32 | Won | Australia | Jaipur | 16 Oct 2013 |
| 6 | England | 359/4 | 44.5 | 8.00 | Won | Pakistan | Bristol | 14 May 2019 |
| 7 | Australia | 359/6 | 47.5 | 7.50 | Won | India | Mohali | 10 Mar 2019 |
| 8 | Australia | 356/5 | 47.3 | 7.49 | Won | England | Lahore | 22 Feb 2025 |
| 9 | India | 356/7 | 48.1 | 7.39 | Won | England | Pune | 15 Jan 2017 |
| 10 | Pakistan | 355/4 | 49.0 | 7.24 | Won | South Africa | Karachi | 12 Feb 2025 |
1. South Africa (438/9) vs Australia
This was the biggest ODI chase ever and perhaps the most entertaining match in cricket history. Ricky Ponting’s 164 off 105 balls helped Australia post a mammoth 434/4. Most teams would have crumbled under such pressure, but South Africa held firm. Herschelle Gibbs played one of the best innings ever – 175 off 111 balls – while Graeme Smith added 90. Mark completed the record by completing the 438-run chase with a boundary in the final over. And he also gave the world an unforgettable cricketing masterpiece.
2. Netherlands 374/6 vs Scotland
In one of the most thrilling finishes ever seen in ODI cricket, the Netherlands created history by chasing 375 in 2025. The Dutch openers got off to a good start, with Bas de Leede and Max O’Dowd managing the match.
It was a game that highlighted the Netherlands’ growing stature as a competitive ODI team. Moreover, they broke several associate cricket records with this win.
3. South Africa (372/6) vs Australia
A decade after their legendary chase of 438, South Africa stunned Australia once again. Chasing 372, David Warner’s century put the hosts under pressure but centuries from Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis turned the game around.
They won with four balls to spare, proving once again that no score is safe against the Proteas on home soil.
4. England (364/4) vs West Indies
At the start of 2019, England’s ODI team was already far superior to its contemporaries. The Three Lions chased down a target of 364 against the West Indies with relative ease. Roy and Joe Root managed the innings. While Jos Buttler’s aggressive batting helped England secure a comfortable victory.
5. India 362/1 vs Australia
This match is remembered as one of India’s most powerful batting performances. Chasing 359, openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave a dream start. But it was Virat Kohli’s fastest ODI century that completed the chase in just 43.3 overs off 52 balls.
It was a crucial victory for India, one that included dominance, precision and perfection.
6. England (359/4) vs Pakistan
England’s chasing prowess was on display again in the 2019 home series against Pakistan. There, England managed to score 359 in under 45 overs after a blistering start from Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow. Their aggressive intent defined the fearless brand of cricket that later won them the 2019 World Cup.
7. Australia (359/6) vs India
This was one of Australia’s greatest comebacks in ODI history. Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb led the team in chasing 359 against India, while Ashton Turner scored 84* off just 43 balls.
This was a reminder of Australia’s never-give-up attitude.
8. Australia (356/5) vs England
This is a new entry on the list from February 2025, in which Australia chased down yet another big target. And this time against England in Lahore, Head’s fiery 112 and Marnus Labuschagne’s calm 95 helped them reach the target to maintain their dominance in ODIs.
9. India (356/7) vs England
India once again showed their chasing prowess. England’s 350 looked huge, but Kohli and Kedar Jadhav had other plans. Jadhav’s 120 off 76 balls proved to be one of the best counter-attacking innings in recent ODI history, which gave India victory.
10. Pakistan (355/4) vs. South Africa
One of their most clinical chases was in February 2025 when Pakistan chased down 355. Babar Azam played an innings of 124* as captain, supported by Fakhar Zaman. The consistency and composure of the pair helped Pakistan register their most successful chase ever.
Read More: Fastest Players to Score 1000/2000/3000/4000 Runs in ODI History
Conclusion Â
From Johannesburg to Karachi, the art of chasing has changed dramatically. Today’s teams chase even 350+ targets with confidence and strategy. Power hitting, fitness and fearless cricket have made these lofty chases possible – and exciting too. South Africa’s iconic 438 is the benchmark for greatness. But new teams like the Netherlands and Pakistan are showing that the excitement of ODI cricket is not over yet. In a game where records keep falling, one thing hasn’t changed: the thrill of the chase.
FAQs: Questions & Answers
Q1. What is the most successful run chase in ODI history?
The most successful run chase in ODI history is 438/9 by South Africa against Australia in Johannesburg on March 12, 2006. And it is one of the most prestigious matches ever played.
Q2. Has any team successfully chased 400+ runs?
Only once: South Africa’s 438-run chase against Australia in 2006 is the only 400+ run chase ever.
Q3. Which teams rank highest in the top 10 highest run chases?
Teams like South Africa, India, England and Australia often feature in this list due to their formidable batting power in white-ball cricket.
Q4. What is the most recent highest run chase?
The Netherlands’ 374/6 victory against Scotland in June 2025 is the most recent entry in the list of top 10 most successful run chases.
Q5. Who holds the record for India’s most successful ODI run chase?
India’s most successful chase was against Australia in Jaipur in 2013, when they chased down 359 with 9 wickets to spare.
