Highest Successful Run Chases In ODI (Source: AFP)
Sri Lanka scripted history on October 22, 2026, pulling off a sensational chase against England to record the second-highest successful run chase in ODI cricket.
With a daunting target of 430 runs in front of them, the Lankan batters held their nerve in a thrilling finish, reaching 430/8 in 49.5 overs to seal a two-wicket victory.
With Sri Lanka now occupying second place on the all-time list, let’s look at the top five highest successful run chases in ODI cricket, ranked in descending order.
5. 372 Runs By South Africa vs Australia, Durban, 2016
South Africa proved their appetite for high-pressure run chases when they hunted down 372 against Australia in Durban on October 5, 2016. Australia had posted 371/6, thanks to centuries from David Warner, who scored 117, and Steve Smith, who made 108.
The team needed a substantial response, and Quinton de Kock provided an early push with 70. The real fireworks, however, came from David Miller. His unbeaten 118 kept the chase alive, while Andile Phehlukwayo contributed an unbeaten 42.
The pair stitched together a match-winning 107-run partnership for the seventh wicket, taking South Africa to 372/6 in 49.2 overs and sealing a four-wicket victory.
4. 374 Runs By Netherlands vs Scotland, Dundee, 2025
The Netherlands produced a memorable comeback against Scotland in a Cricket World Cup League 2 fixture at Dundee on June 12, 2025. Scotland looked set for a commanding total after George Munsey hammered 191 off 150 balls, with Matthew Cross adding 59 to help them finish at 369/6.
However, the Netherlands had an answer of their own. Max O’Dowd anchored the chase with an unbeaten 158 off 130 deliveries, keeping the innings together while wickets fell around him.
Teja Nidamanuru chipped in with 51, ensuring the chase stayed on course. The Netherlands reached 374/6 in 49.2 overs to win by four wickets, completing a remarkable pursuit and recording a landmark achievement for an Associate nation.
3. 406 Runs By India vs West Indies, Guwahati, 2026
India very recently showcased their batting firepower against West Indies on September 30, 2026, chasing down 406 in Guwahati with eight wickets and 39 balls to spare. West Indies had set the challenge with 405/7, leaving India with little room for a slow start.
Rohit Sharma set the tone with a fluent 101 off 75 balls, but it was Shubman Gill who stole the show. The Indian captain smashed an unbeaten 223 off 133 deliveries, dominating the bowling attack throughout the chase.
Their 255-run opening partnership broke the back of the target, allowing India to cruise home at 406/2 in 43.3 overs. Sri Lanka’s subsequent record chase against England has since pushed India’s effort down to third place.
2. 430 Runs By Sri Lanka vs England, Rawalpindi, 2026
Sri Lanka produced a chase for the ages against England on October 22, 2026. England had put on a batting spectacle of their own, piling up 429/4 as Harry Brook smashed 202 off 116 balls. Joe Root’s 69 and Will Jacks’ unbeaten 66 further strengthened England’s imposing total.
Sri Lanka responded with remarkable composure. Pavan Rathnayake struck 130 off 106 balls, while Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka both scored 97.
Just when the finish threatened to become tense, Janith Liyanage delivered the decisive blow, remaining unbeaten on 61 off 27 balls and hitting the winning six with one ball remaining. Sri Lanka finished at 430/8, registering the second-highest successful chase in ODI cricket.
1. 438 Runs By South Africa vs Australia, Johannesburg, 2006
Few matches have captured the madness and magic of ODI cricket quite like South Africa’s famous chase against Australia in Johannesburg on March 12, 2006. Australia piled up a staggering 434/4, with Ricky Ponting smashing 164 off 105 balls and Michael Hussey adding an unbeaten 81.
But South Africa were not prepared to back down. Herschelle Gibbs launched a stunning counterattack with 175 off 111 balls, while captain Graeme Smith contributed 90.
With the pressure mounting in the closing overs, Mark Boucher held his nerve to finish unbeaten on 50. South Africa reached 438/9 with one ball remaining, completing a record-breaking chase that remains the highest in ODI history.
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