Top 5 Highest Successful Run-Chases In ICC Cricket World Cup History
Pakistan holds the record of chasing down 345 runs [X.com]
Two major aspects of any cricket match are setting up a target and then the chase. While for many the setup is exciting, for almost everyone it is the pursuit, that catches the eye and captivates audiences worldwide.
A chase can come in all ways possible, aggressive, ultra-aggressive, or cautious, regardless of a high-scoring encounter. A chase in a normal One-Day International already comes with pressures, however, in a World Cup tie, the stress and expectations increase fourfold.
With the 13th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 underway in India, several batting — individual and team — records are expected to be broken, rewritten, and broken again. Teams scoring over 400 runs are occasional in World Cups, while chasing down 300+ runs is even more irregular.
In this article, we list down the top 5 highest-successful chases in the World Cup, spread across 48 years.
Pakistan - 345 vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2023
Mohammad Rizwan anchored the chase to perfection [X.com]
The ongoing WC in India witnessed Pakistan chase down a steep target of 345 runs against Sri Lanka in Match 8. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad became a spectator to Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique master a magnificent chase, slamming 131* and 113, respectively, after Pakistan found themselves in the doldrums at 37 for 2. Sri Lanka powered by centuries from Kusal Mendis (122) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (108) managed to score 344.
Ireland - 328 vs England, World Cup 2011
Kevin O'Brien celebrates winning run [X.com]
In one of the most iconic ODI World Cup moments, Ireland's win over England in the 2011 editions remains etched in every cricket fan. Powered by Kevin O'Brien's destructive 133 off 63 balls, Ireland chased down 328 runs against rivals England at Chinnaswamy at Bangalore. O'Brien's knock included 13 fours and six monstrous sixes, who found able support in Alex Cusack and John Mooney as well. Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell stuck 92 and 81, respectively taking England's score near 300, who suffered a dramatic collapse to reach 327.
Bangladesh - 322 vs West Indies, World Cup 2019
Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das added 189-run stand [X.com]
No one gave Bangladesh a sniff, however, the Shakib Al Hasan-led XI punched above their weight in the 2019 World Cup against West Indies. Chasing 322, Al Hasan slammed a memorable unbeaten 124, while Litton Das played a whirlwind cameo of 94* runs. The duo added 189 runs for the fourth wicket and tore apart a strong Windies attack, reaching the finish line as early as the 41st over. Shai Hope scored with 90 for West Indies, as Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer struck fifties helping their side reach 321.
Bangladesh - 322 vs Scotland, World Cup 2015
Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah laid the foundation for Bangladesh's win [X.com]
Bangladesh make their second appearance on the list, having chased a mammoth 319-run target against Scotland in World Cup 2015. The Saxton Oval in Nelson showcased an excellent display of calculative, yet brutal batting from Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah. Iqbal top-scored with 95, while others like Mahmudullah (62), Mushqifur Rahim (60), and Shakib Al Hasan (52) slammed their respective fifties, all coming came in quick time. For Scotland, Kyle Coetzer struck a marvellous 156 from 134, leading to Scotland scoring 318.
Sri Lanka - 313 vs Zimbabwe, World Cup 1992
Arjuna Ranatunga struck an unbeaten 88 [X.com]
Sri Lanka created history in the 1992 World Cup, chasing down a target of 300+ runs in an ODI for the first time. In pursuit of 313, Sri Lanka openers provided an opening stand of 128 runs between Roshan Mahanama (59) and Athula Samarasekera (75). After a collapse, Arjuna Ranatunga took control of the chase and anchored Sri Lanka's march past the victory line. Ranatunga registered an unbeaten 88 off 61 balls, which included nine sixes and one six, powering the Lankan Lions past 312 in the final over. Andy Flower recorded 115 and remained unbeaten as Zimbabwe put up 312.
| Team | Target | Opponent | World Cup Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 345 | Sri Lanka | 2023 (India) |
| Ireland | 328 | England | 2011 (India, SL and BAN) |
| Bangladesh | 322 | West Indies | 2019 (England and Wales) |
| Bangladesh | 319 | Scotland | 2015 (Australia and New Zealand) |
| Sri Lanka | 313 | Zimbabwe | 1992 (Australia and New Zealand) |
 "Vishal Mehra")
