Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Highest run chases in Test cricket by Pakistan | What is Pakistan’s highest successful run chase in Tests?
Pakistan have pulled off their second-highest run chase in history to defeat Sri Lanka in the first Test of their 2022 series in Galle.
Staring down the barrel at 85/7 in response to Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 222, captain Babar Azam led the way with a masterful century on a challenging surface. But, it was 22-year old Abdullah Shafique who took the main headlines, as the opener, playing in just his sixth Test, batted 408 balls to guide his team to a four-wicket win.
Highest run chases in Test cricket by Pakistan
Pakistan’s effort in Galle holds a special place in their history. It is just the third time they have successfully chased over 300 in a Test, and when you consider it was achieved in challenging conditions, it makes the feat all the more remarkable.
Here are the top five run chases in Pakistan in Tests:
1. 382/3 vs Sri Lanka, Pallekele, 2015
Pakistan have created wonderful memories in Sri Lanka. Their highest run chase remains their incredible effort in 2015, where Shan Masood, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan to a series-winning chase of 377 in Pallekele.
Reduced to 13/2 in the chase, Masood (125) and Younis (171*) put on a mammoth stand of 242 to put the visitors right in the hunt. Misbah-ul-Haq (59*) then combined with Younis to seal an incredible chase by seven wickets.
2. 344/6 vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2022
The 2022 Galle Test has its similarities to the Pallekele Test of 2015. Sri Lanka made a 200+ score, followed by a similar score by Pakistan. Sri Lanka then made 300+ in the second innings, but it wasn’t enough to seal victory.
What makes this victory special for Pakistan is that never before had a team chased over 300 to win a Test in Galle. In fact, only twice had 100+ been successfully chased before this effort. Abdullah Shafique, take a bow.
3. 302/5 vs Sri Lanka, Sharjah, 2014
Another against Sri Lanka. This victory was simply magnificent in more ways than one.
First, Sri Lanka had ammassed 428/9 in the first innings, keeping Pakistan toiling for 172 overs. Pakistan replied with 341 in 109.1 overs, and time was running out to seal victory as it took 101.4 overs to bowl Sri Lanka out for 214 second time around.
Second, Pakistan needed over 300 in 59 overs on a wearing Sharjah surface to level the series in the third and final Test. It was a challenge they took head on. Azhar Ali, known more for his resolute defensive game, struck a superb 103 off just 137 balls to put Pakistan on the brink. Sarfaraz Ahmed (48 off 46) and Misbah-ul-Haq (68* off 72) were also brilliant as Pakistan sealed the chase with just nine deliveries left. A memorable win indeed.
4. 277/3 vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2003
Another game where Pakistan came from behind to win. After a draw in the first Test of the two-match series in New Zealand in 2003, Pakistan looked gone when they trailed New Zealand by 170 runs in the first innings after getting bowled out for 196.
However, Shoaib Akhtar blew the Black Caps away with 6/30 to roll the home side for just 103 in the second innings. Then, Pakistan were steady all along in their chase, with the classy Mohammad Yousuf (88*) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (72*) putting on an unbeaten 121-run stand to see Pakistan home by seven wickets.
5. 262/9 vs Bangladesh, Multan, 2003
One of the most incredible Tests in history, and one that still cuts deep for Bangladesh. The Tigers, in their third year of Test cricket, were on the brink of their first ever victory after reducing Pakistan to 205/8 in pursuit of 261 in Multan.
However, Inzamam-ul-Haq played one of his greatest knocks (138*) to lead Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket win. Umar Gul (5 off 50 balls) hung in for 99 minutes as Inzamam got Pakistan to within four of victory. After Gul was dismissed, Yasir Ali got through four balls, allowing the Pakistan captain to hit the winning runs.
