The subcontinent is often referred to as the worst region to bat in the fourth innings in Tests, due to crumbling surfaces, and the abrasive pitches and outfields bringing reverse swing into play as well. As a result, there have not been many steep totals being hunted down in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Team India have a mammoth challenge on their hands after South Africa are about to set them a massive target in the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The Proteas are currently placed at 220-4 at the Lunch break, with the lead reading 508 runs already.
It is evident that the Men in Blue will have to script history to level the series, and avoid another humbling on home soil.
So far, a total of over 400 runs has never been chased down in Asia. The current record holders for the highest successful run chase in the region are West Indies, who scaled the 395 run target during the 1st Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram.
After amassing a massive 171-run lead in the first innings, the hosts declared at 223-8, before the Tea Break on Day 4. The Mominul Haque-led side were firm favorites as they had a little over four sessions to claim all ten wickets. West Indies were reeling at 59-3 at one stage, before a sublime partnership between Nkrumah Bonner and Kyle Mayers brought the visitors back to life.
The 216-run partnership took the Men in Maroon closer to history, and although Bangladesh fought back with a few wickets, Kyle Mayers saw his side through with an unbeaten double hundred and three wickets to spare.
Sri Lanka also chased down a 391-run target in a Test against Zimbabwe in Colombo, eight years ago, which marks the second-highest successful run chase in Asia.
India’s highest successful run chase in home Tests is 387
The Men in Blue hold the record for the third-highest run chase in Tests of all time, as well as in Asia. They had chased down 406 in a Test against the West Indies at Port of Spain in 1976, marking only one of the three times that a score of over 400 has ever been chased in the format.
As far as home Tests are concerned, India have chased over 300 just once, with that particular instance coming during the famous 2nd Test in 2008, against England in Chennai. The hosts had scored 387-4, courtesy of stellar knocks by Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and Gautam Gambhir, to seal a series win.
Edited by Gokul Nair
