Top 5 Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket at the Lord’s

Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, famously known as the “Home of Cricket,” is one of the oldest and most iconic stadiums in the world.

Steeped in tradition and history, Lord’s holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans. While it’s a prestigious venue, it’s also known to be a tough place for batters, especially in Test cricket. Scoring runs here isn’t easy, which makes getting your name on the Honours Board — by scoring a century or taking a five-wicket haul — all the more special.

Chasing targets in the fourth innings at Lord’s has always been a tricky task. In fact, teams have rarely managed to successfully chase high totals here. Only four times in the ground’s long Test history has a team chased down a target of over 250 runs. And a 300-plus chase? That’s happened just once.

Interestingly, England — the home side — has pulled off three of the top five successful run chases at Lord’s. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top five highest successful run chases in Test matches at Lord’s:

5. England – 218/3 vs New Zealand, 1965

In a memorable Test match at Lord’s in 1965, England pulled off a smooth chase to beat New Zealand by seven wickets. The visitors were bowled out for just 175 in their first innings, giving England the early advantage. Colin Cowdrey then led the charge with a brilliant century, helping England post 307 in reply.

New Zealand bounced back strongly in their second innings, putting up a gritty 347 to set England a target of 216 runs.

But the chase turned out to be straightforward for the hosts. Geoff Boycott anchored the innings with a solid 76, while Ted Dexter played a commanding unbeaten knock of 80 to guide England home comfortably, wrapping up the win with seven wickets in hand.

4. England – 279/5 vs New Zealand, 2022

During the opening Test of the 2022 three-match series against New Zealand at Lord’s, England delivered a thrilling performance. James Anderson and debutant Matthew Potts led the bowling attack brilliantly, each claiming four-wicket hauls to dismiss the Black Caps for just 132 in their first innings.

However, England’s batting faltered in response, as they were bundled out for 141, gaining only a slim lead. In New Zealand’s second innings, Daryl Mitchell’s composed century (108) anchored the innings, helping his side post 285 and set England a challenging target of 277.

England’s chase began shakily, but Joe Root stood firm. With a masterful unbeaten 115, he guided England to a remarkable five-wicket victory, sealing a dramatic win in one of Lord’s classic Test matches.

3. South Africa – 282/5 vs Australia, 2025

Top 5 Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket at the Lord’s
Credits - ICC

South Africa scripted a historic victory by successfully chasing down a challenging 282-run target against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–2025 final at Lord’s.

After being put in to bat first, Australia were bowled out for 212, with Kagiso Rabada delivering a brilliant performance, taking five wickets to put the Proteas on top.

However, South Africa struggled in their first innings, collapsing to just 138 runs against Australia’s fiery pace attack. In the second innings, Australia managed 207, setting South Africa a daunting target of 282 runs to win the final.

Opener Aiden Markram rose to the occasion with a match-winning knock of 136, laying a solid foundation for the chase. South Africa went on to seal the victory by five wickets, claiming their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title in memorable fashion.

2. England – 282/3 vs New Zealand, 2004

In the opening match of the 2004 Test series between England and New Zealand at Lord’s, the visitors, led by Stephen Fleming, got off to a solid start by putting 386 runs on the board in their first innings.

England responded strongly, thanks to a superb century from debutant Andrew Strauss, who helped push the hosts to a total of 441, giving them a narrow first-innings lead.

New Zealand fought back in their second innings, with Mark Richardson scoring a gritty century and Brendon McCullum adding a quick 96, taking their total to 336.

Chasing 282 to win, England were steady and confident. Nasser Hussain played a match-winning knock, staying unbeaten on 103 and guiding his side to a comfortable seven-wicket victory.

1. West Indies – 344/1 vs England, 1984

The West Indies hold the record for the highest-ever successful run chase at Lord’s, a feat they achieved back in 1984.

England started strong in the first innings, thanks to a brilliant century from Graeme Fowler, posting a total of 286. The West Indies, in reply, were bowled out for 245—largely due to a sensational eight-wicket haul by Sir Ian Botham.

In their second innings, England declared at 300/9, setting the visitors a daunting target of 342 runs to win.

But what followed was nothing short of extraordinary.

Opener Gordon Greenidge delivered one of the greatest performances at the iconic ground, smashing an unbeaten 214 to lead the chase. He was well supported by Larry Gomes, who stayed not out on 92. Together, they guided the West Indies to a historic nine-wicket victory.

To this day, that 1984 chase remains the highest-ever successful run chase in a Test match at Lord’s.

Cover Credits - ICC

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