Cricket’s shortest format, Twenty20 (T20), is a stage where batsmen often take centre stage. Massive totals, explosive hitting, and thrilling chases define the format. However, chasing a daunting target in T20 cricket, especially on the grand stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, is a test of mental fortitude, teamwork, and skill under pressure. Some of these chases have etched themselves in cricketing folklore, as teams managed to turn the odds in their favour. Here’s a look at the top 10 most successful run chases in T20 World Cup history.
1. England (230/8 vs South Africa, 2016)
England holds the record for the highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup history. This historic feat came during the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. Chasing a mammoth 230 runs, England showed resilience and unmatched aggression. Joe Root was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant 83 off 44 balls. His efforts were supported by Jason Roy’s explosive 43 off 16 and Jos Buttler’s quick 21 off 14. England reached the target with just two wickets to spare in the final over, sealing a remarkable victory.
2. South Africa (208/2 vs West Indies, 2007)
South Africa scripted a dominant chase in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. The West Indies had posted 205/4, powered by Chris Gayle’s blistering century. However, the hosts, led by Herschelle Gibbs (90* off 55 balls) and Justin Kemp (46 off 22), reached 208/2 with a staggering 18 balls to spare at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. This match underscored South Africa’s prowess as one of the early dominators in T20 cricket.
3. Australia (197/7 vs Pakistan, 2010)
The 2010 T20 World Cup semifinal between Australia and Pakistan witnessed one of the most thrilling chases in cricket history. Pakistan posted 192, courtesy of Kamran Akmal’s fireworks. In reply, Australia faltered early but found a savior in Michael Hussey. The left-hander smashed 60 off just 24 balls, including 22 runs in the final over against Saeed Ajmal. His extraordinary finish led Australia to a famous victory.
4. West Indies (196/3 vs India, 2016)
In the same tournament where England achieved the highest chase, the West Indies pulled off another spectacular run chase. Facing the hosts India in the semifinal, the Windies chased down 192 in style. Lendl Simmons, coming in as a replacement player, played an unforgettable knock of 82* off 51 balls. Andre Russell’s quickfire 43 off 20 balls ensured a smooth passage to the final, leaving Indian fans heartbroken.
5. Netherlands (193/4 vs Ireland, 2014)
Among the cricketing minnows, the Netherlands produced a fairytale moment in the 2014 T20 World Cup. Chasing Ireland’s 190, they needed to finish the game in under 14.2 overs to qualify for the Super 10 stage. They accomplished the chase in just 13.5 overs, led by Stephan Myburgh’s explosive 63 off 23 balls. Tom Cooper (40 off 22) and Wesley Barresi (45 off 15) provided crucial support. This victory remains one of the most memorable in Dutch cricket history.
6. England (190/4 vs Sri Lanka, 2014)
England features on the list again with their stunning chase against Sri Lanka in the 2014 edition. Sri Lanka had set a target of 190, but Alex Hales rose to the occasion with a scintillating 116* — the third-highest individual score in T20 World Cup history. Eoin Morgan’s 57 off 38 balls provided the perfect support as England sealed the game in the final over.
7. West Indies (183/3 vs England, 2016)
Chris Gayle, the self-proclaimed “Universe Boss,” put on a show against England in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Chasing 183, Gayle blasted the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, taking just 47 balls to reach the milestone. Supported by Marlon Samuels and Andre Russell, the Windies cruised to victory with more than an over to spare.
8. Ireland (180/4 vs Scotland, 2022)
In a crucial first-round match in the 2022 T20 World Cup, Ireland chased down Scotland’s competitive 176/5 in Hobart, Australia. Curtis Campher was the hero, scoring an unbeaten 72 off 32 balls and also picking up two wickets earlier in the match. His all-round performance helped Ireland achieve their target comfortably, solidifying their reputation as giant slayers.
9. West Indies (179/4 vs Australia, 2014)
The West Indies made another appearance on this elite list with their successful chase against Australia in Mirpur, Bangladesh, in 2014. Chris Gayle again led from the front with 53 off 35 balls, while Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo finished the job in the final over with an unbroken 49-run partnership.
10. Pakistan (178/2 vs Bangladesh, 2012)
Pakistan rounds off the list with their chase against Bangladesh in the 2012 T20 World Cup. Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed laid the foundation with half-centuries, ensuring Pakistan reached the target of 178 with ease in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.
Top Finishers in T20 World Cup Chases
The art of chasing requires a mix of temperament, skill, and the ability to absorb pressure. Among the best finishers in T20 World Cup history, Virat Kohli leads the charts. With 518 runs at an average of 518.00 in successful chases, Kohli is a master of this craft. He is the only batsman with seven 50+ scores in such situations.
David Warner, with 511 runs, is another prolific chaser. England’s Alex Hales and Jason Roy also feature prominently for their high strike rates and impactful contributions. Meanwhile, Chris Gayle’s 100 off 47 balls in 2016 remains the fastest century in a successful chase.
Conclusion
The T20 World Cup has witnessed some unforgettable chases, showcasing the resilience and attacking prowess of teams under immense pressure. From Michael Hussey’s last-over heroics to Chris Gayle’s record-breaking blitz, these moments define the thrill of T20 cricket. As the sport evolves, we can only expect more nail-biting finishes and record-breaking chases in the future.
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