The highest successful run chases in ICC ODI final matches showcase intense cricketing moments, with thrilling performances and strategies. These matches are remembered for their dramatic run chases, where teams displayed resilience, composure, and skill, making them some of the most iconic contests in the history of ODI cricket.
248/6 by South Africa vs West Indies, Dhaka, 1998
The fourth spot on the list belongs to the dominant South African side of 1998, who chased down a record total of 246 against the West Indies in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy (then known as the Knockout Trophy). The final, held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, saw the West Indies set a target of 245 after being bowled out for 245 in 49.3 overs. Philo Wallace was the top scorer for the Caribbean side, contributing 103 runs, while Carl Hooper added 49.
On the bowling side, Jacques Kallis starred with a brilliant five-wicket haul in 7.3 overs. In response, South Africa chased down the target in 47 overs with six wickets to spare. Hansie Cronje was the top scorer for South Africa with an unbeaten 61, while Mike Rindel contributed 49. This victory marked South Africa’s first ICC title, which remains their only major ICC tournament win to date.
254/6 by India vs New Zealand, Dubai, 2025*
At number three on the list is India’s successful chase against New Zealand in the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025. The high-profile match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw New Zealand setting a target of 251 after their 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell, with 63, and Michael Bracewell, who scored 53, were the top contributors for the BlackCaps.
From the Indian side, it was captain Rohit Sharma who led from the front with a brilliant 76, while Shreyas Iyer’s 48, supported well by KL Rahul’s unbeaten 34, proved crucial in the run chase. India finished the match with four wickets and six balls to spare, clinching their third ICC Champions Trophy title, adding to their seventh ICC title overall. The Indian team displayed excellent composure, with their top-class batters remaining calm and steady against the strong Kiwi bowling attack.
265/6 by New Zealand vs India, Nairobi, 2000
The number two position also features India and New Zealand, but the outcomes were contrasting. India batted first in the final of the 2000 ICC Knockout tournament at Nairobi’s Gymkhana Club ground, where the Men in Blue managed to set a target of 264 after their 50 overs. Skipper Sourav Ganguly’s magnificent 117, supported by Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliant 69, guided India to a competitive total.
Despite the challenging target of 265, the BlackCaps, led by Stephen Fleming, achieved the target with just two deliveries to spare in a tense finish. Chris Cairns played a match-winning knock of 102* while Chris Harris contributed with 46. The Kiwis began the chase with a wobble, losing two wickets within the first six overs. However, Cairns’ experience and composure under pressure, along with his eight fours and two sixes, ensured New Zealand lifted their first-ever ICC title.
277/4 by India vs Sri Lanka, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 2011
The number one chase on this list belongs to India during the iconic 2011 World Cup final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Sri Lanka, led by Kumar Sangakkara, posted 274/6, with Mahela Jayawardene’s 103* and Kumar Sangakkara’s 48 anchoring the innings. India started poorly, losing Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar early, but Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and MS Dhoni’s 91* under pressure turned the game around. Dhoni’s iconic six in the 49th over sealed the win, as India chased down the target with 10 balls and six wickets to spare, securing their second World Cup title in a thrilling final.