Top 5 highest first innings totals to result in losses

#3 Pakistan, against Australia – Melbourne – January, 1973

Majid Khan scored a century to help take Pakistan to a score of 574

Centuries from Ian Redpath and Greg Chappell had been the foundation of Australia’s first innings total of 441 against a tired Pakistani bowling attack. If they thought that the total was enough to win the match, Pakistan had other ideas.

Hundreds from Sadiq Mohammad and Majid Khan took Pakistan to 574, a lead of 133. Australia were on the back foot but Paul Sheahan and John Benaud fought back with a 233-run partnership for the second wicket. The duo scored centuries and Greg Chappell hit a quick fire 62 to take Australia to 425, setting a target of 293 for the visitors.

Pakistan ran out of answers against a superb all-round bowling display from Australia that saw them dismissing Pakistan for 200. Dennis Lillee picked up two wickets while Max Walker took 3.