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India's 522-Run Chase: Can They Match Australia's 1948 Miracle?

Team India faces an almost impossible task of chasing 522 runs on the final day of the second Test. This would require them to match a feat only achieved once in cricket history, back in 1948 by Australia. India's position looks precarious after losing both openers early, finishing Day 4 at 27/2. The visitors need just eight more wickets to complete a 2-0 series whitewash against the hosts.

Key Points: India's Historic 522 Run Chase Against South Africa Test

  • India needs 522 runs on final day to level series 1-1
  • Australia's 1948 chase of 404 runs remains historic benchmark
  • India struggling at 27/2 with openers dismissed cheaply
  • South Africa aims for 2-0 whitewash after winning first Test
2 min read

India to chase 400+ runs on Day 5 of 2nd Test; happened only once in 1948 by Australia

India faces monumental 522-run chase on Day 5, attempting to match Australia's 1948 feat of scoring 400+ runs on final day to win Test match.

"Only once has a side scored more than 400 runs on the final day and won the match, and that was 77 years ago, when Australia did."

New Delhi, November 25

Team India required 522 runs on the final day of the second and final Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

At stumps on Day 4, India are in a precarious position (27/2) with the Proteas needing eight more wickets to whitewash India 2-0. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) and KL Rahul (6) departed cheaply. Sai Sudharsan (2*) and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav (4*) are at the crease.With Team India needing 400+ runs on the final day, which side was the first side to score 400+ runs on Day 5 and win the match?Only once has a side scored more than 400 runs on the final day and won the match, and that was 77 years ago, when Australia did.

During the fourth Test between England and Australia at Leeds in July 1948, Australia scored 404/3 on the final day and secured a seven-wicket win.

England posted 496 on the board after openers Leonard Hutton (81) and Cyril Washbrook (143) played brilliant knocks. Bill Edrich (111) and Alec Bedser (79) played fluent knocks as England crossed the 450+ runs mark in the first innings.

Sam Loxton (3/55), Ray Lindwall (2/79), and Ian Johnson (2/89) were among the wicket-takers for Australia. In response, Australia made 458 after Neil Harvey scored 112 and Sam made 93.

England declared at 365/8 and set up a mammoth target of 404 on the final day of the Leeds. While chasing, the Aussie skipper Donald Bradman played a match-winning, unbeaten knock of 173 as the visitors won by 7 wickets on Day 5.

In the ongoing second Test, South Africa made 489 in the first innings. Senuran Muthusamy notched up his maiden Test century, scoring 109. Marco Jansen played a superb knock of 93 runs.

With the ball, Kuldeep Yadav (4/115) had good figures for India.

In response, India were bundled out for 201 after Proteas speedster Jansen took a six-wicket haul. The left-arm seamer ended his figures with 6/48 in 19.5 overs.

The visitors declared their second innings total at 260-5 at set up a daunting target of 549. Tristan Stubbs top-scored with 94 runs. For India, Ravindra Jadeja took a four-wicket haul.

India needs 522 runs in the final to level the two-match Test series 1-1. South Africa won the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why are we always in such situations? Our batting collapse in the first innings cost us dearly. Jansen's 6/48 shows our weakness against quality pace bowling. Need to work on our technique against seam movement.
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Arjun K
Don Bradman's 173* in 1948 - what an innings! If someone can play like that tomorrow, anything is possible. Maybe this is Virat's moment to create history! 🏏
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I appreciate these historical references. The 1948 Leeds Test is legendary, but modern cricket is different. The pressure, expectations, and quality of bowling have all evolved.
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Kavya N
Honestly, we should just play for a draw. 27/2 overnight, and we need 522? Better to save the match than go for an impossible win and get whitewashed. Safety first approach needed!
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Michael C
The pitch at Barsapara has been good for batting. If our batsmen can show some application and play session by session, who knows? Cricket is a funny game. Still believe! 💪
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Vikram M
Our team selection has been questionable. Playing Kuldeep as nightwatchman? Really? We need proper

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