How Many Runs India Need To Score In 1st Innings Of 5th Test To Win The Match?

Probuddha Bhattacharjee∙ Updated: Jan 3 2025, 7:45 AM

Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli for the fifth Test [Source: AP Photos]Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli for the fifth Test [Source: AP Photos]

India are currently taking on Australia in the fifth and final Test match of the BGT 2024-25. The match is being played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia. 

At the end of the first session in the match, India are under pressure at 57/3. They have lost both their openers and Shubman Gill along with them. This game is crucial for India on two accounts. They need to win this game draw level in the series and retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy. On the other hand, a win in this game is essential for the Asian team to keep themselves alive in the race to the WTC final.

As a win is absolutely essential for the team, the question arises - How Many Runs Do India Need To Win The Match?

Runs Needed For India To Win The Match

If we look at the last five matches that have been played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, only two matches had produced a result. The other three games ended in a draw. So, not let us take a look at the scoring pattern in the 1st innings of the last five SCG Tests to see what should be an ideal total on this track to be safe in the game.

Categories
Numbers
Average 1st Innings Total399
Average winning total in 1st Innings
454
Average 1st Innings total for draw
420
Average 1st Innings Losing Total313

Table - Scoring Pattern In The SCG Test In The Last 5 Games

So, the table reveals that the average total at SCG in the last five matches have been 399. However, in order to be safe as a team, i.e. to ensure at least a draw in the game India might need to score over 400 runs. This conclusion drawn from the fact that in the games where more than 420 runs were scored by the team batting first, they did not lose the match.

But the major factor here is what total can ensure the win for India. As the stats reveal that India need to score at least 450 runs in the first innings to keep chances of winning the match alive. Virat Kohli is still at the crease for India and it seems that his role will be crucial to take India to a safe total. While Kohli needs to anchor the innings, the other batters need to bat around him and propel the Indian total towards a formidable one.