Highest Run Chase in T20 by Pakistan
Pakistan has produced some of the most talented yet unpredictable cricketers over the years. This trait of producing mercurial performances reflects in their T20I record as well, where Pakistan has managed some sensational run chases when least expected. Let’s revisit the highest and most memorable run chases in T20 cricket history by the Pakistani team.
Pakistan’s Approach to T20 Chases
Pakistan’s batting approach in T20 chases can be summarized as:
- Loading the top order with aggressive batsmen to get off to fliers
- Having anchors who can stabilize the innings after loss of wickets
- Relying on hard hitters in the middle and lower order to up the scoring rate
- Not losing too many wickets in the powerplay overs
- Using unconventional and innovative shots to throw bowlers off
- Backing raw talent over reputations when selecting T20 squads
When this high-risk approach pays off, Pakistan becomes almost impossible to contain over 20 overs. Let’s look at some such instances.
Pakistan’s Top 10 Highest Successful Run Chases in T20Is
| Score | Overs | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 208/3 | 18.5 | West Indies | Karachi | 16 Dec 2021 |
| 205/1 | 18.0 | South Africa | Centurion | 14 Apr 2021 |
| 203/0 | 19.3 | England | Karachi | 22 Sep 2022 |
| 189/6 | 19.5 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 10 Apr 2021 |
| 187/4 | 19.2 | Australia | Harare | 8 Jul 2018 |
| 178/2 | 18.4 | Bangladesh | Pallekele | 25 Sep 2012 |
| 177/6 | 19.4 | New Zealand | Napier | 22 Dec 2020 |
| 176/8 | 19.4 | Zimbabwe | Lahore | 24 May 2015 |
| 174/9 | 19.2 | Sri Lanka | Colombo | 1 Aug 2015 |
| 173/5 | 19.3 | Zimbabwe | Lahore | 22 May 2015 |
1. 208/3 in 18.5 Overs Against West Indies in Karachi, 2021
- Babar Azam hammered an unbeaten 79 off 53 balls as Pakistan chased down 208 with 3 wickets in hand.
- Mohammed Rizwan also contributed 51 runs from 35 balls in Pakistan’s record T20I run chase.
- Sherfane Rutherford’s fighting 70 went in vain for West Indies.
2. 205/1 in 18 Overs Against South Africa in Centurion, 2021
- Fakhar Zaman’s sensational 91 off 46 balls set up this massive 205 chase for Pakistan.
- Captain Babar Azam stayed unbeaten on 95 off 60 balls to see Pakistan through in 18 overs.
- Tabraiz Shamsi picked South Africa’s only wicket to fall.
3. 203/0 in 19.3 Overs Against England in Karachi, 2022
- Mohammed Rizwan hammered an unbeaten 88 while Babar Azam scored 110* as Pakistan chased down 203 without losing any wicket.
- This was the highest ever T20I chase without losing a wicket.
- England’s bowling attack had no answers to Pakistan’s batting masterclass.
4. 189/6 in 19.5 Overs Against South Africa in Johannesburg, 2021
- Half-centuries from Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez set up Pakistan’s chase of 189.
- Left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi picked 4 wickets for South Africa.
- Pakistan won off the last ball, with Faheem Ashraf hitting the winning runs.
5. 187/4 in 19.2 Overs Against Australia in Harare, 2018
- Fakhar Zaman blasted 66 off 25 balls as Pakistan gunned down 187 comfortably.
- Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed also contributed handy knocks of 43 and 37 respectively.
- Andrew Tye took 3 wickets for Australia in a losing cause.
6. 178/2 in 18.4 Overs Against Bangladesh in Pallekele, 2012
- Kamran Akmal’s blistering 55 off 29 balls gave Pakistan a fiery start in their chase of 178.
- Nasir Jamshed struck an unbeaten 56 as Pakistan eased to a 8-wicket win.
- Bangladesh’s Abdur Razzak took both wickets to fall.
7. 177/6 in 19.4 Overs Against New Zealand in Napier, 2020
- Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed led from front with an unbeaten 59 to guide Pakistan’s chase.
- Mohammad Rizwan also scored a vital 41.
- Pakistan held their nerves to win off the penultimate ball.
8. 176/8 in 19.4 Overs Against Zimbabwe in Lahore, 2015
- Wahab Riaz hammered 54 runs off just 24 balls with 5 huge sixes in Pakistan’s chase of 176.
- Sikandar Raza took 3 wickets for Zimbabwe.
- Pakistan scraped through by 2 wickets on the last ball.
9. 174/9 in 19.2 Overs Against Sri Lanka in Colombo, 2015
- Seekkuge Prasanna ripped through Pakistan’s top order with 4 wickets.
- Wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed scored 22 vital runs at the end to eke out a 1 wicket win.
- This was a thriller with Pakistan losing 9 wickets.
10. 173/5 in 19.3 Overs Against Zimbabwe in Lahore, 2015
- Ahmad Shehzad top scored with 61 off 49 balls as Pakistan chased down 173.
- Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was led by Graeme Cremer who took 2 wickets.
- Shoaib Malik hit the winning runs with 3 balls to spare.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s ability to successfully chase down targets in excess of 200 in T20 cricket underscores their aggressive batting approach and emerging batting talent. With the likes of Babar Azam, Rizwan and an array of hard hitters, fans can continue to expect more giant T20I chases from the unpredictable yet exciting Pakistan team in times to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hit the winning runs when Pakistan chased down 208 runs against West Indies in Karachi?
The winning runs were hit by Imad Wasim as Pakistan completed the record chase of 208 with 3 wickets in hand.
Which South African bowler dismissed both Pakistani openers early in their chase of 205 runs in Centurion 2021?
Left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi got both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman out early to give South Africa some hope.
Who was the highest scorer when Pakistan chased down 203 vs England without losing a wicket in Karachi 2022?
Captain Babar Azam top scored for Pakistan with an unbeaten 110 off 66 balls in the 203 run chase.
Which Pakistan batsman slammed a 24-ball fifty against Australia in their chase of 187 runs at Harare in 2018?
Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman cracked a blazing half-century in just 24 balls against Australia at Harare.
Who was the Man of the Match when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh chasing 178 runs at Pallekele in 2012?
Nasir Jamshed with his unbeaten 56 was awarded the Player of the Match in Pakistan’s win over Bangladesh.
