Lord’s isn’t just a stadium, it’s the spiritual home of cricket. Few feats here command more respect than a successful fourth-innings run chase, where pitch wear and mounting hostilities turn every run into a battle.
Test cricket started at Lord’s, and no test series is completed without playing at Lord’s. According to the statistics, chasing teams won 40 times in 147 matches, and only eight of those chases have been over 150 runs.
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This article highlights the top 5 most successful run chases in this revered venue.
1. West Indies – 344/1 vs England (28 June 1984)
Nothing tops this one. Chasing 344 on the final day, West Indies made it look simple. Gordon Greenidge’s masterstroke (an unbeaten 214 off just 242 balls) carved the target in mere hours. The innings is the stuff of legends, where Greenidge was described as “a sadistic uncle enjoying beach cricket against his nieces and nephews”. West Indies reached 344/1 in less than a day, marking the highest fourth-innings chase in Lord’s and Test history.
2. England – 282/3 vs New Zealand (20 May 2004)
Three decades later, England managed a chase that rebounded that West Indian magic. Set 282 to win, they reached it with ease on day five. This chase resurrected confidence in England’s bowling depth and batting composure, a precursor to their dominant summer.
3. South Africa – 282/5 vs Australia (11 June 2025)
The latest entry on this list, South Africa chased 282 with smart, calculated cricket, sealing a stunning win against Australia. David Bedingham described the wicket easing in the fourth innings as crucial: “the wicket has slowed… nicks aren’t carrying,” giving the batsmen room to breathe and execute.
Their 282/5 win slots in as the third-highest chase here.
4. England – 279/5 vs New Zealand (2 June 2022)
Not far behind, England’s 279/5 chase was a lesson in class and timing. They paced the chase intelligently, navigating a tricky Lord’s pitch while maintaining calmness under duress, a chase that reaffirmed their evolving strength in Test finishes.
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5. England – 218/3 vs New Zealand (17 June 1965)
Decades earlier, an unhurried yet technically strong chase saw England secure victory at 218/3, in an era when scoring was subdued and conditions were less batter-friendly. This run chase portrayed patience and discipline.
Honourable Mentions
A few notable lower chases include England’s 193/5 vs West Indies in 2012 (143-run chase) and India’s only successful chase at Lord’s,136/5 in 1986, largely thanks to Dilip Vengsarkar’s heroics. While not in the top five, they remain iconic:
- England 193/5 v WI (2012)
- India 136/5 v England (1986)
Breaking It Down: What Makes a Great Chase at Lord’s?
1. Formidable Targets
Large fourth-innings targets on a deteriorating pitch—especially over 280—demand mental and physical resilience. These chases involved scoring 280+ on a surface expected to aid bowlers, and yet the batsmen prevailed.
2. Star Men Delivering
Greenidge’s epic 214*
Key partnerships from England in 2004 and 2022
Bedingham’s confidence and role in 2025
Overcoming the pressure cooker of the Lord’s final day requires iconic individual contributions.
3. Gauge the Pitch Smartly
Batters like Greenidge and the modern-day South Africans gauged pitch behavior expertly, choosing when to defend, attack, and rotate strike. According to Bedingham, slowed-down wickets offer chances if you are decisive.
4. Bowling Wear and Tear
Fourth-innings chases here often happen when bowlers are fatigued, and the ball loses its bite. England’s chases (2004, 2022) capitalized on this shift, dampening new-ball threats and exploiting tired attacks.
Why These Chases Matter
Each of these victories wasn’t just about runs; they represented ethos, adaptation, and cultural shifts.
- West Indies (1984): A statement chase in an era of West Indian dominance.
- England (2004): Set the stage for an undefeated home summer.
- South Africa (2025): Showcased modern tactical confidence and pitch reading.
- England (2022): Signified evolution in Test mindset, attack with caution.
- England (1965): Foundation of composure and technical proficiency.
Conclusion
Lord’s fourth-innings chases are rare, magical, and fiercely fought. From Greenidge’s legendary assault to modern-day tactical triumphs, these five highest chases remind us that in Test cricket, anything is possible.
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