Cricket News: List of top 5 highest successful run chases in ODI World Cups | What is the highest successful run chase in ODI World Cups?
The ICC Cricket World Cup has been filled with memorable chases over the years. Fast forward to the present 2023 edition, and teams need to achieve some of the highest-ever run-chases in World Cups given the skill and power on display.
Top 5 highest successful run chases in ODI World Cups
Here is a look at the top five successful run chases in ODI World Cups.
5. Sri Lanka 313/7 vs Zimbabwe, 1992
Sri Lanka’s successful pursuit of 313 against Zimbabwe in 1992 is the only instance of a 300+ score chased in a World Cup before 2000. Batting first, the Zimbabweans, led by legend Andy Flower’s 115*, hit an excellent 312/4. However, Arjun Ranatunga was at his damaging best, striking 88 off 61 balls to guide the Sri Lankans home with four balls to spare at New Plymouth.
4. Bangladesh 322/3 vs Scotland, 2015
Kyle Coetzer hit a magnificent 156 at Nelson but it wasn’t enough to seal victory for Scotland. Bangladesh, in a crucial game in the context of their 2015 World Cup quarter-final qualification hopes, chased down the 319-run target in an equal measure of professionalism and efficiency.
Tamim Iqbal led the way with 95, before Mahmudullah (62), Mushfiqur Rahim (60), Shakib Al Hasan (52*) and Sabbir Rahman (42*) also made crucial contributions.
3. Bangladesh 322/3 vs West Indies, 2019
Bangladesh again. This time in 2019. Shakib Al Hasan (124* off 99 balls) and Litton Das (94* off 69 balls) made a mockery of West Indies’ 321/8 at Taunton. The two combined for an unbroken 189-run stand in 22.3 overs to seal the chase easily with seven wickets and 51 balls to spare.
2. Ireland 329/7 vs England, 2011
One of the most famous World Cup matches of all time. Ireland, chasing 328, were all but gone at 111/5 in the 25th over. However, Kevin O’Brien had other ideas, producing one of the great performances in the history of ODI cricket to catapult the Irish to a famous victory.
He brought up his hundred in 50 balls before finishing with 113 off 63 balls. John Mooney (33 off 30 balls) and Trent Johnston (7 off 4 balls) sealed the chase with five balls to spare to spark jubilant celebrations at Bengaluru.
1. Pakistan 345/4 vs Sri Lanka, 2023
Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama took the Pakistani attack apart to lead Sri Lanka to 344/9. Then, Pakistan were then reduced to 37/2 in 7.2 overs, where the target looked a fair way away.
Then, it was all Pakistan as they pulled off the highest successful chase in men’s World Cups. Abdullah Shafique hit a classy 103-ball 113 on ODI World Cup debut. But, the man of the match was the ever-reliable Mohammed Rizwan, who overcame cramp to lead his team home with a superb 131* off 121 balls.
