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Highest Successful Run Chases In Champions Trophy History

Soumyajit Dutta

Australia pulled off a spectacular show vs England (Source: AP Photos)Australia pulled off a spectacular show vs England (Source: AP Photos)

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The Champions Trophy has long been a theatre of heart-stopping drama, where high-stakes chases define legacies and rewrite history. From nerve-wracking finishes to audacious displays of batting brilliance, the tournament’s greatest run pursuits blend fearless intent with ice-cool composure. 

What separates the extraordinary from the ordinary in these pursuits? It’s the blend of calculated aggression, clutch partnerships, and the ability to thrive when the odds seem insurmountable. Hence, let's dive into the details and check out the top five highest successful run chases in the history of the Champions Trophy.

5. South Africa (282 runs against England)

South Africa successfully chased down the 282-run target set by England in the 1st Quarter Final of Champions Trophy's 1998 edition with a well-paced batting effort, led by key contributions from Daryll Cullinan, Hansie Cronje, and Jonty Rhodes. Cullinan set the foundation with a fluent 69 off 70 balls, striking 13 fours before falling to Graeme Hick. Mike Rindel (41 off 61) provided steady support, though his slower scoring rate added pressure.

Jacques Kallis (14) departed early, but Cronje played an aggressive knock of 67 off just 56 balls, including five fours and two sixes, to keep the chase on track. Rhodes anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61 off 63 deliveries, while Dale Benkenstein (13 off 11) provided the finishing touches. With composed batting and well-timed acceleration, South Africa secured the win comfortably in the final overs.

4. Sri Lanka (294 runs against England)

Sri Lanka successfully chased down the 294-run target against England in the 8th ODI of the 2013 edition, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century from Kumar Sangakkara. The chase began with an early setback as Kusal Perera fell for just 6 to James Anderson. However, Tillakaratne Dilshan (44 off 56) and Sangakkara steadied the innings with a crucial stand before Graeme Swann dismissed Dilshan.

Mahela Jayawardene chipped in with a valuable 42 off 43, but it was Sangakkara who anchored the innings superbly, remaining unbeaten on 134 off 135 balls with 12 fours. He found an able partner in Nuwan Kulasekara, who played a blistering knock of 58 off just 38 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. Their unbeaten 110-run partnership powered Sri Lanka to a comfortable seven-wicket victory in 47.1 overs.

3. England (306 runs against Bangladesh)

England showcased a commanding batting performance while chasing 306 in the 1st ODI of Champions Trophy's 2017 edition, securing a comprehensive eight-wicket victory against Bangladesh. The innings started on a shaky note as Jason Roy fell early for just 1, dismissed by Mashrafe Mortaza. However, Alex Hales and Joe Root steadied the innings with a brilliant 159-run partnership. Hales played a fluent knock of 95 off 86 balls, smashing 11 fours and two sixes before being dismissed by Sabbir Rahman.

Root anchored the chase superbly, remaining unbeaten on 133 off 129 deliveries, finding the gaps with ease and playing risk-free cricket. He was well supported by skipper Eoin Morgan, who accelerated towards the end with an explosive 75 off 61 balls, featuring eight boundaries and two sixes. The duo stitched together an unbroken 143-run stand to seal the chase comfortably in 47.2 overs.

2. Sri Lanka (322 runs against India)

Sri Lanka pulled off a remarkable chase of 322 runs, defeating India by seven wickets with eight balls to spare in 2017 Champions Trophy's 8th ODI match. Despite losing Niroshan Dickwella early, Danushka Gunathilaka (76 off 72) and Kusal Mendis (89 off 93) built a strong foundation with an attacking 159-run stand. Mendis’ stroke-filled knock, laced with 11 boundaries and a six, kept Sri Lanka ahead in the chase.

Kusal Perera contributed a brisk 47 before retiring hurt, but Angelo Mathews (52 off 45) and Asela Gunaratne (34 off 21) ensured there were no hiccups in the final phase. Mathews led from the front, while Gunaratne’s late flourish sealed the chase in style. Sri Lanka's aggressive yet composed batting display outclassed India’s bowling attack, marking one of the most memorable chases in Champions Trophy history.

1. Australia (352 runs against England)

Australia scripted history as they chased down a mammoth 352 runs against England in the 2025 Champions Trophy, winning by five wickets. Despite early setbacks, opener Matthew Short anchored the innings before Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis took control.

Inglis played a sensational knock, smashing 120 off just 86 balls, including eight fours and six sixes, to steer Australia towards victory. He was well supported by Alex Carey (69 off 63) in a crucial 146-run stand, stabilizing the innings after early jitters. Glenn Maxwell provided the finishing touches with a quickfire 32 off 15 deliveries as England failed to restrict Australia's flow.