Here’s the Record of the Biggest Fourth-Innings Chase in India
In the ongoing Test match in Chennai, India has set a massive target of 516 runs for Bangladesh. As of the end of Day 3 (Saturday, September 21), Bangladesh is at 158/4, still needing 357 runs to secure an extraordinary victory. Najmul Hossain Shanto is at the crease with 51*, accompanied by Shakib Al Hasan on 5*. Bangladesh’s first innings, where they were bowled out for just 149, had left them in a precarious position.
Bangladesh’s First-Innings Struggles and Second-Innings Revival
In their first innings, Bangladesh crumbled to 149 all out, raising concerns that they might fold early in their second innings as well. However, their batsmen showed more resistance the second time around. Zakir Hasan (33) and Shadman Islam (35) provided a solid foundation, putting up a 62-run partnership for the opening wicket. Though Mominul Haque (13) and Mushfiqur Rahim (13) fell cheaply, Bangladesh’s middle order is still holding on, with two full days of play remaining.
Chasing History in India: No Team Has Scored Over 400 in the Fourth Innings
Bangladesh’s hopes now rest on the shoulders of captain Shanto and all-rounder Shakib, with contributions expected from Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. While time may not be an issue, the target looms large. No team has ever successfully chased a target above 400 runs in the fourth innings of a Test match in India. If Bangladesh pulls off this chase, it would not only break a long-standing record but also send shockwaves through the cricketing world.
India’s Record for Largest Fourth-Innings Chase in Test Matches
The record for the highest successful run chase in India stands at 387, which India achieved against England in Chennai back in 2008. This remains the only successful chase above 300 in Indian Test history. The West Indies hold the second spot, having chased down 276 runs in Delhi in 1987. India itself has managed to chase 276 twice, first against the West Indies in Delhi in 2011 and again against New Zealand in Bengaluru in 2012. India also chased 261 against New Zealand in 1964 in Mumbai.
Will Bangladesh Create History?
With two full days left in the match, Bangladesh has time on their side. However, the weight of history is against them. Chasing over 500 in the fourth innings is a mammoth task, one that no team in India has ever accomplished. Yet, cricket is known for its surprises, and if Bangladesh’s remaining batsmen rise to the occasion, this could be a match for the ages.
