Small chases are always a tricky
one, it might backfire for the batting team, especially in Test cricket where
the pressure is more and the bowling team can use all the tricks in the book, A
look at some of such chases which resulted in a tense finish
1.
New Zealand vs. Pakistan – Hamilton 1992-93
Pakistan had an impressive record in New Zealand
between 1992-2016. The dominance started with a breathtaking win in the semi-final
of 1992 World Cup. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis had a great liking for New
Zealand conditions. In the 1992-93 tour of New Zealand they proved it once again.
While chasing only a paltry 127 to win, New Zealand was sent packing by the
fearsome duos for just 93. At one stage the Kiwis were 65-3 but then they fell
like a pack of cards with Wasim (5-45 ) and Waqar (5-22) eating all the wickets
as New Zealand fell 33 short of the chase which they thought would be easy but in
the end turned out to be a nightmare.
2. Pakistan vs. New Zealand – Abu Dhabi 2018-19
Pakistan and New Zealand were part of another
thrilling test 26 years later this time in Abu Dhabi, a series which was hosted
by Pakistan. This was the time when New Zealand had started dominating
Pakistan. However, in the Test Pakistan has been in a comfortable position
especially after getting a lead of 74 runs in the first innings and when they
were set the target of only 176 it was assumed that it would be one of the
comfortable chase for Pakistan and at 130-3, the stage was set for it but just
like New Zealand had collapsed at Hamilton losing 7-28, Pakistan succumbed to a
brilliant pressure exerted by the New Zealanders, they lost 7-41 and when Azhar
Ali was out lbw of Azaz Patel, the Kiwis had registered a stunning victory.
3.
India vs. Australia – Mumbai -2004-05
Australia’s tour of India in the winter of 2004 was a historic one; Australia at last conquered the final frontier by winning the
first and third Tests. On the third day of the fourth Test at Wankhede, when
Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer entered the arena, Australia was leading the
series after the first 3 Tests by 2-0, and with only 107 runs to chase it looked all
certain that the Aussies would end the series with 3-0. However, India took the
advantage of a ripping surface which had made batting impossible for both sides and continued to pick wickets at regular intervals. In the end Australia
fell short by 13 runs in spite of trying their best to survive on a wicket
which was spitting venom. Indian Spinners took 9 wickets in the inning and a total 18 in the match as India saved some prestige by winning the Test.
4.
England vs. Australia – Nottingham – 2005
Arguably the cricket series of the century, The
Ashes of 2005 had a variety of Test, a number of us talk about the host winning a
humdinger at Edgbaston by 2 runs however the fourth Test was also a topsy turvy
one with a great finish, till the final moments at Trent Bridge no one could
predict the winner. After squaring up a lead of 259 in the first innings,
Australia fought to reach 387 in the second innings, setting up a 129 for
England to take 2-1 lead in the series. England top order was blown away with
4-57 when Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff added a counter-attacking 46,
however, with Brett Lee and Shane Warne giving it all Australia bounced back
taking wickets and making England work hard as the score read 7-116. However
lack of support from Michael Kasprowicz and Shaun Tait (both gave 43 in 6
over’s and couldn’t pick up a wicket) proved crucial as England somehow managed
to make crucial 13 runs and thereby crossing the line.
5.
Australia vs. West Indies – Adelaide 1992-93
Australia has been the most successful team of Test
Cricket history however they have also been at the receiving end in most of the
Test which has reached to nail-biting finishes especially when the pressure of
chasing has been there. The Adelaide Test in February 1993 ended in one of the
biggest heartbreaks for the home team. They lost a close Test by just 1 run but
the run too vital, they not only lost the Test but also an opportunity to end
West Indies unbeaten run of 13 years of not losing a Test series. Chasing 186
runs to win, the 9th wicket fell at 144 but then the 10th
wicket partnership of Tim May and Craig McDermott took Australia very close,
the 40 run partnership ended as a rising delivery from Walsh kissed the bat of
McDermott and was gobbled by Junior Murry. The West Indies went to be unbeaten
for another 2 years when in 1995 a much more determined Australian team ended
their undefeated streak of 15 years.
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