Which Is India’s Highest Successful Run Chase in Fourth Innings in Test Cricket?

The ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has turned into a thrilling battle. Australia set a massive first-innings total of 474 runs, putting India under immense pressure.

While Yashasvi Jaiswal’s valiant effort offered hope, India’s top-order struggled, losing quick wickets. It was Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy’s resilient 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket that kept India alive in the match. With Australia’s lead now exceeding 300 runs, India faces a monumental task heading into Day 5.

As the challenge looms large, let’s revisit history to explore India’s highest successful run chases in Test cricket:

India’s Highest Successful Fourth Innings Run Chases

India’s greatest fourth-innings chase came in 1976 against the West Indies, where they scored an incredible 406 runs for the loss of just four wickets. This remains the highest successful run chase in India’s Test history.

Another iconic chase came in 2021 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. India successfully chased 329 runs at the Gabba, Brisbane, led by a sensational unbeaten 89 from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill’s composed 91. This victory is celebrated as one of India’s most remarkable wins.

In 2008, India chased down 387 runs against England in Chennai, driven by Virender Sehwag’s quick-fire knock and Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten century.

Here are India’s top fourth-innings chases:

Opposition	Year	Target	Score
West Indies	1976	406	406/4
England	2008	387	387/4
Australia	2021	329	329/7
West Indies	2011	276	276/5

Can India Do It Again?

India has pulled off historic run chases before, but the current target will test their resilience. With Australia’s bowling attack in fine form and the pitch offering challenges, the task is daunting. However, cricket has a way of producing surprises, and Day 5 will reveal whether India can script another historic chase.