Last Time India Successfully Chased A 300 Plus Target At Home

Jatin

Sachin Tendulkar's ton powered India to a sensational win [Source: @RandomCricketP1/x.com]Sachin Tendulkar's ton powered India to a sensational win [Source: @RandomCricketP1/x.com]

The Indian team finds itself on the edge of losing a home Test series for the first time since 2012, with New Zealand in the driver’s seat hand in the ongoing second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The Kiwis have set India an enormous target of 359.

Hunting down such a mammoth target on a turning surface will certainly not be a cakewalk. However, India has done the unthinkable before. One such memorable chase came in 2008 when India successfully chased down a 300+ total against England in Chennai. Let’s take a look at that amazing victory.

A Historic Chase Against England in 2008

The Chennai Test in 2008 is remembered by every Indian cricket fan. In an attempt to chase a ginormous target of 387 for victory, India needed a miracle to happen.

England posted 316 in their first innings powered by Andrew Stauss century. In response, India folded for 241, giving away England a considerable 75 run lead. Another ton from Strauss in the second innings saw England extend their lead as they declared at 311/9 and set a huge target for India. While the visitors dominated the early stages of the match, India wasn’t ready to give up.


Sehwag’s Blazing Start

As the chase began, India’s hopes rested on their ever-aggressive Virender Sehwag. He laid the foundation by launching a staggering assault on England's bowlers. Sehwag smashed a rapid 83 off just 68 balls and put India in a strong position.

Gambhir’s Grit

With Sehwag sent back to the pavillion, Gautam Gambhir rose to the occasion. The southpaw dug deep and played meticuously. Gambhir’s 66 was not a knock filled with flashy strokes but it was exactly what the team needed. His innings held India’s chase together and kept hopes alive even when the going got tough.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Redemption

All eyes were on Sachin Tendulkar, who entered the scene with the weight of past failures looming over him. Critics had questioned his performances in crunch situations, but this time, the Master-Blaster answered them with his bat.

Tendulkar’s unbeaten 103 off 196 balls was a knock that is still cherished by fans He never lost sight of the target ad India inched closer with each passing over.

Yuvraj’s Finishing Touch

While Tendulkar stood firm at one end, Yuvraj Singh provided the finishing touches at the other. His unbeaten 85 was filled with his characteristic flamboyance. Together, Tendulkar and Yuvraj stitched an unbeaten partnership that sealed one of India’s greatest fourth-innings chases.

India’s 300+ Chase Record in Tests

India has faced the staggering task of chasing 300+ targets on 57 occasions in Tests. They have emerged victorious three times, drawn seven matches, and lost 47. But when it comes to chasing over 300 at home, the Chennai victory stands tall as the last successful run.

Can India Pull Off Another Win For The Ages?

As India aims to conquer another mountain in Pune, fans can only hope for another Sehwag-like start or a Tendulkar-like finish. Will history might repeat itself, or the New Zealand bowlers might steal the thunder and clinch the series? Only time will tell!