Highest successful chases in World Cup history
The cricket World Cup is unarguably the biggest of all moments for cricketers. With the latest iteration of the quadrennial event taking place in India, all ten participating teams are eyeing for glory.
Over the years, the shape and dynamics of cricket have changed in myriad ways and the definition of “safe scores” have taken many turns too. On that note, let’s take a look at the highest successful chases in the tournament history.
3) 322/4 by Bangladesh vs Scotland in 2015, 322/3 by Bangladesh vs West Indies in 2019
Bangladesh broke Scottish hearts on March 5, 2015 in match 27 of the ODI World Cup in Nelson. Powered by a 134-ball 156 from Kyle Coetzer, Scotland posted a stiff 319 for the ‘Bangla Tigers’. In reply, Tamim Iqbal top-scored with a 100-ball 95 while Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shakib Al Hasan struck half-centuries as Bangladesh won the match with six wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.
Four years later, Bangladesh equalled their record for the highest successful run-chase in ODI World Cups with a phenomenal performance against two-time champions West Indies. This game took place in Taunton on June 17, 2019. West Indies posted a commendable total of 321/8. Bangladesh went from 121/1 to 133/3 in quick time but a phenomenal 189-run unbeaten partnership between Litton Das and Shakib helped them reach the target with seven wickets and 51 balls left. The southpaw hit 124* off 99 balls while Litton remained unbeaten on 94 off 69 deliveries.
2) 329/7 by Ireland vs England in 2011
Ireland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history on March 2, 2011, in Bengaluru. Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, and Ian Bell scored sublime half-centuries to take England to 327/8 in 50 overs. Ireland, in reply, got off to the worst possible start as they lost William Porterfield off the first ball. Wickets fell at regular intervals and the Irish side was reeling at 111/5. However, Kevin O’Brien scored one of the most spectacular ODI centuries to pull his team from the jaws of defeat. After the all-rounder was dismissed for 113 off 63 balls, John Mooney and Trent Johnston took their team home with three wickets and five balls to spare.
1) 345/4 by Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in 2023
On October 10, 2023, in Hyderabad, Pakistan broke Ireland’s record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI World Cup. Centuries from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama and a half-century from Pathum Nissanka took the island nation to a daunting score of 344/9.
In reply, Pakistan lost two of their most dependable players, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam early. However, young Abdullah Shafique and veteran Mohammad Rizwan stitched a 176-run partnership of 156 balls to give their team a solid base. Shafique was dismissed for 113 but Rizwan continued his onslaught en route to a 121-ball 131*. Saud Shakeel and Iftikhar Ahmed also contributed as the ‘Men in Green’ won by six wickets and 10 balls left.
