Last Updated on 11 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Newlands Cape Town has played host to some of the most memorable Test matches. There have been three successful chases of 200+ on a ground where matches can open up in the third innings.
Top 5 highest successful run chases in Test cricket at Newlands Cape Town
- Australia 334/6 against South Africa, 2002
- South Africa 236/2 against Australia, 2011
- South Africa 211/5 against India, 2007
- South Africa 186/3 against West Indies, 2008
- South Africa 182/6 against Pakistan, 2013
Australia 334/6 against South Africa, 2002
The great Australia team prevailed in a hard-fought Test against the Proteas in 2002. South Africa batting first posted 239 and then reduced the Steve Waugh’s team to 185/6. Adam Gilchrist, batting at seven, hit a superb unbeaten 138 off 108 balls.
Gilchrist, along with Shane Warne (63) propelled Australia to 382 in just 80.5 overs. Their pace of scoring ensured there was time to seal a win even with South Africa batting a mammoth 162 overs in the third innings for their 473.
Chasing 331, Justin Langer (58) and Matthew Hayden (96) wasted no time in getting going. The pair added 102 in 22.1 overs, setting the platform for the chase. Ricky Ponting (100* off 160 balls) controlled proceedings to lead Australia to an unassailable 2-0 lead in the middle session of the fifth day.
South Africa 236/2 against Australia, 2011
One of the craziest Test matches in recent memory. South Africa looked in tatters after they were bowled out for 96 in response to Australia’s 284. But the real madness was yet to come.
Vernon Philander, on debut, ripped through the Australian lineup in the second innings. The visitors were reduced to a scarcely-believable 21/9, with Philander (5/15) causing most of the damage alongside Dale Steyn (2/23) and Morne Morkel (3/9).
Nathan Lyon (14) and Peter Siddle (12*) added 26 for the final wicket to avoid the lowest score in Test history. However, that was only consolation as South Africa steamrolled to the 236-run target on day three courtesy of centuries to Graeme Smith (101* off 140 balls) and Hashim Amla (112 off 134 balls).
South Africa 211/5 against India, 2007
In 2007, South Africa won the third Test of their series against India despite the visitors scoring 414 in the first innings. South Africa needed to respond with a strong total and that they did, posting 373 to trail by just 41 on the first innings.
The Proteas then dominated the crucial third innings. Led by Dale Steyn’s 4/30, South Africa bowled India out for 169 to set up a 211-run target.
In the chase, there were contributions right down the order as the hosts reached the target with five wickets to spare to win the three-match series 2-1.
South Africa 186/3 against West Indies, 2008
Ashwell Prince’s 98 in South Africa’s first innings proved to be a key difference in their Test against West Indies in 2008. The Proteas were reduced to 131/5 in response to West Indies’ 243, before Prince’s knock took South Africa to beyond 300.
Leading by 77, South Africa then bowled with patience and strike in equal measure to limit West Indies to 262 in 101.5 overs. Chasing 185, there were no hiccups as Graeme Smith (85 off 79 balls) set the platform for the seven-wicket win.
South Africa 182/6 against Pakistan, 2013
The second Test between South Africa and Pakistan in 2013 was shaping up as a very even contest. Just 12 runs separated the teams on the first innings.
That it got so close was thanks to Robin Peterson. South Africa were 210/7 and still 128 behind Pakistan before the left-arm spinner hit a crucial 84 batting at eight. He took the hosts to 326 and gave his team plenty of momentum heading into the vital third innings.
Pakistan, who led by 12, couldn’t repeat the efforts of their first innings where they notched up 338 thanks to centuries from Younis Khan (111) and Asad Shafiq (111). Peterson’s dream match continued with figures of 3/73 alongside Dale Steyn’s 3/38 and Vernon Philander’s 4/40.
The chase was nervy at times with South Africa reduced to 88/3. However, Hashim Amla (58) and AB de Villiers (36) ensured the hosts got close to the target before Dean Elgar (11*) and Peterson (1*) finished the job to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
