India’s cricket team has faced challenges in chasing relatively low targets over the years. Notable instances include their struggle against the West Indies, where they failed to chase down a mere 120 runs at Bridgetown in 1997. This lackluster performance has occurred multiple times, including a disappointing effort against South Africa at Eden Gardens in 2025, where they could only manage to score 124 runs, and against New Zealand at Wankhede in 2024, where the target was set at 147.
Other significant low targets that India has faltered on include 176 runs against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2015 and 193 runs against England at Lord’s in 2025. In a similar vein, they fell short at Edgbaston in 2015, unable to chase down a target of 194 runs.
On the contrary, South Africa has demonstrated resilience in successfully defending low targets, with their notable achievement of defending 117 runs against Australia in Sydney in 1994. Most recently, they were able to defend 124 runs against India at Eden Gardens in 2025, showcasing their ability to withstand pressure. Their other successful defenses include 146 runs against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1997 and 177 runs against Sri Lanka in Kandy in 2000.
In the context of Test matches in India, the lowest target successfully defended by India remains 107 runs against Australia at Wankhede in 2004. South Africa’s recent performance at Eden Gardens with a defense of 124 runs against India exemplifies the competitive nature of Test cricket, particularly in India, where low-scoring games can see unexpected outcomes.
These statistics not only highlight the difficulties faced by teams in chase situations but also underline the unpredictability of cricket, making every match an exciting contest where anything can happen.