Chasing big totals in Australia is one of the toughest challenges in world cricket. The fast and bouncy pitches, large outfields, and quality bowling attacks make batting second a real test of skill and composure. Yet over the years, a few remarkable teams have pulled off record-breaking chases that stunned home crowds.
5. England – 308/5 vs Australia, Melbourne (January 14, 2018)
In the 1st ODI Batting first, Australia scored 304/8 with a century from Aaron Finch (107) and Marcus Stoinis (60) and a half century from Mitchell Marsh (50). England’s batting, however, looked more confident and aggressive than ever.
Jason Roy was the star of the match, he scored 180 runs off 151 deliveries with Joe Root’s explosive 91 not out. England grabbed the victory won by 5 wickets with 7 balls remaining, registering one of their best ODI chases on Australian soil.
4. Australia – 309/3 vs India, Brisbane (January 15, 2016)
Just days before India’s record chase in Sydney, Australia had completed one of their own. In the second ODI of the same 2016 series at the Gabba in Brisbane, India posted 308/8 after half-centuries from Rohit Sharma (124) and Ajinkya Rahane (89).
Australia’s chase was built around their strong top order. Aaron Finch (71) and Shaun Marsh (71) gave them a solid start, while George Bailey (76 off 58) and Steven Smith (46 off 47) ensured there were no hiccups. Australia reached the target comfortably in 49 overs, finishing on 309/3 to take a 2-0 lead in the series. It underlined Australia’s consistency and ability to handle big totals at home.
3. India – 321/3 vs Sri Lanka, Hobart (February 28, 2012)
India’s other big chase in Australia came during the 2012 Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series in Hobart. Facing a must-win situation to stay alive in the tournament, India were tasked with chasing 321 against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, led by Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 160 and Kumar Sangakkara’s 105*, set a formidable 320/4. To qualify for the finals, India had to not only win but also chase the total within 40 overs, a near-impossible task.
What followed was pure brilliance. Virat Kohli played one of the greatest ODI innings of all time, smashing 133 off just 86 balls*. Supported by Gautam Gambhir (63) and a quick cameo from Suresh Raina (40 off 24), India reached the target in only 36.4 overs.
This chase remains iconic because of the situation, the required run rate, and Kohli’s dominance against Lasith Malinga, who was hammered for 24 runs in one over. It is still considered one of India’s finest limited-overs victories abroad.
2. India – 331/4 vs Australia, Sydney (January 23, 2016)
India produced one of their finest ODI performances overseas. In the fifth ODI of the 2016 bilateral series, Australia piled up 330/7, led by David Warner’s fluent 122 and Mitchel Marsh with 102 runs off 84 deliveries.
India’s reply was clinical. Rohit Sharma anchored the innings with a superb (99), and Shikhar Dhawan (78). Their positive intent kept the required rate under control, and a calm finishing act from Manish Pandey, who scored an unbeaten 104 off 81 balls, sealed the win in the final over.
India reached 331/4 in 49.4 overs, marking their highest successful chase in Australia and the second-highest overall on Australian soil. Pandey’s maiden century earned him the Player of the Match award and remains a career highlight.
1. Australia – 334/8 vs England, Sydney (February 2, 2011)
In 2011, Australia pulled off what was then a record chase on home soil at the Sydney Cricket Ground. England batted first and posted a huge 333/6 in their 50 overs, thanks to Jonathan Trott’s classy 137 and Kevin Pietersen’s quickfire 78. It looked like a winning score, but Australia had other plans.
Micheal Clarke set the tone with a magnificent 82 runs off 70 balls, with Mitchell Johnson scoring 59 runs and Shane Warne scoring 51 runs. They carried with brilliant batting and guided Australia to 334/8 with just four balls remaining. The thrilling finish left the Sydney crowd in disbelief. This match remains one of Australia’s most famous victories and the highest successful ODI run-chase ever completed on Australian soil.
Conclusion
From Watson’s heroics in 2011 to Pandey’s brilliance in 2016, these five matches are reminders of how far ODI cricket has evolved. Big chases that once seemed impossible are now thrilling realities, driven by fearless batting and better planning. And among all these great performances, India’s two record-breaking pursuits stand out, proof that on their day, even Australia’s toughest conditions can’t stop them.
Written by Kinjal Walantra