In the ultimate test of their mettle, Team India finds themselves on the precipice of history as they aim to achieve the highest fourth innings run chase in Test cricket to claim victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final in London.
The current record for the largest successful fourth innings pursuit stands at 418 runs, a remarkable feat accomplished by the West Indies against Australia in Antigua back in 2003. On that memorable occasion, the Caribbean side achieved their target with seven wickets in hand, etching their names in the annals of cricketing folklore.
As we delve into the top five highest fourth innings run chases in Test cricket, we witness moments of exceptional resilience and determination:
5) West Indies vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2021 – 395/7
4) Australia vs England, Leeds, 1948 – 404/3
3) India vs West Indies, Port of Spain, 1976 – 406/4
2) South Africa vs Australia, Perth, 2008 – 414/4
1) West Indies vs Australia, St John’s, 2003 – 418/7
Of these remarkable feats, the most recent was witnessed in 2021 when Kyle Mayers displayed an awe-inspiring innings of 210 not out, guiding the West Indies to an improbable victory against Bangladesh. Mayers’ heroic efforts, coupled with a vital partnership of 216 for the fourth wicket with Nkrumah Bonner, remain fresh in cricketing memories.
While the history books provide a glimmer of hope for India, with instances such as England’s mammoth fourth innings total of 654/5 against South Africa in Durban in 1939, it is an arduous task that lies ahead. To share the World Test Championship mace with Australia, India must display unwavering resilience and determination, surviving until stumps on the fifth day.
The second-highest successful fourth innings pursuit occurred when New Zealand amassed 451 runs against England in Christchurch in 2002. Regrettably, this remarkable effort ended in defeat, as seamer Andy Caddick’s six-wicket haul dismantled the Kiwi side.
As India gears up for their monumental task, their target stands at 444 runs for victory in their fourth innings at The Oval. Led by the formidable Rohit Sharma, the Indian team must summon every ounce of skill and fortitude to come close to matching the remarkable achievements of those who have gone before them.
