Greatest Test Match Run Chases in Cricket History
Ben Stokes's 135* at Headingley 2019 is the most famous Test run chase, but cricket has other legendary successful 4th-innings chases. Learn about the greatest winning run chases in Test history.
The highest successful fourth-innings run chase in Test cricket is 418/7 by West Indies against Australia in Antigua in 2003. The greatest 4th-innings chases combine dramatic match situations, heroic batting, and the mounting pressure of a receding required run rate.
The Greatest Chases
| Target | Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 418/7 | West Indies | Australia | Antigua | 2003 |
| 414/4 | South Africa | Australia | Perth | 2008 |
| 406/4 | India | West Indies | Port of Spain | 1976 |
| 395/5 | England | India | Headingley | 2024 |
| 362/9 | England | Australia | Headingley | 2019 |
West Indies 418 in 2003
Brian Lara scored 153* in Antigua in 2003 to lead West Indies to 418/7, the highest successful Test run chase ever. Set a target by Australia's attack of McGrath, Warne, and Gillespie, Lara batted for the entire fifth day with a combination of classical technique and unshakeable nerve.
Headingley 2019
While not the highest, Ben Stokes's 135* to chase 359 at Headingley in 2019 is often considered the most dramatic successful run chase in Ashes history, given the context (last wicket partnership of 76, win by 1 wicket, Ashes on the line).
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest successful run chase in Test cricket?
West Indies scored 418/7 to beat Australia in Antigua in 2003 — the highest successful fourth-innings run chase in Test history. Brian Lara scored 153* in the winning chase.