Discover the top 5 highest successful run chases in Test cricket at Old Trafford, Manchester, where teams have achieved remarkable victories by chasing challenging totals. These historic matches showcase thrilling comebacks, strategic batting, and intense competition, highlighting Old Trafford as a ground where remarkable fourth-innings performances have shaped memorable Test cricket moments.
South Africa – 145/7 vs England, 1955
Besides England and Australia, South Africa is the only other team to successfully chase a target above 100 runs at this venue, ranking fifth on the list. In the third Test of a five-match series against England in 1955, the Proteas chased down 145 runs. England scored 284 in their first innings, powered by Denis Compton’s century. South Africa responded with a massive 521/8 declared, featuring centuries from captain Jackie McGlew, John Waite, and Paul Winslow. England then posted 381 in the second innings, led by a century from skipper Peter May, setting a target of 145. South Africa achieved it with three wickets remaining.
England – 205/5 vs Sri Lanka, 2024
Old Trafford: In the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford in 2024, England chased 205 runs to win. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 236 in their first innings, while England replied with 358, thanks to a century by Jamie Smith. Sri Lanka improved in the second innings, scoring 326, anchored by a ton from Kamindu Mendis. England’s target of 205 was reached comfortably, with Joe Root’s unbeaten half-century guiding them to a five-wicket victory.
England – 231/3 vs West Indies, 2004
During the third Test of a four-match series at Manchester in 2004, West Indies posted 395 in their first innings, with three batsmen scoring half-centuries. England replied with 330, highlighted by Graham Thorpe’s century. West Indies collapsed to 165 in their second innings, setting England a target of 231, which they chased down with seven wickets in hand.
England – 277/7 vs Pakistan, 2020
Old Trafford: In the 2020 series opener at Manchester, Pakistan made 326 in the first innings. England struggled in response, scoring 219, helped by Yasir Shah’s four-wicket haul. England then bowled out Pakistan for 169 in the second innings, setting a target of 277. Half-centuries from Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes helped England chase it down with three wickets to spare.
England – 294/4 vs New Zealand, 2008
England’s highest successful chase at Old Trafford came against New Zealand in 2008 when they chased 294 runs. New Zealand scored 381 in the first innings, led by Ross Taylor’s unbeaten century. Spinner Daniel Vettori then dismantled England’s batting, restricting them to 202. New Zealand’s second innings yielded only 114 runs, setting England a target of 294. Opener Andrew Strauss laid the foundation with a century, and England reached the target with six wickets in hand.
