The ICC ODI Cricket World Cup has been a witness to some of the most captivating moments in the history of cricket. Particularly, the high-scoring chases in the tournament have always been an exciting part of it. Throughout the years, numerous teams have demonstrated their skill by successfully pursuing impressive targets.
Let’s take a look at the top ten most memorable run chases that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Ranging from intense last-minute victories to remarkable comebacks, these matches are a proof of the everlasting excitement that the grand stage of cricket offers.
India vs Australia, Match 28, 1983
Match 28: India chased down 271 runs against Australia in the 1983 World Cup, thanks to a brilliant century from Kapil Dev. It was the highest successful run-chase by India in ODI cricket at the time.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Match 16, 1992
Match 16: Sri Lanka chased down 313 runs against Zimbabwe in the 1992 World Cup, thanks to a brilliant century from Arjuna Ranatunga. It was the highest successful run-chase by Sri Lanka in ODI cricket at the time.
India vs Sri Lanka, Match 29, 1996
Match 29: India chased down 277 runs against Sri Lanka in the 1996 World Cup, thanks to a brilliant century from Navjot Singh Sidhu. It was the highest successful run-chase by India in ODI cricket at the time.
West Indies vs Pakistan, Match 11, 1999
Match 11: West Indies chased down 315 runs against Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup, thanks to a brilliant century from Chris Gayle. It was the highest successful run-chase by the West Indies in ODI cricket at the time.
South Africa vs Australia, Match 25, 2003
Match 25: South Africa chased down 341 runs against Australia in the 2003 World Cup, thanks to a brilliant century from Herschelle Gibbs. It was the highest successful run-chase by South Africa in ODI cricket at the time.
England vs Australia, Match 45, 2007
Match 45: England chased down 359 runs against Australia in the 2007 World Cup, thanks to brilliant centuries from Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood. It was the highest successful run-chase by England in ODI cricket at the time.
Ireland vs England, Match 27, 2011
Match 27: Ireland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in cricket history when they chased down 329 runs against England in the 2011 World Cup. Kevin O’Brien played a scintillating knock of 113 runs from 63 balls to guide Ireland to victory.
Bangladesh vs Scotland, Match 34, 2015
Match 34: Bangladesh chased down 322 runs against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup, thanks to half-centuries from Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah. It was the highest successful run-chase by Bangladesh in ODI cricket at the time.
Bangladesh vs West Indies, Match 28, 2019
Match 28: Bangladesh chased down 322 runs against the West Indies in the 2019 World Cup, thanks to a brilliant century from Shakib Al Hasan. It was the highest successful run-chase by Bangladesh in ODI cricket at the time.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 8, 2023
Match 8: Pakistan chased down a mammoth target of 345 runs against Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup, thanks to brilliant centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan. It is the highest successful run-chase in ODI World Cup history.
| Match | Winning Team | Target | Year |
| India vs Australia, Match 28, 1983 | India | 271 | 1983 |
| Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Match 16, 1992 | Sri Lanka | 313 | 1992 |
| India vs Sri Lanka, Match 29, 1996 | India | 277 | 1996 |
| West Indies vs Pakistan, Match 11, 1999 | West Indies | 315 | 1999 |
| South Africa vs Australia, Match 25, 2003 | South Africa | 341 | 2003 |
| England vs Australia, Match 45, 2007 | England | 359 | 2007 |
| Ireland vs England, Match 27, 2011 | Ireland | 329 | 2011 |
| Bangladesh vs Scotland, Match 34, 2015 | Bangladesh | 322 | 2015 |
| Bangladesh vs West Indies, Match 28, 2019 | Bangladesh | 322 | 2019 |
| Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 8, 2023 | Pakistan | 345 | 2023 |