What is South Africa’s highest successful run-chase in Tests before SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final?

South Africa are set to be up against a challenging fourth-innings target in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia on Day 3 at Lord's on Friday, June 13. The Men in Yellow had gained a sizeable lead in the first innings, and have stretched it beyond the 250-run mark after a fightback from the lower order.

Despite the ease in the conditions, the Proteas will have to be at their absolute best considering the prowess of the Australian bowling attack. Historically, the Lord's has only witnessed a successful run-chase of a 200-plus target a total of four times, with the record being a massive 342 by the West Indies against England in 1984. The odds are stacked against Temba Bavuma and co. as a total of over 200 has been chased down just once in the last decade.

South Africa, however, have their fair share of memorable successful run-chase efforts in Test cricket. The Proteas have chased down targets exceeding 300 twice in history, with their highest successful run-chase of 414, coming against Australia in Perth, back in 2008. The herculean effort is also the second-highest successful run-chase in Test cricket history, only behind West Indies' 418-run effort against the same opposition in 2003.

The Graeme Smith-led side handed a 94-run lead to Australia after the first innings in the series opener in 2008. The hosts scored 319 in the second innings to finish with a massive lead, and head into the final innings as firm favorites.

South Africa, however, pulled off a miracle as Graeme Smith led from the front with a hundred, and so did AB de Villiers. The trio of Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and JP Duminy also chipped in with fifties to complete the run chase with six wickets in hand.

South Africa struggling to break the last-wicket partnership on Day 3 of 2025 WTC Final

Australia were placed at 144-8 at Stumps on Day 2, with only the tail standing in South Africa's way. While Kagiso Rabada dismissed Nathan Lyon early on Day 3, the Proteas have been struggling since then to pick up the last wicket.

Mitchell Starc has played over a hundred deliveries, while Josh Hazlewood has held his end really well to frustrate Temba Bavuma and co. At the time of writing, Australia are placed at 186-9, stretching the lead to 260.