Top 10 highest successful run chases in ODI cricket

ODI cricket has become a batting-friendly format over the past 14 years. Unlike test cricket, where the red ball retains its ability to swing, seam, or spin for an extended duration, the white ball used in limited-overs matches rapidly loses its shine and hardness and becomes soft and easy to hit.

Rule changes over the years such as the introduction of two new balls from each end and the allowance of four fielders outside the circle between the 10th and 40th overs, have eased the batting conditions compared to the past. Consequently, achieving targets exceeding 300 runs has become a more manageable task, with teams successfully pursuing scores of 350 or more in ODIs on several occasions.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top 10 highest successful run chases in ODI cricket.

10. India – 351/4 vs Australia, 2013, Nagpur

The ODI series of Australia’s tour of India 2013 is regarded as one of the most closely contested limited-overs series of all time.

India found itself trailing 2-1 in the seven-match series, with two matches having been canceled due to rain. The sixth match in Nagpur became a crucial encounter for the home team. Batting first, Australia hammered 350 runs.

In the run chase, Virat Kohli starred for the hosts, smashing an unbeaten 115 off 66 balls, including 18 fours and a six. He received solid support from Shikhar Dhawan, who also scored the century, and together they led India to a convincing six-wicket victory.

9. Pakistan – 355/4 vs South Africa, 2025, Karachi

Pakistan made history during the ODI Tri-Series 2025 held in Karachi by successfully chasing down a target of 353 runs against South Africa.

The hosts had a shaky start to their chase, slipping to 91/3 before Mohammad Rizwan (122*) and Salman Ali Agha (134) put together a 260-run stand for the fourth wicket. The partnership was instrumental in securing a six-wicket victory for Pakistan, with one over remaining.

Salman was named player of the match for his match-winning efforts.

8. Australia – 356/5 vs England, 2025, Lahore

Australia made history with a memorable win against arch-rivals England in the group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore.

After conceding 351 runs in the first innings, Australia seemed headed for defeat when they slipped to 136/4. However, they mounted a remarkable recovery, thanks to outstanding performances from Josh Inglis, who scored an unbeaten 120 runs, and Alex Carey, who contributed 69 runs, enabling the team to stage a comeback in the match.

Glenn Maxwell contributed decisively by scoring a quickfire 32 runs off 15 deliveries, securing a five-wicket triumph. Josh Inglis received the Player of the Match award for his knock. This match also marks the highest successful run chase in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy.

7. India – 356/7 vs England, 2017, Pune

England were on the receiving end of India’s batting dominance in the first ODI of England's tour of India 2017 in Pune.

Chasing 351, India were powered by centuries from Virat Kohli (122) and Kedar Jadhav (120). The duo stitched a 200-run stand for the fifth wicket, helping India recover from 63/4.

The home team secured victory by three wickets, thereby taking a 1-0 advantage in the three-match series.

6. England – 359/4 vs Pakistan, 2019, Bristol

England’s white-ball cricket peaked between 2015 and 2021. In 2019, the Three Lions successfully pursued a target of 359 runs, finishing the match against Pakistan in Bristol with 37 balls remaining.

Jonny Bairstow was the leading scorer for the home team, scoring 128 runs from 93 deliveries. He was well-supported by Jason Roy, who contributed 76 runs, aiding England in securing a victory by six wickets.

5. Australia – 359/6 vs India, 2019, Mohali

In the fourth match of the ODI series between India and Australia in 2019, held in Mohali, the Australian team successfully chased down a target of 359 runs.

They were powered by a memorable century from Peter Handscomb (117) and a blazing unbeaten 84-run knock off 43 balls by Ashton Turner. Turner was named Player of the Match for his thunderous efforts.

4. India – 362/1 vs Australia, 2013, Jaipur

Another unforgettable chapter in the India-Australia ODI rivalry unfolded during the second ODI of Australia's 2013 tour of India, held in Jaipur.

Chasing 360, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stitched an unbeaten 186-run partnership, which became what was a trailer for the next decade.

Rohit was the standout performer, scoring 141 runs, while Virat and Shikhar Dhawan added 100 and 95 runs respectively, leading India to a comfortable nine-wicket victory with 39 balls to spare.

3. England 364/4 vs West Indies, 2019, Bridgetown

England efficiently chased down the target of 361 runs established by the West Indies in Bridgetown in 2019.

The innings commenced robustly with Jason Roy (123) and Joe Root (102) both scoring dominant centuries. Eoin Morgan (65) and Ben Stokes (20*) later applied the finishing touch to secure a six-wicket win.

Roy was named Player of the Match.

2. South Africa – 372/6 vs Australia, 2016, Durban

In 2016, the Proteas delivered an exceptional batting display against Australia in Durban.

Facing a daunting target of 372 runs, the South African team was spearheaded by David Miller, who scored an unbeaten 118 off 79 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes. He formed a crucial unbroken partnership of 107 runs with Andile Phehlukwayo for the seventh wicket, ultimately guiding South Africa to a victory by four wickets.

1. South Africa – 438/9 vs Australia, 2006, Johannesburg

South Africa hold the record for the highest successful run-chase in ODI cricket history. They achieved this feat against Australia in Johannesburg during the fifth ODI of the 2006 series.

After conceding the first ever 400+ total in an ODI, South Africa had a shaky start chasing a mammoth target of 435, losing opener Dippenaar for just one run. However, Herschelle Gibbs and captain Graeme Smith formed a substantial partnership of 187 runs, revitalizing the hosts' chances in the match.

Gibbs starred with a brilliant 175 off 111 balls, smashing 21 fours and seven sixes. In the final moments of the match, Mark Boucher and Johan van der Wath maintained their composure, leading South Africa to a victory by one wicket.

Cover Credits - ESPNcricinfo