New Delhi: Chasing 300-plus scores in Test cricket has historically been a tough challenge for Team India on home soil.
In the 26 instances in which India have faced fourth-innings scores of over 300, they have managed only one successful chase: a memorable 387 against England in Chennai in 2008.
In that match, Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 103, coupled with strong contributions from Virender Sehwag (83 off 68 balls) and Yuvraj Singh (85*), guided India to a historic six-wicket win. India’s captain, MS Dhoni, saw his side register a remarkable win, with Sehwag bagging the Man of the Match award for his powerful knock.
Despite their dominance at home, India often suffered high chases in the fourth over. The team lost 14 out of 26 matches and managed to draw nine times, and one match ended in a draw.
No team has chased more than 345 runs against New Zealand in Tests, a record set by the West Indies at Auckland in 1969.
Having already lost 0-1 in the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand, India found themselves in a tough spot in the second Test in Pune.
After dismissing New Zealand for 259, India struggled with the bat, being bowled out for 156 to concede a 103-run lead.
New Zealand’s second innings total of 255 left India chasing 359 for victory in Pune.
New Zealand won the first Test in Bengaluru by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
