5 worst batting collapses in fourth innings run-chases

#2 New Zealand (vs South Africa, 1953 in Johannesburg) – 35/0 to 100/10

Bert Sutcliffe of New Zealand in action during the Johannesburg Test match

Back in 1953, when the New Wanderers was not built, the South Africans hosted their home matches in Ellis Park, a rugby ground, recently used for the FIFA World Cup also. It was during New Zealand’s tour in the early 1950s that they witnessed one of their most forgettable Test matches.

The hosts batted first after winning the toss and posted a formidable 271 runs on the board, while the Kiwis could manage only 187 runs in the first innings. The Black Caps came back strongly as they bundled the hosts for 148 runs in the second innings by virtue of some classy bowling from John Reid and Tony MacGibbon claiming 4 wickets each and needed 233 run in the fourth innings for a memorable victory.

The chase started smoothly and the visitors were poised at 35 for no loss, but fate had other plans. From there, a slide came which saw the Kiwis bite the dust and ended their innings just when they reached the three-figure mark.