Can India pull off something big in Pune as they are chasing more than 350 runs against quality New Zealand bowlers? See what their record says about thumping 350+ targets in Test cricket.
India, who are currently looking to make an impact in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand in Pune, current WTC table toppers got bundled out for just 156 in response to New Zealand’s first innings score of 259. Now, as they come in for the second innings, they have to chase down 359 runs, which is surely a huge target, especially considering the Pune surface that is giving a tough time to batters and is a paradise for spinners. But can India pull off the miracle here on this turning pitch? Before we get to the conclusion, if we look at the Indian scoreline while chasing targets of more than 350 runs, it’s certainly not a joyful moment, as they have played 63 innings in which they faced targets over 350 in Test cricket. Out of these, they have managed to secure victory only twice, while losing 40 times. The remaining 21 innings ended in draws, which is certainly not good statistics.
How many times has India chased 350+ targets
Innings
Won
Lost
Draw
63
2
40
21
India has successfully chased targets of 350 or more in Test cricket on two occasions. The first came a long time ago in 1976 when they chased down a formidable target of 403 runs against mighty West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Thanks to the formers like Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath, and Gundappa Viswanath by which India dethroned the West Indies and achieved the target. The most recent instance occurred 16 years ago, in 2008, when India thumped England by successfully chasing down 387 runs in Chennai.
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