Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey

Teams batting second have performed well at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, with usually lower run chases needed after doing the bulk of the work earlier in the Test. It is a ground where teams typically look to bowl first in more helpful conditions, and then set up the Test.

Here is a look at the top five highest run chases in Tests at this famous Wellington ground.

Top 5 highest successful run chases in Test cricket at Basin Reserve Wellington

5. 181/1 by New Zealand against Australia, 1990 (target 178)

In the only Test of Australia’s tour of New Zealand in 1990, it was the Black Caps who dominated. The great Sir Richard Hadlee dismantled the Aussies (110) with 5/39, supported by Danny Morrison (3/22) and Martin Snedden (2/33).

In response, nine New Zealanders made double figures, but no one made more than 36. Their total of 202 kept Australia in the game, but John Bracewell’s 6/85 led an Aussie collapse from 194/3 to 269 all out.

Skipper John Wright (117*) was far too good in the fourth innings, leading New Zealand to an easy win by nine wickets.

4. 215/6 by New Zealand against India, 1998 (target 213)

Simon Doull took 7/69 in the first innings to bowl India out for 208. New Zealand themselves fell to 208/7 in response, but Dion Nash (89*) and Dan Vettori (57) combined for 137 in 62.3 overs to frustrate India and eventually give the Black Caps a lead of 144.

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar followed up skipper Mohammad Azharuddin’s lead from the first innings, scoring a century of his own in India’s second innings 356.

New Zealand were then in big trouble in the chase. They fell to 74/5 with Nathan Astle retired hurt, putting India in the driving seat. However, Craig McMillan (74*) and Chris Cairns (61) produced a great partnership of 137 under pressure to seal the win.

3. 217/3 by New Zealand against Bangladesh, 2017 (target 217)

A historic Test. The highest first innings score to ever end in defeat. Bangladesh, who cracked 595/8d thanks to Shakib Al Hasan (217) and Mushfiqur Rahim (159) managed to lose the Test thanks to a third innings collapse.

On the back of Tom Latham’s 177, New Zealand responded strongly with 539. Brainless Bangladesh play on the fourth evening opened the door for the Black Caps, who eventually bowled the Tigers out for 160.

Chasing 217, Kane Williamson (104* off 90 balls) made light work of the Bangladeshi bowlers in conditions that were still nice for batting. “I think it is a physical challenge of bowling in back-to-back Tests for long overs,” said then-coach Chandika Hathurusinghe as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

2. 234/4 by South Africa against New Zealand, 2004 (target 234)

Graeme Smith at his best. The South African captain, aged just 23 at the time, hit a superb 125* to guide the Proteas home and salvage the 2004 series against New Zealand.

Chasing 234 in what had been a tightly-contested Test, South Africa fell to 36/3 including the great Jacques Kallis out for 1. But, Smith, along with Gary Kirsten (76 off 180 balls) put on 171 to all-but-seal the Test.

1. 277/3 by Pakistan against New Zealand, 2003 (target 274)

One of Pakistan’s finest wins. New Zealand were so far in front after the first innings, leading by 170 runs after bowling Pakistan out for 196. Shoaib Akhtar, who took 5/48 in the first innings, took matters in his own hands, picking up 6/30 second time around to skittle the Black Caps for 103.

Chasing 274, Pakistan were 75/2 and 156/3 and the game was in the balance. However, legends Mohammad Yousuf (88* off 144 balls) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (72* off 88 balls) put on an unbeaten 122 to win the series 1-0 for Pakistan.