India has been part of the ODI World Cup since the very first edition in 1975. They couldn’t do much in the first two editions and didn’t even cross the group stage. That is why India winning the 1983 World Cup was so special, because even Indian fans were not sure of their team.
But over the years, India has improved immensely and is considered a favorite in any ICC tournament. They also won the 2011 edition under MS Dhoni after chasing the highest score in a World Cup final. In this article, we will talk about the most successful run chases by the Indian team in World Cup history.
India Highest Run Chase in ODI World Cup
| Target | Score | Vs | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 288 | 288/4 | Zimbabwe | Eden Park | 14/03/2015 |
| 275 | 277/4 | Sri Lanka | Wankhede Stadium | 02/04/2011 |
| 274 | 276/4 | Pakistan | SuperSport Park | 01/03/2003 |
| 265 | 265/3 | Sri Lanka | Headingley | 06/07/2019 |
| 261 | 261/5 | Australia | Narendra Modi Stadium | 24/03/2011 |
| 260 | 260/2 | Ireland | Seddon Park | 10/03/2015 |
| 228 | 230/4 | South Africa | The Rose Bowl | 05/06/2019 |
| 226 | 226/4 | Kenya | Newlands | 07/03/2003 |
| 222 | 224/1 | New Zealand | Vidarbha Cricket Association | 31/10/1987 |
| 214 | 217/4 | England | Old Trafford | 22/06/1983 |
3. India (276/4) vs Pakistan in 2003
India’s third-highest run chase came during the 2003 World Cup. It was registered in the 36th game of the tournament against archrival Pakistan in Centurion. Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first. They had an excellent start, with Saeed Anwar scoring a century. He made 101 runs off 126 balls, with seven fours. Some other batters also contributed well in the 20s and 30s. Pakistan ended the inning at 273/7.
Chasing the target, India had a 53-run opening stand between Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (21 off 14). And who can forget Sachin’s uppercut to Shoaib Akhtar that went for a six? Sachin was in blistering mode. But he was unfortunate and got out on 98 runs from 75 balls, with 12 fours and one six. Mohammad Kaif (35) and Rahul Dravid (44*) also did well. Yuvraj Singh scored an unbeaten 50 runs. India made 276/4 in 45.4 overs to maintain their record against Pakistan.
2. India (277/4) vs Sri Lanka in 2011
The second highest run chase for India came in the iconic 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium. No Indian fan can forget that win. It was the grand final of the tournament, and Sri Lanka batted first. They posted a challenging total of 274/6 in the first inning. Mahela Jayawardene made a remarkable unbeaten ton. He made 103 off 88 balls, with 13 fours. In response, India lost both in-form openers. Sachin made 18, and Virender Sehwag got out for a two-ball duck.
But after that, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli (35) added 83 runs for the third wicket. Virat’s wicket brought skipper MS Dhoni to the crease, which changed the game. Gambhir and Dhoni added a match-winning partnership of 109 runs to take India close to winning. Gambhir got out at 97 off 122, while Dhoni carried on. MSD made an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls to take India to victory. It is still the most successful run chase in World Cup final.
1. India (288/4) vs Zimbabwe in 2015
The highest chase for India in the World Cup came during the 2015 edition. It was the 39th game of the tournament in Auckland, against Zimbabwe. India won the toss and decided to bowl first. Zimbabwe lost three wickets for 33 runs. but then skipper Brendan Taylor scored an excellent century. He made 138 runs off 110 balls, with 15 fours and five sixes. Zimbabwe made a tough total of 287 all-out in 48.5 overs.
Chasing the target, India had a poor start, and they lost their top four wickets for just 92 runs. But after that, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni added an unbeaten 196-run stand for the fifth wicket to take India home. Raina made an unbeaten 110 off 104 balls, with nine fours and four sixes. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 85 off 76 balls, with eight fours and two sixes. India made 288/4 in 48.4 overs and won the game.