Three times when India lost despite setting a 250+ target in a Test match

Chasing a target in Test cricket is always difficult, irrespective of the conditions the batting team plays on. Not many teams have been successful chasing a total, especially huge ones such as 300 or 400. Notably, the top three highest successful chases are more than 400 runs by India, South Africa, and the West Indies. The reasons for the less number of teams chasing big totals are plenty

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One of them being the fact that teams bat at deteriorated wickets, especially in the Indian subcontinent. Also, it is difficult to concentrate in the latter part of the game. These are some reasons why teams haven't been able to chase big totals too often. On the other hand, there have been instances where teams have failed to defend totals. In this listicle, we will discuss three instances when India failed to defend a 250-plus total.

Three instances when India failed to defend a 250-plus total

Joe Root (Image Credit : Twitter)

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1. 378 by ENG at Birmingham, 2022

In the recently-concluded Test match, the Indian team asked the hosts to chase down 378 runs to level the series. Before this, India had never lost a Test match defending more than 350 runs in a Test. However, as they say, records made are meant to be broken.

As it happened, England chased down the target with ease in the end. It is to be noted that chasing wasn't that easy at one stage. From 107/0, the team went to 109/3 in no time. It looked like once again India will be able to maintain the record of not conceding 350 runs in the fourth innings. However, it wasn't meant to be. 

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Australia vs India 1977 (Image Credit : Twitter)

2. 339 by AUS at Perth, 1977

India entered the game after trailing in the five-match series by 0-1. The team had a great start as they amassed 402 runs. The Aussies were in no mood of giving up and scored 394 runs in reply. The Bishan Bedi-led side then went on to score 330/9 and asked the hosts to chase down 339 runs.

On most days, the team defending the target would have won the game. However, it wasn't meant to be as India lost the game by two wickets. A century from Tony Mann and contributions from other batters meant that the Kangaroos won the game.

Dilip Vengsarkar, Viv Richards (Image Credit : Twitter)

3. 276 by WI at Delhi, 1987

This game can be remembered for both teams fighting back against all odds. Batting first, the Dilip Vengsarkar-led side were bundled for just 75 runs. In reply, the Viv Richards-led side were restricted to 127. The game was set for a thrilling finish.

In the second innings, India batted much better and scored 327 runs, setting 276 runs to win for the opposition. The visitors were in trouble at 111/4. However, thanks to their skipper's 114 not out, the team went over the line.