ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has established itself as one of the most formidable chasing teams in One-Day International (ODI) cricket, with a history of remarkable run-pursuits.
Their latest triumph came on 12 February 2025, when they successfully chased down a daunting target of 353 against South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi—setting a new national record for the highest successful run-chase.
355/4 vs South Africa – 2025 (Karachi, ODI Tri-Series)
Target: 353
Key Players: Salman Agha (134), Mohammad Rizwan (122)*
Pakistan’s most recent and highest-ever successful ODI chase came against South Africa in Karachi, where they chased down a massive 353-run target with an over to spare.
South Africa had set a daunting total of 352/5, thanks to crucial contributions from Temba Bavuma (82), Matthew Breetzke (83), and Heinrich Klaasen (87).
In response, Pakistan was in early trouble at 91/3 before Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha scripted a historic partnership. Their record-breaking 260-run stand for the fourth-wicket propelled Pakistan to a memorable victory, with Rizwan remaining unbeaten on 122 and Salman smashing 134 off 103 balls.
This chase not only set a new national record but also became the highest successful ODI chase against South Africa.
- 352/4 vs Australia – 2022 (Lahore, ODI Series)
Target: 349
Key Players: Babar Azam (114), Imam-ul-Haq (106)*
Before their record-breaking chase against South Africa, Pakistan’s highest run-chase came against Australia in Lahore during a bilateral series in 2022. Australia had posted a formidable 348/8, led by Ben McDermott’s 104 and Travis Head’s 89.
Pakistan’s response was led by a brilliant opening stand from Fakhar Zaman (67) and Imam-ul-Haq (106), followed by a match-winning unbeaten 114 from Babar Azam.
The skipper’s masterclass saw Pakistan chase down the target with six balls to spare, marking a significant shift in their approach to high-pressure chases.
- 345/4 vs Sri Lanka – 2023 (Hyderabad, ICC Cricket World Cup)
Target: 345
Key Players: Mohammad Rizwan (131), Abdullah Shafique (113)*
In a record-breaking encounter at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Pakistan successfully chased down 345 against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, making it the highest successful run-chase in World Cup history at the time.
Sri Lanka had set a stiff target with centuries from Kusal Mendis (122) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (108).
Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Abdullah Shafique, who smashed 113, while Mohammad Rizwan played a sensational unbeaten knock of 131. Rizwan held the innings together, guiding Pakistan to a famous World Cup victory in a pressure-filled encounter.
- 337/3 vs New Zealand – 2023 (Rawalpindi, ODI Series)
Target: 337
Key Player: Fakhar Zaman (180)*
Pakistan’s ability to chase big targets was highlighted during New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan in 2023, when they successfully chased 337 in Rawalpindi. New Zealand had posted 336/5, powered by Daryl Mitchell’s century.
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In response, Fakhar Zaman played a record-breaking knock of 180*, single-handedly dismantling the Kiwi attack and ensuring a comfortable victory for Pakistan. His innings was regarded as one of the finest chasing performances in Pakistan’s ODI history.
- 329/7 vs Bangladesh – 2014 (Mirpur, Asia Cup)
Target: 327
Key Players: Shahid Afridi (59 off 25), Fawad Alam (74)
One of Pakistan’s most thrilling chases came in the 2014 Asia Cup against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Chasing 327, Pakistan found themselves in a difficult position before Fawad Alam played a stabilising knock of 74. However, it was Shahid Afridi’s explosive 59 off just 25 balls that turned the game on its head.
With his trademark six-hitting prowess, Afridi launched a brutal assault on Bangladesh’s bowling attack, steering Pakistan to a sensational win. Umar Akmal hit the final boundary to complete what was then Pakistan’s highest-ever ODI run-chase.
Pakistan’s Growing Reputation as a Dominant Chasing Team
Pakistan’s ability to chase big totals has significantly improved over the years, with six successful 300+ run-chases coming since 2022. Their most recent triumph against South Africa not only set a new record but also reinforced their reputation as one of the most dangerous chasing teams in world cricket.
The 260-run partnership between Rizwan and Agha became the third-highest partnership for any wicket for Pakistan in ODIs and the highest for the fourth-wicket. The stand also broke the previous record for the highest third-wicket or below partnership in an ODI run-chase, held by Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Farhat, who added 228* against Zimbabwe in 2011.
