Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket History

By: Cricbites | November 6, 2025

Test cricket has always been considered the purest form of the game – a battle of skill and temperament, played over five days. High scores and great spells often dominate the headlines; however, there are few things as amazing as watching a team chase a big score. Successfully chasing a Test run requires confidence, resilience and composure under pressure. Whether it’s a masterclass from a captain or a moment of success for the youngest of them, these games remain timeless classics.

Below is a complete list of the most successful run chases in Test cricket history as of 2025. These historic games showcased extraordinary determination, batting talent and nerves of steel.

Test Cricket History: Highest Successful Run Chases

Match	Country	Target	Scored	Versus	Ground	Result
09/05/2003	West Indies	418	418/7	Australia	Antigua Recreation Ground	West Indies won by 3 wickets
17/12/2008	South Africa	414	414/4	Australia	WACA Ground	South Africa won by 6 wickets
22/07/1948	Australia	404	404/3	England	Headingley	Australia won by 7 wickets
07/04/1976	India	403	406/4	West Indies	Queen’s Park Oval	India won by 6 wickets
03/02/2021	West Indies	395	395/7	Bangladesh	Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium	West Indies won by 3 wickets
14/07/2017	Sri Lanka	388	391/6	Zimbabwe	R Premadasa Stadium	Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
11/12/2008	India	387	387/4	England	MA Chidambaram Stadium	India won by 6 wickets
01/07/2022	England	378	378/3	India	Edgbaston	England won by 7 wickets
03/07/2015	Pakistan	377	382/3	Sri Lanka	Pallekele International Cricket Stadium	Pakistan won by 7 wickets
20/06/2025	England	371	373/5	India	Headingley	England won by 5 wickets

1. West Indies vs Australia (Antigua, 2003)

In one of the most famous chases in Test history, West Indies achieved the impossible by chasing 418 against Australia in 2003. Despite Lara leading the team, the combined efforts of Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul secured a historic victory. The entire Caribbean team was elated as the hosts completed the chase, which still stands as a world record. It was the perfect blend of fearless batting and pure determination against one of the strongest bowling attacks of all time.

2. South Africa vs Australia (Perth, 2008)

In 2008, South Africa achieved their most remarkable victory at home. With AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith, they led the team to a masterclass in controlled aggression, scoring 414 in Perth. Signalling the beginning of a new era in South African cricket, the South African team not only won the match but also the series. This chase was special because it was played on a bouncing pitch against a strong Australian team – a true testament to skill and confidence.

3. Australia vs England (Headingley, 1948)

This is an iconic match from the “Bradman era” that is still remembered in cricket history. Under the leadership of Sir Donald Bradman, Australia chased down 404 runs without much fanfare and defeated England by 7 wickets. Bradman and Morris shared a brilliant partnership, with Morris scoring a brilliant 182. It showed how dominant Australia could be even in the scorching conditions of the fourth innings.

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

In 1976, India achieved the impossible in Trinidad. The team was given a target of 403 runs. But under the leadership of Sunil and Gundappa Vishwanath, India batted with unprecedented courage and class. The victory was a symbol of India’s growing confidence in world cricket and their biggest win abroad. It was the first time a subcontinental team had successfully chased down more than 400 runs in a Test match.

5. West Indies vs Bangladesh, Chittagong, 2021

But in 2021, a young West Indies team did the unthinkable by chasing down 395 runs in Chittagong. Debutant Kyle Meyers played a heroic innings of 210* to take his team home from an unlikely position. The game is remembered for Meyers’ calmness and composure. It became an innings that will be talked about for generations as one of the greatest Test debuts.

6. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe (Colombo, 2017)

Sri Lanka’s chase of 391/6 against Zimbabwe was a thrilling affair. Kusal Mendis and Asela Gunaratne stole the show for the hosts with their disciplined yet aggressive batting. This was one of those rare matches where both teams fought till the last session, making it a true classic in Asian Test cricket history.

7. India vs England (Chennai, 2008)

It wasn’t just about cricket; it was about spirit and resilience. Team India played with great inspiration after the tragic attacks in Mumbai in 2008. Sachin’s emotional century helped India successfully chase down 387 against England. The victory was dedicated to the nation, and the stands at Chepauk, Chennai, witnessed one of the most emotional victories in Test cricket.

8. England vs India (Edgbaston, 2022)

Under the “baseball” era of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England chased down a mammoth 378 against India in 2022. Back-to-back centuries from Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow changed the game. The win marked the beginning of England’s fearless, modern classic that changed their approach to Test matches.

9. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Pallekele, 2015)

Centuries from Younis Khan and Shan Masood helped Pakistan chase down a target of 382/3 against Sri Lanka in 2015. A calm, calculated partnership gave Pakistan a memorable 7-wicket victory. It was one of the best overseas Test victories for Pakistan, proving that when patience and class are on point, any target can be surpassed.

10. England vs India, Headingley, 2025

The most recent entry on the list – England’s chase of 373/5 at Headingley in 2025 – is a testament to their strength in home conditions. Led by mature innings from Ben and Harry, England’s game once again yielded fruitful results in a superb performance.

What Makes a Successful Test Chase so Difficult?

Batting in the fourth innings in Tests is initially challenging on the technical front. But, unlike in limited-overs matches. The pitch deteriorates, and spin comes into play due to this, while bowlers use reverse swing. Crossing 400 is a rare feat when teams rarely manage to chase more than 250. A successful chase requires great, patient and perfect shot selection, which only the great teams possess.

Key Takeaways From these Iconic Matches

Patience and partnership: Chasing big targets was largely dependent on strong batting partnerships.
Team belief: Teams that believed they could win never gave up, no matter how high the targets.
Home vs Away: There have been many successful chases in overseas conditions, which is a true sign of greatness.
Modern mindset: The 2020s have been a decade of aggressive cricket, even in the longest format.

Conclusion

Chasing a big target in a Test match is not about skill; it is about character. From West Indies’ 418 to England’s 2025 Headingley triumph, these games define the evolution of Test cricket. Each match is a story of courage, perseverance and faith in the best of possibilities until the last ball is bowled. This is what keeps Test cricket alive: timeless battles that turn the ordinary into legends.