India stand on the cusp of history at the Home of Cricket, chasing 193 on Day 5 of the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord’s. With the series level at 1-1, the equation is simple—score 135 more runs with six wickets in hand, and India will go 2-1 up in the five-match series.
England, buoyed by an electric final session on Day 4, have their tails up. KL Rahul's gritty 39 ended with a thud after a successful LBW review triggered wild celebrations from Ben Stokes and his men. Soon after, Jofra Archer produced a moment of magic—snaring a one-handed return catch to dismiss Washington Sundar for a duck. India, 82/7, are in deep trouble.
The task before them is more than just numerical. India have never successfully chased more than 134 at Lord’s in a Test match—a feat they last achieved in 1986 under Kapil Dev's captaincy. That win was their first ever at Lord’s, and it remained unmatched until MS Dhoni’s men triumphed in 2014.
In 2021, under Virat Kohli, India produced one of their most aggressive and iconic wins at the venue, beating England by 151 runs. But never has an Indian side chased a total as steep as 193 at this venue.
To do so today would place them alongside some of the finest fourth-innings efforts ever recorded at Lord’s.
The record remains West Indies’ monumental 344/1 chase in 1984, powered by Gordon Greenidge’s masterful 214*. More recently, South Africa stunned Australia in the 2025 WTC Final, chasing 282, while England have done it thrice against New Zealand—most recently in 2022 when Joe Root and Ben Stokes anchored a 279/5 pursuit.
1. 344/1 – West Indies vs England, 1984
In one of the most dominant fourth-innings performances ever seen at Lord’s, West Indies chased down a massive target of 342 with consummate ease, losing just one wicket. Gordon Greenidge produced a masterclass, remaining unbeaten on 214 off 242 balls, while Larry Gomes supported him with a fluent 92. The duo added a mammoth 287-run stand for the second wicket, sealing a nine-wicket victory for Clive Lloyd’s side in just 66.1 overs.
2. 282/5 – South Africa vs Australia, 2025 WTC Final
South Africa etched their name in history by chasing 282 to win the World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s. Aiden Markram led the way with a superb 136, holding the innings together with composure and class. It was a landmark win for the Temba Bavuma-led side, ending a 27-year drought for an ICC title and marking their highest successful run chase at the historic venue.
3. 282/3 – England vs New Zealand, 2004
England put on a clinical display in 2004 against New Zealand, chasing down 282 with seven wickets to spare. Nasser Hussain anchored the innings with an unbeaten 103, while Andrew Strauss contributed 83 and Graham Thorpe chipped in with 51*. The solid top-order performance ensured England reached the target without any major hiccups, sealing a comfortable victory at home.
4. 279/5 – England vs New Zealand, 2022
In a thrilling start to their new era under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, England chased down 277 against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2022. Joe Root stood tall with a magnificent unbeaten 115, while Stokes played a crucial hand with a gritty 54. The successful chase set the tone for England’s attacking "Bazball" philosophy and delivered a memorable five-wicket win.
5. 218/3 – England vs New Zealand, 1965
Back in 1965, England chased down 216 in confident fashion against New Zealand, losing just three wickets. Geoff Boycott laid the foundation with a composed 76, while Ted Dexter’s unbeaten 80 saw the hosts home in 60.5 overs. The seven-wicket win highlighted England’s control and efficiency on a pitch offering little resistance.
