Lowest Totals Defended by India in the History of Test Cricket
India has always been known for its rich cricketing heritage and strong performances in Test matches. One of the most thrilling aspects of Test cricket is defending small targets, and India has proven time and again that even with low scores to defend, the team can pull off incredible victories.
Lowest Totals Defended by India in the History of Test Cricket
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is the lowest score India has defended in Tests?“, the answer takes us back to 2004 when India successfully defended 107 runs against Australia in Mumbai. Let’s dive deeper into India’s lowest total defended and explore the moments when the Indian cricket team outclassed their opponents, even with small targets on the scoreboard.
India’s Lowest Total Defended: 107 vs Australia (2004)
The lowest total India has ever defended in Test cricket is 107 runs. This historic game took place in 2004 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai against Australia. Despite setting a modest target of 107 runs, India’s bowlers, led by spinners Murali Kartik, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh, delivered a stunning performance. Australia was bowled out for just 93 runs, and India secured a 13-run victory. This win is remembered as one of the most thrilling moments in Indian Test cricket.
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Top 5 Lowest Targets Defended by India in Test Cricket
Here’s a look at the top 5 lowest targets defended by India in Test matches:
107 vs Australia (2004) – Wankhede, Mumbai
India defended a small target of 107, bowling out Australia for just 93 runs. Murali Kartik was the star of the match with his brilliant spin bowling.
143 vs Australia (1981) – Melbourne
One of India’s greatest overseas victories came when the team defended 143 against Australia. The Indian bowlers restricted the Aussies to just 83 runs, securing a memorable win.
170 vs South Africa (1996) – Ahmedabad
In this low-scoring thriller, India set a target of 170 runs. South Africa struggled to handle the Indian spinners and was all out for 105, handing India a 65-run win.
188 vs New Zealand (1969) – Brabourne, Mumbai
India set New Zealand a target of 188, and the bowlers ensured that New Zealand didn’t get anywhere close, dismissing them for 127.
188 vs Australia (2017) – Bengaluru
Another memorable match came in 2017 when India defended 188 against Australia in Bengaluru. India’s bowlers dominated, with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin taking crucial wickets.
List of the 10 Smallest Targets India Has Successfully Defended in Test Matches
Let’s take a closer look at the list of the 10 smallest targets India has successfully defended in Test matches. These matches reflect the team’s resilience and ability to fight back even when the odds are stacked against them:
| Opposition | Target | Ground | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 107 | Wankhede, Mumbai | 2004 |
| Australia | 143 | Melbourne | 1981 |
| South Africa | 170 | Ahmedabad | 1996 |
| New Zealand | 188 | Brabourne, Mumbai | 1969 |
| Australia | 188 | Bengaluru | 2017 |
| England | 192 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 1972 |
| South Africa | 218 | Mohali | 2015 |
| Australia | 225 | Kanpur | 1959 |
| England | 241 | Wankhede, Mumbai | 1981 |
| South Africa | 241 | Johannesburg | 2018 |
These thrilling matches serve as a reminder of the power of teamwork, especially when the bowling attack rises to the challenge of defending small totals.
The 2004 Mumbai Test: India’s Unforgettable Victory Against Australia
The 2004 Test match between India and Australia at the Wankhede Stadium is widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in Indian Test cricket. After being bowled out for just 107 runs, India’s chances looked slim. However, the team fought back brilliantly, with Murali Kartik’s spin proving to be the game-changer. Australia, known for its strong batting lineup, crumbled under pressure and was all out for 93, handing India a remarkable 13-run victory. This match stands as the lowest total successfully defended by India in Tests.
Memorable Wins Against South Africa and Australia
India has also produced other incredible victories by defending low scores, particularly against Australia and South Africa. In 1996, India defended 170 runs against South Africa in Ahmedabad, bowling the visitors out for 105. Similarly, in Melbourne in 1981, India defended 143 runs against Australia, dismissing them for just 83.
In more recent years, India defended 188 runs against Australia in Bengaluru during the 2017 series. The bowlers, especially the spinners, played a vital role in dismissing the Australian team for 112.
What is the lowest score India has defended in Tests?
India’s lowest total successfully defended in Tests is 107 runs against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, in 2004.
How many times has India defended a target below 200 in Test matches?
India has successfully defended targets below 200 a total of five times in Test matches. The smallest target being 107, and the largest among these is 192 against England.
Who were the key bowlers in India’s lowest total defense?
In India’s lowest total defense of 107 runs against Australia in 2004, spinners Murali Kartik, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh played crucial roles in bowling Australia out for 93.
Has India ever defended a low total against New Zealand?
Yes, in 1969, India defended a target of 188 against New Zealand at Brabourne, Mumbai, bowling them out for 127.
Which is the lowest total ever defended in the history of Test cricket?
The lowest total ever defended in Test cricket was by Australia, who defended a target of just 85 runs against England at The Oval in 1882. England was bowled out for 77.
