Last Updated on 5 months by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: A look at the highest successful run chases in Test cricket at Hagley Oval in Christchurch

In a sporting world full of large stadiums, Hagley Oval in Christchurch is one of the beautiful, picturesque grounds. Teams batting fourth have won five of the past seven Tests at Hagley Oval, with the damage often done in the first innings with the ball.

Thus, there haven’t been big totals chased at this ground. Here is a look at the top five.

Top 5 successful run chases in Tests at Hagley Oval Christchurch

5. 111/1 by New Zealand against Bangladesh, 2017 (target 109)

The second Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh was evenly poised after the first innings. The Black Caps took a lead of 65 after scoring 354, with Shakib Al Hasan’s 4/50 keeping the Tigers in the game.

But, Tim Southee (5/94 and 3/48 for the match) stole the show, helping dismantle the Bangladesh lineup in the second dig for just 173, leaving New Zealand with 109 to get. They achieved it with a huge nine wickets to spare.

43. 132/3 by New Zealand against India, 2020 (target 132)

New Zealand sealed an emphatic 2-0 series win over India with a seven-wicket win in the Christchurch Test. Kyle Jamieson (5/45) dominated in just his second game to dismiss India for 242. However, New Zealand scored just 235 in reply, leaving the Indians with the chance to control the match.

But, Trent Boult (4/28) and Tim Southee (3/36) produced one of their classic performances as a duo to knock India over for just 124. In the fourth innings, Tom Latham (52) and Tom Blundell (55) all-but-sealed the chase with a 103-run opening stand.

3. 201/3 by Australia against New Zealand, 2016 (target 201)

This was Joe Burns’ Test. The opener struck 170 and 65 in a dream outing to lead Australia to a strong win in 2016. His first innings ton, along with Steve Smith’s 138, took Australia to a huge 505 in response to New Zealand’s 370.

The Black Caps fought with 335 in their second dig thanks mainly to Kane Williamson (97) and Matt Henry (66). But, it wasn’t enough, with all of Australia’s five batsmen contributing in their successful chase of 201.

2. 281/7 by Australia against New Zealand, 2024 (target 279)

Australia again. This time in 2024. Alex Carey played arguably his greatest innings, hitting a superb 98* to lead Australia home in the second Test of their 2024 series in New Zealand. Mitchell Marsh (80) and Pat Cummins (32*) were also outstanding as the visitors recovered from 34/4 and 80/5 to successfully chase 279.

Earlier in the Test, New Zealand fought back from being bowled out for 162 in the first innings. They ensured they stayed in touch by limiting Australia to 256, courtesy of Matt Henry’s 7/67. In the second innings, they resisted very well, with four half-centurions in their score of 372, but it wasn’t quite enough in the end.

1. 285/8 by New Zealand against Sri Lanka, 2023 (target 285)

One of the classics. Soon after New Zealand sealed an unbelievable one-run win after following on against England, the Black Caps achieved their run chase of 285 off the very final ball against Sri Lanka in 2023.

Kane Williamson (121*) played one of his finest knocks, combining with player of the match Daryl Mitchell (102 and 83) to put New Zealand in with a chance of victory after falling into trouble at 90/3.

Wickets then fell regularly, but Williamson stood firm. Heading into the last over, New Zealand needed eight to win with three wickets in hand. A hobbling Neil Wagner joined Williamson after Matt Henry was run out, before the great batsman carved a magnificent shot though point and then sneaked through a bye to seal a memorable win.