Test cricket is often seen as a battle of patience, skill, and strategy stretched across five long days. But sometimes, the most thrilling chapters are written in just a few overs — when a side pulls off one of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches. These moments defy logic and expectations, proving that in cricket, the size of the target isn’t always the deciding factor, belief, discipline, and execution matter just as much.
While most cricket headlines celebrate towering scores and centuries, these rare games highlight the grit of bowlers, the sharpness of fielders, and the bold decisions of captains. Here, we revisit the top 10 instances where teams defended incredibly small totals in Test cricket history.
10. Bangladesh Defends 156 vs West Indies – 2009, St. George’s
In 2009, Bangladesh achieved one of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches by holding off the West Indies with just 156 runs to defend. The visitors had struggled earlier in the game, but Shakib Al Hasan, playing as captain, led from the front. His five-wicket haul, backed by Shahadat Hossain’s pace, dismantled the Caribbean batting lineup. This victory was not only historic for the score but also marked Bangladesh’s first Test series win overseas, making it a proud moment for their cricketing history.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 215 | 156 | Shakib Al Hasan | 5/70 | Bangladesh won by 95 runs |
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9. South Africa Defends 153 vs England – 1957, Cape Town
The 1957 Cape Town Test is remembered as one of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches. England seemed in control, needing only 87 more runs with eight wickets still in hand. But South Africa’s Hugh Tayfield turned the match on its head. With relentless accuracy, he took 6/78, triggering an astonishing collapse. This win is a textbook case of how persistence and pressure can turn an ordinary defense into a memorable one.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 232 | 153 | Hugh Tayfield | 6/78 | South Africa won by 52 runs |
8. Pakistan Defends 146 vs Sri Lanka – 2017, Dubai
In Dubai 2017, Pakistan found themselves in trouble after a poor second innings. They could only set Sri Lanka a target of 146, but this match became one of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches thanks to Yasir Shah. The leg-spinner produced one of the greatest fourth-innings spells in modern cricket, claiming 8/41. Sri Lanka’s chase collapsed dramatically, giving Pakistan an unlikely win.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 317 | 146 | Yasir Shah | 8/41 | Pakistan won by 23 runs |
7. India Defends 145 vs Australia – 2004, Mumbai
The 2004 Mumbai Test remains one of India’s proudest moments in the list of Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches. Australia, needing just 107 to win, seemed certain to clinch the game. But Harbhajan Singh’s magical off-spin brought India roaring back. His 5/29 destroyed Australia’s chase, leading to a tense 13-run win and a famous victory over the then-world champions.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 107 | 145 | Harbhajan Singh | 5/29 | India won by 13 runs |
6. New Zealand Defends 137 vs Pakistan – 2018, Abu Dhabi
In 2018, New Zealand recorded one of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches when they defended just 137 runs against Pakistan. The home side was chasing a modest 176, but Ajaz Patel’s 5/59 and Will Somerville’s pressure bowling turned the match into a nail-biter. Pakistan fell short by just four runs, and New Zealand celebrated one of their greatest away victories.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 176 | 137 | Ajaz Patel | 5/59 | New Zealand won by 4 runs |
5. West Indies Defends 120 vs England – 1994, Bridgetown
Raw pace was the story of one of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches when West Indies faced England in 1994. Chasing only 194 to win, England seemed confident, but Curtly Ambrose’s hostile spell of 6/24 ended the chase before it began. His devastating pace ensured that 120 runs were enough for a famous Caribbean win.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 194 | 120 | Curtly Ambrose | 6/24 | West Indies won by 19 runs |
4. India Defends 103 vs Pakistan – 1987, Bangalore
The 1987 Bangalore Test showcased one of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches when India set Pakistan only 221 to win. In the second innings, India themselves scored just 103, but Maninder Singh’s 7/27, supported by Kapil Dev, bowled Pakistan out dramatically. This was a nerve-wracking finish that reminded everyone how dangerous spin can be in Indian conditions.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 221 | 103 | Maninder Singh | 7/27 | India won by 13 runs |
3. England Defends 85 vs Australia – Lord’s 1888
In 1888, England produced one of the earliest examples of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches. Australia needed 124 to win at Lord’s, but Bobby Peel’s left-arm spin skittled them out for only 60. Defending just 85 runs, England stunned their rivals and proved that even in cricket’s early days, low targets could be defended.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 124 | 85 | Bobby Peel | 4/36 | England won by 61 runs |
2. South Africa Defends 99 vs Australia – 2011, Johannesburg
One of the modern era’s most famous examples of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches came in Johannesburg, 2011. After Australia collapsed for just 47 in their second innings, South Africa needed only 101 to win. But Vernon Philander, making his debut, ripped through the Aussie batting with 5/15, sealing a remarkable eight-wicket win for his team.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 310 | 99 | Vernon Philander | 5/15 | South Africa won by 8 wickets |
1. Australia Defends 53 vs England – 1882, The Oval
The 1882 Oval Test is cricketing legend the match that gave birth to the Ashes and also produced the smallest of the Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in Test Matches. Australia, defending just 53 runs, relied on Fred Spofforth’s fiery bowling. His 7/44 sent England crashing to defeat by seven runs. This result stunned the cricket world and started one of sport’s most famous rivalries.
| Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
| 85 | 53 | Fred Spofforth | 7/44 | Australia won by 7 runs |
FAQs
1. What is the lowest target ever defended in Test cricket history?
The lowest target ever defended in Test cricket is 53 runs by Australia against England at The Oval in 1882. Fred Spofforth’s incredible spell of 7/44 secured a famous seven-run win and gave birth to the Ashes rivalry.
2. Which modern-era Test match had the most famous low target defense?
In the modern era, one of the most famous examples came in 2011 when South Africa defended 99 runs against Australia in Johannesburg. Debutant Vernon Philander took 5/15, sealing a stunning win.
3. Has India ever defended a low target in Test cricket?
Yes. India has achieved this twice in the list:
2004 Mumbai Test – Defended 145 against Australia, with Harbhajan Singh taking 5/29.
1987 Bangalore Test – Defended 103 against Pakistan, thanks to Maninder Singh’s 7/27.
4. Why are low-target defenses so special in Test cricket?
They are special because they showcase discipline, pressure bowling, sharp fielding, and mental toughness. Even when the odds are against them, teams can snatch victory through skill and determination.
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