Test Cricket: Lord’s has witnessed some thrilling successful run chases in Test cricket. The top five highest chases showcase remarkable batting performances under pressure. These matches highlight teams’ resilience and strategic play on one of cricket’s most iconic grounds. Each chase set records and left a lasting impact on the history of Test cricket at Lord’s.
England – 218/3 vs New Zealand, 1965
In a 1965 Test at Lord’s, England chased down a target of 216 runs set by New Zealand. The Kiwis were dismissed for 175 in their first innings, while Colin Cowdrey’s century helped England reach 307 all out. New Zealand fought back strongly in their second innings, scoring 347, setting England a target of 216. Geoff Boycott (76) and Ted Dexter (80*) both scored fifties to guide England to a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
Test Cricket: England – 279/5 vs New Zealand, 2022
During the 2022 Lord’s Test against New Zealand, England’s bowlers James Anderson and Matthew Potts took four wickets each to bowl out New Zealand for 132. England then collapsed, scoring just 141 in reply. New Zealand piled up 285 in their second innings, led by Daryl Mitchell’s century (108). Chasing 277 to win, Joe Root’s unbeaten 115 helped England secure a thrilling five-wicket win.
South Africa – 282/5 vs Australia, 2025
In the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s in 2025, South Africa chased 282 runs against Australia. Australia posted 212 in their first innings, with Kagiso Rabada taking five wickets. South Africa struggled in their first innings, being bowled out for 138. Australia then scored 207 in their second innings, setting the target. Opener Aiden Markram’s brilliant 136 laid the foundation for South Africa’s five-wicket victory and their first ICC WTC title.
Test Cricket: England – 282/3 vs New Zealand, 2004
In the 2004 Lord’s Test, New Zealand scored 386 in the first innings, led by Stephen Fleming. Andrew Strauss responded with a century as England made 441. New Zealand then scored 336 in their second innings, thanks to centuries by Mark Richardson and a strong 96 from Brendon McCullum. Chasing 282, Nasser Hussain’s unbeaten 103 helped England win by seven wickets.
Test Cricket: West Indies – 344/1 vs England, 1984
The highest successful chase at Lord’s came in 1984 when West Indies chased 342 runs to win. England scored 286 in the first innings, with Graeme Fowler making a century. West Indies were bowled out for 245, aided by Ian Botham’s eight-wicket haul. England declared their second innings at 300/9, setting 342 to win. Opener Gordon Greenidge smashed an unbeaten 214, supported by Larry Gomes’ unbeaten 92, leading West Indies to a dominant nine-wicket victory.
