In the rich tapestry of Test cricket, where five days of battle often culminate in one gripping final session, few moments are as enthralling as watching a team defend a meagre target in the fourth innings. These rare spectacles defy logic, statistics, and momentum, turning into thrilling tales of grit, discipline, and unwavering belief. The art of defending the lowest totals defended in the second innings of Tests goes beyond talent; it demands relentless pressure, clinical execution, and an unshakeable spirit.
While cricket often glorifies centuries and mammoth totals, this article celebrates the unsung heroes, bowlers and captains, who orchestrated legendary victories by defending scores that looked impossible to protect. These matches are a testament to how, in Test cricket, even a paltry total can be turned into a fortress with the right mindset and strategy. Let’s relive the Top 10 Lowest Totals Defended in the Second Innings of Tests.
10. Bangladesh Defends 156 vs West Indies – Historic First (Dhaka, 2009)
In a breakthrough win, Bangladesh defended a meagre 156 in the fourth innings thanks to the combined efforts of Shakib Al Hasan and Shahadat Hossain. It was one of their first wins abroad and among the lowest totals defended by a non-traditional power.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | St. George’s | 215 | 156 | Shakib Al Hasan | 5/70 | Bangladesh won by 95 runs |
9. South Africa Defends 153 vs England – Cape Courage (Cape Town, 1957)
Set just 232, England were cruising at 145/2. But a dramatic collapse saw them all out for 179, giving South Africa a rare home win and marking 153 as the lowest total defended at Newlands.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Cape Town | 232 | 153 | Hugh Tayfield | 6/78 | South Africa won by 52 runs |
8. Pakistan Defends 146 vs Sri Lanka – Yasir’s Wonder (Dubai, 2017)
Pakistan were on the back foot until Yasir Shah spun magic in the fourth innings. Sri Lanka were set 317, but Pakistan’s second innings collapse left only 146 to defend. Yasir took 8 wickets and defended 146 in fading Dubai lights.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Dubai | 317 | 146 | Yasir Shah | 8/41 | Pakistan won by 23 runs |
7. India Defends 145 vs Australia – Spin to Win (Mumbai, 2004)
In a low-scoring classic, India managed 205 in the second innings and set Australia 107. But Harbhajan Singh’s magical spell (5/29) ensured that India defended 145, turning the tide in the Border-Gavaskar series.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Mumbai | 107 | 145 | Harbhajan Singh | 5/29 | India won by 13 runs |
6. New Zealand Defends 137 vs Pakistan – The Giant Kill (Abu Dhabi, 2018)
Pakistan needed only 176 to win. But with Kiwi spinners Ajaz Patel and William Somerville spinning a web, Pakistan were dismissed for 171. New Zealand defended 137 in one of their grittiest overseas Test wins.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Abu Dhabi | 176 | 137 | Ajaz Patel | 5/59 | New Zealand won by 4 runs |
5. West Indies Defends 120 vs England – Pace Power (Barbados, 1994)
Chasing 194, England looked comfortable. But Curtly Ambrose’s fearsome spell (6/24) saw England bundled out for 174, handing West Indies a dramatic win and showcasing the lowest totals defended by raw pace.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Bridgetown | 194 | 120 | Curtly Ambrose | 6/24 | West Indies won by 19 runs |
4. India Defends 103 vs Pakistan – Spin and Steel (Bangalore, 1987)
In a tension-filled Test, India managed just 103 in the second innings, setting Pakistan a target of 221. But Maninder Singh and Kapil Dev’s relentless spells reduced Pakistan to 207, meaning India defended 103 in nail-biting fashion.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Bangalore | 221 | 103 | Maninder Singh | 7/27 | India won by 13 runs |
3. England Defends 85 vs Australia – Reversal at Lord’s (1888)
Another 19th-century Ashes classic, where England set Australia a target of just 124 but bowled them out for 60, successfully defending 85 runs. Bobby Peel’s left-arm spin (4/36) baffled the Australians on a turning pitch.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1888 | Lord’s | 124 | 85 | Bobby Peel | 4/36 | England won by 61 runs |
2. South Africa Defends 99 vs Australia – SuperSport Shock (Johannesburg, 2011)
Australia were set a modest target of 310, but collapsed shockingly to be all out for 47, which means South Africa defended just 99 runs in the fourth innings after a rollercoaster match. Vernon Philander’s dream debut (5/15) spearheaded one of the most shocking collapses in history.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Johannesburg | 310 | 99 | Vernon Philander | 5/15 | South Africa won by 8 wickets |
1. Australia Defends 53 vs England – The Original Shock (The Oval, 1882)
This match was the birth of the Ashes. Chasing only 85 for victory, England were cruising before Australia’s Fred Spofforth turned into a destroyer. With figures of 7/44, he led Australia to defend just 53 runs in the second innings, handing England one of the earliest and most humiliating defeats in cricket history.
Statistics Table:
| Year | Venue | Target | Runs Defended | Key Bowler | Bowling Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1882 | The Oval | 85 | 53 | Fred Spofforth | 7/44 | Australia won by 7 runs |
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