5 highest successful chases in ODI history

Chasing in ODI games is not as difficult as it might seem at first. Statistics tells us that the team batting second has won more ODIs than the team batting first. However, when team batting first scores in excess of 299 and sets a target of 300 or more, things change dramatically for the chasing side.Their success rate drops to an incomparable low and 300 plus seems to be a lost cause for chasing team. It is worth mentioning that only 60 out of 456 such instances, a team has chased 300+ target in an ODI game. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of 300+ chases. This decade, in only five years, has seen the joint most victories for such chases – 28. 1990s witnessed only 4 victories for teams chasing above run a ball target for a full game and before 90s, there was no such instance.One obvious reason for the lack of successful chases prior to 2000s is that in those days, the target was not as frequent as they are today. Yet the ratio by which they have been chased in the recent years is much more than that in previous years.In fact, 13 out of top 15 successful chases have come in last ten years. We have decided to take a look at five highest chases in the ODIs which resulted in the victory of teams batting second. Interestingly, four among top five successful chases have come against Australia – quite an embarrassment for 4-times World Champions – isn’t it?

#5 England vs New Zealand Nottingham 2015

England 350-3 in 44 Overs vs New Zealand 349-7 in 50 Overs, Nottingham 17 June 2015

It was the 4th ODI of the bilateral series between New Zealand and England, which took in Nottingham, earlier this year. New Zealand opted to bat first after winning the coin battle. Almost every batsmen from New Zealand’s camp played his part with Guptill 53, Williamson 93 and Elliot 55 among the notable ones.

England were given 350 to chase, which if achieved would become the 4th highest successful chase in ODIs. Alex Hales in response attacked the New Zealand bowling right from the start. In 11th over, when Alex Hales departed for 67 off 38 balls, England had already posted 100 on the board.

After Jason Roy was removed, captain Eoin Morgan joined Joe Root on the crease. An unbeaten 106 from Root complimented well by Morgan’s 113 handed England an easy victory over visitors. With 36 balls to spare, England won by 7 wickets and Morgan was given the man of the match award.