Top 10 Highest Run Chases in Test Cricket – Updated for 2025

Test cricket has seen massive changes in the last decade. Previously, cricketers had the mentality of how to save a Test match rather than winning it; now, the format has seen a rise in aggressive intent, particularly from batters. With the rise of modern attacking techniques and fearless mindsets, even the longest format of the game is being played at a much faster pace. The skill of chasing in Test cricket is special. Unlike limited-overs formats, there is no tight over limit that dictates the pace.

Instead, captains and batters must strike a balance between the desired run rate, changing pitch conditions, mental weariness, and the impending passage of time. As Test cricket retains its classical essence, the blend of patience and controlled aggression has become the new benchmark. The impact of aggressive attitudes, particularly from organisations that have attacking principles, has transformed Test dynamics. Players no longer consider pursuing 300-plus totals as difficult to chase, but rather as opportunities to make a point to chase the target. In this article dive into the top highest run chase in Test.

How We Have Ranked Highest Run Chases in Test Cricket

To determine the Top 10 highest run chase Test cricket, we have taken the most runs chased in Test cricket, the easiest and primary factor.

• Most Runs chased down: The total number of runs a team successfully scored to win a Test match in the final innings, overcoming the pressure of changing pitch conditions, scoreboard pressure, and often world-class bowling attacks.

Top 10 Highest Run Chases in Test Cricket

Test Cricket is the longest cricket format, and every cricketer aims to excel in it. However, there were many matches where teams had to chase down some biggest targets. Here is the list for the top 10 highest run chases in Test cricket, including team name, year of the match played, the target, the ground on which the successful run chase was secured, and the opponents.

Which Team Has the Highest Run Chase in Test Cricket?

The West Indies has the record for the highest successful run chase in Test cricket. The Windies made this possible back in 2003 against a mighty Australian side. They chased down a total of 418 runs with three wickets in hand. Shivnarine Chandrapaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, both batters, scored brilliant centuries for the Caribbean Nation to secure the highest run chase in Test cricket.

10. Australia vs Pakistan | 18th Nov 1999

The 1999 Test between Australia and Pakistan in Hobart remains one of the most dramatic and amazing run chases in Test cricket history. Chasing a massive target of 369 in the fourth innings, Australia looked down and out at 126 for 5 against a fiery Pakistani bowling attack featuring Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. But a legendary counterattacking batting led by Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer. Helped a dramatic comeback.

Gilchrist, playing in just his second Test, walked in with Australia in deep trouble. The duo added a sensational 238-run partnership, turning the match on its head. Gilchrist’s unbeaten 149 and Langer’s 127 were masterclasses in pressure batting. They chased down the total in 113.5 overs, completing what was then the third-highest successful run chase in Test history. It is now the 10th highest successful run chase in Test.

9. England vs India | 1st Jul 2022

England’s 378-run chase against India at Edgbaston in July 2022 was the mark the dawn of the "Bazball" era in Test cricket. Their new aggressive Test philosophy under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. The Men in Blue dominated the rescheduled fifth Test from the 2021 series. Openers Alex Lees and Zak Crawley gave England a brilliant opening start. With both openers securing a partnership of 107 runs.

The chase accelerated dramatically with the arrival of Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. The pair stitched together a masterful unbeaten 269-run partnership. Root scored an elegant 142*, while Bairstow’s blazing 114* continued his dream run in 2022. England sealed the chase in just 76.4 overs at an amazing run rate of 4.93. The highest ever in a 300+ run chase.

8. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | 3rd Jul 2015

Pakistan’s stunning run chase of 377 against Sri Lanka at Pallekele in July 2015 ranks among their greatest Test victories and one of the finest fourth-innings efforts in cricket history. Pakistan delivered a near-flawless batting performance led by calmness, composure, and controlled aggression.

The foundation of the chase was built on a superb 242-run partnership between veteran Younis Khan and rising star Shan Masood.

Coming in with Pakistan under pressure, Younis showcased his trademark grit and experience, crafting a magnificent unbeaten 171. Masood, playing in only his fifth Test, complemented him beautifully with a well-made 125. This successful chase of 382/3 (target 377) in 103.1 overs was Pakistan’s highest in Test history. It was a testament to their belief, patience, and ability to deliver under pressure.

7. India vs England | 11th Dec 2008

India’s memorable run chase of 387 against England in Chennai in December 2008 was more than just a cricketing achievement; it was a moment of national healing and resilience. Coming just weeks after the devastating Mumbai terror attacks, the Test series was under a cloud of uncertainty, with emotions running high across the country.

Set a daunting target of 387 in the fourth innings, the highest ever in Asia at the time, India began cautiously. With the pitch wearing and pressure mounting, many expected the match to fizzle out into a draw. India achieved their target of 387/4 after 98.3 overs and had one of their best Test wins ever. Sachin Tendulkar anchored the batting with a brilliant unbeaten 103. Yuvraj Singh, who smashed a fluent 85* in a key partnership, provided him with excellent support. This chase is among india highest run chase in Test cricket.

6. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | 14th Jul 2017

Sri Lanka’s thrilling chase of 388 against Zimbabwe at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium in July 2017 stands as their highest successful run chase in Test cricket. Chasing 388 on a challenging final-day surface, Sri Lanka began steadily but lost wickets at regular intervals, leaving the match finely balanced. The turning point came with a calm and authoritative innings from opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who scored 66 and held the innings together under pressure.

Contributions from Niroshan Dickwella (81) and Asela Gunaratne (80) ensured Sri Lanka stayed on course, but Zimbabwe kept striking back, making for a tense finish. With the game hanging in the balance, Sri Lanka ultimately reached 391/6 in 114.5 overs. This has been the 6th highest successful run chase in Test.

5. West Indies vs Bangladesh | 3rd Feb 2021

The West Indies' amazing 395-run chase against Bangladesh in Chattogram in February 2021 is remembered as one of the greatest Test victories in their cricketing history. A second-string West Indies team, missing many senior players due to COVID-19 concerns, defied all odds to script an unforgettable win. At the heart of the chase was Kyle Mayers, playing in his debut Test.

Walking in with the odds stacked heavily against the visitors, Mayers delivered a dream performance, an unbeaten 210, making him only the sixth batter in history to score a double century on debut. West Indies reached 395/7 in 127.3 overs to seal a historic three-wicket win. It was their second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket. He was supported by Nkrumah Bonner, who scored 86 runs, and the lower order.

4. India vs West Indies | 7th Apr 1976

India’s remarkable 403-run chase against the West Indies at Port of Spain in April 1976 remains one of the most iconic moments in the country’s Test cricket history. It was, at the time, the highest run chase in Test and showcased a dramatic shift in India's approach. Chasing 403 in the fourth innings on a wearing Caribbean pitch against a powerful West Indies side was considered near impossible.

But India, under the leadership of Bishan Singh Bedi, chose to take on the challenge rather than settle for survival. Openers Sunil Gavaskar and Anshuman Gaekwad laid the foundation with patient contributions, but it was Gundappa Viswanath and Mohinder Amarnath who turned the match decisively in India’s favour. Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath, both batters, scored centuries.

3. Australia vs England | 22nd Jul 1948

Australia’s successful 404-run chase against England at Headingley, Leeds, in July 1948 is widely regarded as one of the most legendary feats in Test cricket. It was the undefeated Australian team led by the great Sir Donald Bradman on his final tour of England. The chase was anchored by Arthur Morris, who scored a brilliant 182, and Sir Donald Bradman, who played a sensational captain’s knock with a fluent 173*, guiding Australia to the target with ease.

Their partnership of 301 runs helped to cruise past the Three Lions. Australia finished on 404/3 in just 114.1 overs. This victory remains historic not only for the size of the chase but for the period as well, because in the 1940s chasing 400+ runs was nearly impossible.

2. South Africa vs Australia | 17th Dec 2008

South Africa’s epic 414-run chase against Australia at the WACA in Perth in December 2008 was a defining moment. A target of 414 in the fourth innings on a bouncy Perth pitch was nearly impossible, and some believed South Africa could pull off what would become the second-highest successful run chase in Test history.

Captain Graeme Smith struck an exceptional 108 and set the tone for the chase with authority and intent. AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla built on the partnership and provided crucial contributions. The former scored 106 runs, but it was JP Duminy, on debut, who played a match-winning hand. They reached 414/4 in 119.2 overs, silencing the Australian crowd and handing the home side a rare defeat in their backyard.

1. West Indies vs Australia | 9th May 2003

The West Indies' monumental chase of 418 runs against Australia at St John’s, Antigua, in May 2003 is still the highest run chase in Test cricket history. The match was evenly tied after the first innings of both teams, as they were bowled out for 240 runs each. Australia in their second innings scored 417 runs with openers Justin Langer and Mathew Hayden scoring 111 and 177 respectively.

The West Indies found themselves needing 418 to win the final Test and level the series. Despite early wickets, the middle and lower order launched a fearless counterattack. Ramnaresh Sarwan played a spectacular innings of 105, taking on the Australian bowlers with amazing counter-attacking batting. Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored 104 runs. This helped the Caribbean nation chase the highest run chase in Test.

Which Team Has the All Time Highest Run Chase in Test Cricket?

The all-time highest successful run chase in Test cricket is held by the West Indies, a feat they accomplished in a historic match against Australia in May 2003 at St John’s, Antigua. They chased a target of 418 runs in the fourth innings. The two cricketers key to the chase were Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, both scoring counter-attacking centuries, 105 and 104 respectively. The final blow was delivered by lower-order cricketers Omari Banks and Vasbert Drakes.