T20I matches have increased the interest of the audience into the white ball cricket constantly since its inception in 2005. Many matches in the history of the T20 internationals have gone to the last ball, some even ended up in a tie and such contests have kept the interest of the audience at an all-time high.
The most beloved aspect of the T20 game is to see a team chase down a formidable total set by their opponents. All totals big and small are difficult, but huge totals test the batsmen’s ability to score fast and score fast constantly.
Here are the top 5 highest successful run chases in T20 international history:
1. West Indies – 236/6 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2015
No one gave West Indies any chance as this total had not been chased in even franchise cricket then, but every Windies fan prayed that Chris Gayle should fire and he fired, he fired hard. Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels destroyed every bowler of South Africa, hitting them to every corner of the New Wanderers Stadium.
Chris Gayle scored 90 off 41 balls with 7 sixes and Samuels scored 60 off 39 balls. They had a partnership of 152 runs between them. Though they had a scare in the middle order, Captain Darren Sammy made sure West Indies crossed the line with 20* off 7 balls. West Indies made a world record chase of 236/6 with 4 balls in hand and won the T20I series against South Africa. Chris Gayle got the player of the match award.
Check out here Players with most runs in t20 world cup history
2. India – 211/4 vs Sri Lanka, Mohali, 2009
Sri Lanka toured India in 2009 and this was the 2nd match of the T20I series, played at Mohali. Sri Lanka batted first and scored 206/7 with Kumar Sangakkara (59), Sanath Jayasuriya (31) and Angelo Mathews (26 off 13 balls) being the main contributors along with 38 from Chintaka Jayasinghe.
Indians were left with the task of scoring 207 to win the match and the series. Virender Sehwag set the tone for the chase with 64 off 36 balls. MS Dhoni (46 off 28 balls) and Yuvraj Singh (60* off 25 balls with 5 sixes) made sure India didn’t lose any momentum and took India to a famous win with Yuvraj winning the match with a six.
3. South Africa – 208/2 vs West Indies, Johannesburg, 2007
West Indies batted first and the fans were treated to a record first ever T20 International century by Chris Gayle, who made 117 off 57 balls with another record 10 sixes. His opening partner Devon Smith scored 35 to keep him company and West Indies scored a then record 205/6.
The chase was a daunting one and as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going and that’s what Herschelle Gibbs and Justin Kemp did. Gibbs attacked the West Indian bowlers from the start and scored a match winning 90* off 55 balls. Kemp gave him great company and finished the match with his 46* off 22 balls.
South Africa won with 8 wickets in hand and the very first World T20 started with a real bang and it revolutionized the game.
4. New Zealand – 202/5 vs Zimbabwe, Hamilton, 2012
Zimbabwe toured New Zealand in 2012 and this match was the 2nd T20I of the series. Zimbabwe batted first and scored 200/2 in their 20 overs. The chief run makers were Hamilton Masakadza (62 off 42 balls) and Captain Brendan Taylor (75* off 43 balls).
The Kiwis got a brilliant start from their openers Rob Nichols (56 off 37 balls) and James Franklin (60 off 37 balls), who added 103 runs in 10 overs. After their departure, came the final assault from Brendon McCullum (38 off 24 balls) and Kane Williamson (20 off 5 balls).
Kiwis reached the target with 2 balls to spare. James Franklin got the Man of the match for his 60 runs.
5. India – 202/4 vs Australia, Rajkot, 2013
India and Australia met in a one off T20I at Rajkot in the 2013-14 season. Australia batted first and scored 201/7. Aaron Finch was the highest scorer with 89 off 52 balls with 14 fours and valuable contributions from Nic Maddinson (34) and Glen Maxwell (27).
India’s chase featured a returning Yuvraj Singh scoring a blistering 77* in just 35 balls with 8 fours and 5 sixes. He was supported by Shikhar Dhawan (32 off 19) and MS Dhoni (24 off 21). India overhauled the target in 19.4 overs.
