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One of the most thrilling aspects of cricket is when a team chases down a huge target set by the opposition. In the history of the ODI World Cup, there have been some remarkable instances of teams achieving this feat against all odds. Here are the TOP 5 Highest Chase in ODI World Cup, ranked by the target score.
TOP 5 Highest Chase in ODI World Cup
1. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2023 – 345 Runs
Pakistan has the record of the highest chase in world cup. They managed to chase an incredible 345 runs against a talented Sri Lankan bowling lineup. Sri Lanka batted first and scored an imposing total of 344 thanks to centuries from Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis. And it when Pakistan lost their first two wickets including that of Captain Babar Azam, it looked impossible. But Abdullah Shafiq and Mohammed Rizwan scored spectacular centuries and put on 176 for the third wicket to guide their team home with 10 balls to spare. It was one of Pakistan’s best batting performance in world cups.
2. Ireland vs England, 2011 – 328 Runs
The second highest successful chase in ODI World Cup history belongs to Ireland, who stunned England in a group match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore in the 2011 World Cup. England batted first and scored a massive 328 runs, thanks to fifties from Jonathan Trott (92 off 92 balls) and Ian Bell (81 off 86 balls), and a cameo from Kevin Pietersen (59 off 50 balls). Ireland looked down and out when they were reduced to 111 for 5 in the 25th over, but then came one of the most sensational innings ever played in a World Cup match. Kevin O’Brien, who came in at number six, smashed a record-breaking 113 off just 63 balls, the fastest century in World Cup history. He hit 13 fours and six sixes, and changed the course of the match in a matter of overs. He was ably supported by Alex Cusack (47 off 58 balls) and John Mooney (33* off 30 balls), as Ireland reached the target in 49.1 overs, losing seven wickets. It was a historic win for Ireland, and arguably one of the best cricket world cup games.
3. Bangladesh vs West Indies, 2019 – 321 Runs
Bangladesh and West Indies met in a group match at The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton in the 2019 World Cup. West Indies batted first and posted a huge total of 322 runs, powered by half-centuries from Shai Hope (96 off 121 balls), Evin Lewis (70 off 67 balls), and Shimron Hetmyer (50 off 26 balls). Bangladesh had to chase down the target at more than six runs per over to stay alive in the tournament. They did so with remarkable ease, reaching the target in just 41.3 overs, losing only three wickets in the process. The chase was led by an unbeaten century from Shakib Al Hasan, who scored a masterful 124 off 99 balls, his second consecutive hundred in the tournament. He was well supported by half-centuries from Liton Das (94* off 69 balls) and Tamim Iqbal (48 off 53 balls).
4. Bangladesh vs Scotland, 2015 – 315 Runs
Bangladesh and Scotland faced each other in a group match at Saxton Oval in Nelson in the 2015 World Cup. Scotland batted first and scored their highest ever ODI total in World Cup of 319 runs, thanks to a brilliant knock of 156 off 134 balls by Kyle Coetzer. He was assisted by Preston Mommsen (39 off 38 balls) and Matt Machan (35 off 34 balls). Bangladesh had to chase down the target to keep their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals alive. They did so with ease, reaching the target in 48.1 overs, losing only four wickets along the way. The chase was anchored by Tamim Iqbal, who scored (95 off 100 balls), and was followed by fifties from Mahmudullah (62 off 62 balls) and Mushfiqur Rahim (60 off 42 balls).
5. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 1992 – 313 Runs
The 1992 World Cup was the first one to feature colored clothing, white balls, and day-night matches. It also witnessed one of the most dramatic chases in the history of the tournament. Sri Lanka took on Zimbabwe in a group match at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth. Zimbabwe batted first and scored a mammoth 313 runs, their highest ever ODI total at that time. The main contributors were Andy Flower (115 off 152 balls), Andy Waller (83 off 45 balls), and Kevin Arnott (52 off 56 balls). Sri Lanka had a daunting task ahead of them, but they rose to the occasion and matched Zimbabwe’s score in 49.4 overs, losing seven wickets in the process. The chase was led by Arjuna Ranatunga, who played a magnificent innings of 88 off 86 balls, and was supported by Athulla Samarasekera (87 off 124 balls), Roshan Mahanama (58 off 89 balls).
These were the TOP 5 Highest Chase in ODI World Cup history. Will these records be broken? Only time will tell.
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