5 instances of a team winning after conceding a lead of over 200 runs

Winning a test match after conceding a first innings lead is a massive achievement for any team. However, winning the match after conceding a lead over three digits is worth a mention. There have been a few occasions in test cricket where a few teams have done the unthinkable by going on to win a game despite conceding a lead of over 200 runs.

All the winners mentioned in this list failed miserably in their first innings. Refusing to surrender, these XI members dug deep, channelised their inner strength and produced a memorable display which turned the tables on their opposition. These stories have been registered in the record books and will stay till eternity. Without further ado, let us take a look at five such instances:

1) India vs Australia, Kolkata 2001

Lead Conceded: 274

Result: India won by 171 runs

In one of the most memorable games of cricket for Indian fans, the hosts seemed to be down and out after they were restricted to a below par score of 171 thanks to a collective effort from the Aussie bowlers. Earlier, Australia had made 445 in their first innings courtesy of a Steve Waugh century and handy contributions from Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer.

The only positive for the Indians was Harbhajan Singh’s seven-wicket haul, which included a hat-trick after he dismissed Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and Shane Warne in consecutive deliveries. Having enforced the follow on, the Indians had a massive task ahead of them. At 232 for 4, the hosts were desperate for a partnership. What followed next changed Indian cricket forever.

A massive 376 run stand between stalwarts VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) gave India a score of 657. Requiring 384 to take a 2-0 lead, the visitors succumbed to Harbhajan Singh’s guile and wit as the latter took six wickets and bowled them out for 212. With the victory, India levelled the series with one win apiece.

2) Australia vs Pakistan, Sydney 2010

Australia picked up an unlikely win in the game against Pakistan

Lead Conceded: 206

Result: Australia won by 36 runs

After a commanding 170-run victory in the first test at Melbourne, Australia was looking to wrap up the three-match series with another dominating display. However, things were far from smooth after Ricky Ponting had opted to bat first. The Kangaroos were bundled out for a paltry 127 courtesy of some quality pace bowling by the duo of Mohammad Asif (6 wickets) and Mohammad Sami.

In reply, the Pakistani openers provided a good platform for the middle order after stitching up a 109-run partnership. After a few other handy contributions, the Asian team reached a score of 333. Having conceded a lead of 206, the Aussies were desperate for some quality batting.

Shane Watson’s well measured 97 and a sublime hundred from Mike Hussey gave the hosts a fighting chance with a total score of 381. Requiring just 176 runs to tie the series, Pakistan did what they do best; mess up.

Thanks to a Nathan Hauritz fifer and a handy contribution from Mitchell Johnson, the hosts ran through Pakistan’s line-up and cleaned them up for 139. Australia went on to win the final test by a massive 231 runs and whitewashed the visitors.

3) Sri Lanka vs Australia, (SSC) Colombo 1992

Despite the first innings collapse, the Aussies held their nerves and staged a memorable victory

Lead Conceded: 291

Result: Australia won by 16 runs

A world record (still standing) for the margin of runs conceded before winning, the visitors had to do it the hard way. Allan Border’s team were bowled out for 256 after Sri Lanka had opted to field first. Ian Healy’s late revival gave Australia a respectable total.

Thanks to hundreds from skipper Ranatunga, Gurusinha, and Kaluwitharana, the Lions replied with a massive score of 547. After a fighting effort from the visitor’s middle order, Australia were restricted to 471 courtesy of some brilliant bowling by Champaka Ramanayake and Don Anurasiri.

With the target being just 181, the Lankan’s had a casual approach and paid a heavy price for it. Spin twin Greg Matthews and Shane Warne claimed seven wickets between them and bowled out their opposition for 164. A memorable victory indeed!

4) England vs Australia, Leeds 1981

Botham, Tony Greg and Bob Willis celebrating their team’s victory

Lead Conceded: 227

Result: England won by 18 runs

The third test match of the 1981 Ashes series produced a memorable encounter. A match remembered for Sir Ian Botham’s exceptional all round abilities. A century from John Dyson and fifties from Trevor Chappell and Graham Yallop put the visitors in a commanding position.

The hosts had no reply to Dennis Lillee and Geoff Lawson’s pace as they could only muster up 174 runs, conceding a lead of 227. A fifty from Botham was their only saving grace.

Despite Terry Alderman’s fiery spell in the second innings, the Three Lions chalked up a score of 356 courtesy of another Ian Botham master class. Requiring just 130 runs to go 2-0 up in the six-match series, Kim Hughes’ men felt the wrath of Bob Willis’ terrifying pace and were cleaned up for 111 with the latter picking up eight wickets. England levelled the series at one win apiece.

5) South Africa vs Australia, Durban 1950

The Aussies scripted a memorable victory

Lead Conceded: 236

Result: Australia won by 5 wickets

Test number 320 is the only international test match till date to have produced a winner when a team failed to enforce the follow-on. Dudley Nurse’s Proteas side made 311 courtesy of a stellar century by opener Eric Rowan. In reply, the Aussies could only muster up 75 runs thanks to a breath-taking spell from spinner Hugh Tayfield.

Despite having a healthy lead of 236, South Africa decided to bat again. This decision turned out to be a nightmare as they were bowled out for 99. Bill Johnston and Ian Johnson were the chief architects with the ball as they picked up five and four wickets respectively. Still requiring a stiff 336 runs for victory, the Aussies fought hard and rode on Neil Harvey’s 151* to register a historic win.