What is the lowest total successfully defended by India in Tests?

India’s cricketing history is filled with some of the most thrilling moments, especially when the team defends small targets in Test matches. In cricket, defending low totals is no easy task, but India has proven time and again that it is possible. This article explores India’s lowest total defended in Test cricket and some of the most incredible moments when the Indian team showed its strength by defending tiny scores.

What is the lowest total successfully defended by India in Tests

What is the lowest total successfully defended by India in Tests?

So, if you’re wondering, “What is the lowest score India has defended in Tests?”, let’s start by looking at some amazing achievements.

India’s Lowest Total Defended: 107 Against Australia (2004)

The smallest score that India has ever defended in Test cricket is 107 runs. This happened in a famous match against Australia in 2004, held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In this game, India managed to bowl out Australia for just 93 runs, securing a stunning victory by 13 runs. This match remains one of the greatest in India’s cricketing history. The spin trio of Murali Kartik, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh played a key role in this incredible defense.

India Lowest Score in Test

Top 5 Lowest Targets Defended by India in Test Cricket

Here are the top 5 lowest totals successfully defended by India in Tests:

  1. 107 vs Australia (2004) – Wankhede, Mumbai
    In this memorable match, India bowled out Australia for 93, winning by 13 runs.
  2. 143 vs Australia (1981) – Melbourne
    India defended 143 runs in one of the most dramatic Test matches, dismissing Australia for just 83 and winning by 59 runs.
  3. 170 vs South Africa (1996) – Ahmedabad
    Defending a target of 170, India’s bowlers bowled out South Africa for just 105, earning a 65-run victory.
  4. 188 vs New Zealand (1969) – Brabourne, Mumbai
    India defended 188 runs, dismissing New Zealand for 127 and winning by 61 runs.
  5. 188 vs Australia (2017) – Bengaluru
    In a more recent match, India defended 188 runs against Australia and bowled them out for 112, winning by 75 runs.

List of the 10 Smallest Targets India Has Successfully Defended in Test Matches

Here is the list of the 10 smallest targets India has successfully defended in Test matches:

OpponentTargetGroundYear
Australia107Wankhede, Mumbai2004
Australia143Melbourne1981
South Africa170Ahmedabad1996
New Zealand188Brabourne, Mumbai1969
Australia188Bengaluru2017
England192Eden Gardens, Kolkata1972
South Africa218Mohali2015
Australia225Kanpur1959
England241Wankhede, Mumbai1981
South Africa241Johannesburg2018

Memorable Victories for India

Defending 107 Against Australia in 2004
This match is widely considered one of India’s greatest Test victories. Even though India had only set a target of 107 runs, their bowlers outperformed Australia, who collapsed for just 93 runs. Murali Kartik was the standout bowler, supported by Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. India’s win by 13 runs was nothing short of a miracle, and this victory is still talked about in cricket circles.

India Defending 143 Runs in Melbourne (1981)
Another memorable victory came in 1981 when India defended 143 runs against Australia in Melbourne. Australia, needing just 143 runs to win, was bowled out for 83. This was one of India’s best overseas wins, showing their strength in bowling.

Defending 170 Against South Africa in 1996
In 1996, India was up against South Africa in Ahmedabad. India set a modest target of 170 runs, but the South African batsmen couldn’t handle the Indian bowling attack. They were all out for 105, giving India a 65-run win.

188 Against Australia in Bengaluru (2017)
In the 2017 Test match against Australia in Bengaluru, India defended a target of 188 runs. The Australian batsmen struggled against India’s spinners, particularly Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who played a key role in bowling Australia out for just 112 runs.

How India’s Bowlers Shine in Defending Low Totals

India’s ability to defend small totals largely depends on its talented bowlers. Over the years, Indian bowlers, especially spinners, have shown their strength in turning matches around. Whether it’s Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, or modern-day spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, India’s bowling attack has often been the key to defending small targets.

FAQs

1. What is the lowest total successfully defended by India in Tests?
India’s lowest total successfully defended in Tests is 107 runs, which they defended against Australia in 2004 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

2. How many times has India defended a target below 200 in Test cricket?
India has defended a target below 200 five times in Test cricket. These thrilling wins show the team’s capability to perform under pressure.

3. Who were the star bowlers in India’s lowest total defense?
Murali Kartik, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh were the star bowlers when India defended 107 against Australia in 2004.

4. What is the lowest total defended in Test cricket overall?
The record for the lowest total defended in Test cricket belongs to Australia, who defended a target of 85 runs against England in 1882. England was bowled out for 77 runs.

5. Has India ever defended a low total against New Zealand?
Yes, in 1969, India defended a target of 188 runs against New Zealand at Brabourne, Mumbai, bowling out New Zealand for 127.

Rivcky John

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