5 greatest run chases in ODI history

4. New Zealand Chase Down 347 vs Australia (Hamilton, 2007)

Craig McMillan's hundred set up an incredible win for New Zealand

This series has almost been completely forgotten by the fans. The main reason for it was the timing. It came just before the 2007 World Cup and after a long tri-series in Australia involving the same two teams along with England.

It was a series without much at stake and the absence of some key players from Australia reduced its relevance even further. Australia were the overwhelming favourites in the contest.

However, they ended up losing the 3-match series even before this game – the final one – got underway, by losing the first two. The second game saw the New Zealanders chasing down a target of 340 to seal the series.

The Australians were clearly off the boil. This series was preceded by a historic 5-0 Ashes triumph and the tri-series win. With their eyes set on the World Cup, they were probably not giving their best in this contest.

But the final ODI seemed set to provide Australia a consolation win as they piled up a massive total of 346 thanks to Matthew Hayden’s 181 not out. The hosts were in dire straits at 41/4. But then, an incredible fightback ensued, led by the often-underachieving Craig McMillan.

He was aided by Peter Fulton initially to resurrect the innings and then combined with Brendon McCullum to take his side close to victory. When the centurion McMillan was out, New Zealand still needed 66 at over run-a-ball. A quick-fire 28 off 15 by Mark Gillespie helped their cause greatly.

When the ninth wicket fell, the Kiwis still needed 8 off 7 balls. But McCullum finished the job in the last over and remained unbeaten on 86. It was a thrilling contest that produced what was an unbelievable chase.