The ongoing second Test between India and New Zealand at MCA Stadium in Pune has presented India with a mammoth target in the fourth innings. India are already trailing by 0-1 in the three-match bilateral series. (Day 3 Blog | More Cricket News)
Chasing a massive target of 359 set by New Zealand, India face a tough road ahead, especially after losing captain Rohit Sharma within the first 10 overs. However, young talents Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal 🌃have taken the reins in pursuit of a memorable victory.
If India successfully chase this target, it will become their third-highest run chase in Test cricket ❀history. Let’s dive into the top three thrilling run-chases by Team India in Test cricket to date
1. India (406/4) vs West Indies, Port-of-Spain, April 7, 1976
💧India’s most iconic run-chase came against the West Indies in 1976, setting a benchmark in cricket history. Facing a formidable target of 402, India turned the game on its head. West Indies, led by Viv Richards’ impressive 177 in the first innings, had given India an imposing 131-run deficit. Declaring at 271/6 in their second innings, the hosts challenged India with 402 runs on the board.
🐼Sunil Gavaskar (102) and Gundappa Viswanath (112*) rose to the occasion, crafting sensational innings against a fierce Caribbean bowling attack. India's 406/4 in 147 overs remains their highest successful run chase and a memorable display of resilience and skill.
2. India (387/4) vs England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, December 11, 2008
꧙In the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India met England for a highly anticipated series opener in Chennai. England posted a total of 316 in their first innings, led by Andrew Strauss’ century. In response, India struggled to 241, trailing by 75 runs. England declared at 311/9 in the second innings, setting India an imposing 387 to win.
♔Virender Sehwag’s electrifying 83 off 68 deliveries set the tone for India’s chase. Gautam Gambhir’s steady 66 added crucial stability. As the innings progressed, Sachin Tendulkar (103*) and Yuvraj Singh (89*) guided India home with a final score of 387/4 in just 98.3 overs. This win remains India’s second-highest chase in Tests and an unforgettable comeback moment.
3. India (329/7) vs Australia, The Gabba, January 15, 2021
ꦕThis chase at The Gabba became an instant classic. After being bowled out for a shocking 36 earlier in the series, India was written off by many. Australia set a target of 328 on the final day at their Brisbane fortress, where they hadn’t lost in 32 years. A victory here would mean not only a historic series win but also a major morale boost for an injury-stricken Indian side missing its senior players.
♛Shubman Gill’s quick-fire 91, combined with Cheteshwar Pujara’s gritty 56 (off 211 balls), built the foundation. In a nail-biting finish, Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 from 138 balls secured India’s place in history with a score of 329/7. The win marked India’s third-highest chase and sealed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a dramatic 2-1 series victory.
🍸India are 81/1 after 12 overs and still need 278 runs to win the match at lunch break of the third day of the second Test match.
