Highest Run Chase in ODI World Cup by India

By: Rohan Last updated: October 14, 2023

In the heart of every Indian cricket fan, there’s an undying quest for speed, an insatiable hunger for runs, and an unwavering faith in their team. And when the stage is set at the ODI World Cup, these emotions reach a crescendo.

Highest Run Chase in ODI World Cup by India

India has participated in the ODI World Cup since its inaugural edition in 1975. In the initial two tournaments, they couldn’t make substantial progress, failing to advance beyond the group stage. This is what made India’s victory in the 1983 World Cup so remarkable back then, even Indian fans had uncertainties about their team’s performance.

Yet, as time passed, India’s progress has been remarkable, making it a favored contender in various ICC tournaments. Their accomplishment of clinching the 2011 edition, led by MS Dhoni, stands out. Notably, in the final, they successfully chased down the highest target ever in a World Cup final.

Let’s delve into the Highest Run Chase in the ODI World Cup by Team India.

Highest Run Chase in ODI World Cup by India

Here are the details on the Most Successful Run Chases by the Indian Team in World Cup History.

India vs Zimbabwe World Cup 2015 – (288/4)

India’s most highest chase in the World Cup occurred during the 2015 edition. This remarkable feat took place in Auckland during the 39th match of the tournament, where they faced off against Zimbabwe. Opting to field first after winning the toss, India witnessed Zimbabwe losing three wickets for a mere 33 runs.

However, Brendan Taylor, the skipper, stepped up magnificently, notching a splendid century. Taylor’s innings of 138 runs off 110 balls was studded with 15 fours and five sixes. Zimbabwe ultimately compiled a challenging total of 287 runs, losing all their wickets in 48.5 overs.

In response, India stumbled initially, losing their top four wickets for a meager 92 runs. Nevertheless, the partnership between Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni turned the tide, as they stitched together an unbeaten 196-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Raina’s unbeaten contribution of 110 runs from 104 balls featured nine fours and four sixes. Dhoni, equally unbeaten, added 85 runs from 76 balls, incorporating eight fours and two sixes. Their efforts guided India to a total of 288/4 in 48.4 overs, culminating in a triumphant victory.

India vs Sri Lanka World Cup 2011 – (277/4)

In the iconic 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium, India achieved their second-highest run chase. This victory remains etched in the memory of every Indian fan.

The grand final saw Sri Lanka setting the tone by batting first and managing a challenging total of 274/6 in the initial innings. Mahela Jayawardene’s exceptional unbeaten century was a highlight, with him crafting 103 runs from 88 balls, embellished by 13 fours.

India’s response encountered an early setback as both in-form openers fell. Sachin contributed 18 runs, while Virender Sehwag exited with a two-ball duck. However, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli (35) combined forces, adding a significant 83-run partnership for the third wicket.

Kohli’s departure welcomed skipper MS Dhoni to the crease, catalyzing a pivotal shift in the game. The alliance between Gambhir and Dhoni proved match-defining, accumulating 109 runs that propelled India closer to victory.

Gambhir’s innings concluded at 97 off 122 deliveries, while Dhoni continued his stride. MSD remained unbeaten, crafting an outstanding 91 runs from 79 balls, guiding India to a triumphant victory. This remarkable feat still stands as the most successful run chase in a World Cup final.

India vs Pakistan World Cup 2003 – (276/4)

During the 2003 World Cup, India secured their third-highest run chase, a feat achieved in the 36th match of the tournament against archrival Pakistan in Centurion.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan initiated strongly, with Saeed Anwar posting a century. His innings of 101 runs from 126 balls included seven fours. Additional contributions in the 20s and 30s from other batters boosted Pakistan’s final tally to 273/7.

In the pursuit of this target, India’s opening partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (21 off 14) laid a solid foundation, and Sachin’s memorable uppercut for a six against Shoaib Akhtar remains vivid in memory.

Sachin was in remarkable form but missed a century, departing at 98 runs from 75 balls, featuring 12 fours and one six. Mohammad Kaif (35) and Rahul Dravid (44*) also made significant contributions, and Yuvraj Singh remained unbeaten with 50 runs. India successfully reached a total of 276/4 in 45.4 overs, thereby maintaining their impressive record against Pakistan.

Team India Highest Run Chase in ODI World Cup

Here is the List of the Indian Cricket Team’s Highest Run Chase in the ODI World Cup.