5 greatest run chases in ODI history

2. India Defy Odds to Chase 321 – In 36.4 Overs vs Sri Lanka (Hobart, 2012)

Virat Kohli's hundred against Sri Lanka was chiefly responsible for a fairy-tale win over Sri Lanka

This match’s story is like that of a feel-good movie. The Indians were in a do-or-die situation in this match – part of a tri-series in Australia. They had to not just win in order to remain alive in the tournament but win in such a thumping manner so as to change the net run-rate equation in their favour.

Sri Lanka batted first and thanks to hundreds from Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lankans posted 320/4. The hopes of India qualifying seemed evaporated as they not only had to chase an improbable target, but that too, in under 40 overs. Such a feat had never been achieved before.

But the start of the Indian innings suggested that India weren’t going down without a fight. The legendary opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag went all guns blazing against the Lankans. India reached 50 in just 5.3 overs.

Wickets of both the openers threatened to derail India's response. But then Virat Kohli joined Gautam Gambhir and the two kept the Indian innings going at a good rate. After the dismissal of Gambhir, Suresh Raina came to the crease.

Virat Kohli upped the ante and started pummelling the bowling mercilessly. Raina, too, was blazing away alongside. The way Kohli treated Lasith Malinga – a bowler highly skilled in limited-overs bowling – was spectacular and the stroke-play, as good as you would ever see. The Lankan bowler ended up with figures of 1/96 in only 7.4 overs.

Forget about reaching the target in under 40 overs, India were home and dry in just 36.4. The fairytale, unfortunately, ended there as India still failed to qualify due to Sri Lanka’s victory. But in terms of chases, this was incredible.