Chasing a huge total in a One Day International (ODI) match is a daunting task for any team. It requires a combination of skill, strategy and luck to make a successful run chase. This article will look at some of the highest chases in ODI cricket, and rank them in order of difficulty.
10. India Vs England, 2012 – 318/7
In a group stage match of the 2012 World Cup, India faced a formidable total of 318/7 set by England. India managed to reach the target with 4 wickets and 5 balls to spare, with Virat Kohli top scoring with a well-made century (122*). India’s chase was aided by an early wicket and some tight bowling from their bowlers.
9. New Zealand Vs South Africa, 2011 – 320/5
In a 2011 ODI between New Zealand and South Africa, the Proteas set a challenging total of 320/5. Despite the huge total, New Zealand managed to reach the target with 7 wickets and 1 ball to spare. Their chase was powered by an outstanding innings from Ross Taylor (131*).
8. India Vs Sri Lanka, 2012 – 321/6
In a 2012 ODI between India and Sri Lanka, the Lankans set a daunting total of 321/6. However, India’s batting line-up managed to reach the target with 3 wickets and 7 balls to spare, with Gautam Gambhir top-scoring with an unbeaten century (102*).
7. South Africa Vs Zimbabwe, 2017 – 322/7
In a 2017 ODI between South Africa and Zimbabwe, the Proteas set a challenging total of 322/7. However, Zimbabwe managed to reach the target with 4 wickets and 4 balls to spare, with Brendan Taylor top-scoring with a well-made century (101*).
6. India Vs Australia, 2009 – 326/7
In a 2009 ODI between India and Australia, the Aussies set a formidable total of 326/7. Despite the huge total, India managed to reach the target with 6 wickets and 4 balls to spare, with Yuvraj Singh top-scoring with an unbeaten century (138*).
5. Australia Vs South Africa, 2006 – 327/6
In a 2006 ODI between Australia and South Africa, the Proteas set a challenging total of 327/6. Despite the huge total, Australia managed to reach the target with 4 wickets and 7 balls to spare, with Mike Hussey top-scoring with an unbeaten century (100*).
4. India Vs England, 2011 – 330/7
In a 2011 ODI between India and England, the English set a formidable total of 330/7. However, India managed to reach the target with 4 wickets and 8 balls to spare, with Gautam Gambhir top-scoring with an unbeaten century (100*).
3. New Zealand Vs Australia, 2007 – 333/5
In a 2007 ODI between New Zealand and Australia, the Aussies set a daunting total of 333/5. However, New Zealand managed to reach the target with 5 wickets and 8 balls to spare, with Scott Styris top-scoring with an unbeaten century (100*).
2. India Vs Sri Lanka, 2009 – 339/6
In a 2009 ODI between India and Sri Lanka, the Lankans set a formidable total of 339/6. Despite the huge total, India managed to reach the target with 5 wickets and 8 balls to spare, with Suresh Raina top-scoring with an unbeaten century (101*).
1. Australia Vs South Africa, 2006 – 435/4
In a 2006 ODI between Australia and South Africa, the Proteas set a world-record total of 435/4. Despite the huge total, Australia managed to reach the target with 1 wicket and 3 balls to spare, with Ricky Ponting top-scoring with an unbeaten century (164*).
In conclusion, the highest chase in ODI cricket is the 435/4 set by South Africa against Australia in 2006. This chase was made even more difficult by the fact that it was a world-record total, and Australia managed to reach the target with 1 wicket and 3 balls to spare. This makes it the most difficult chase in ODI cricket history.