One-Day International (ODI) cricket will make some of the greatest run chases ever in history. Chasing big targets depends on great batting along with sound partnerships, aggressive yet controlled approach and pressure handling from all players till the end of 50 overs. Amid all the memorable chases, a single match still stands head and shoulders above the others.
The 43,8 w/o 9 that South Africa made on the back of some phenomenal chases in Johannesburg against Australia on March 12th, 2006 remains the highest run chase in ODI cricket. Also, South Africa hunted down a mammoth target of 435 from Australia to win the match by one wicket with one ball remaining. The 438-run chase remains the highest successful run chase in a men’s ODI, according to Guinness World Records.
What Is the Highest Run Chase in ODI Cricket?
South Africa holds the record for the highest run chase in ODI South Africa needed to chase down a mammoth 435 runs after Australia piled on 434/4 in their first innings. At the other end of things, South Africa replied with 438/9 in 49.5 overs and pulled off an unbelievable one wicket win.
The game, played at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg is famously known as the “438 Game.” It was especially special given that Australia had scored the highest ODI innings total at the time but then South Africa chased that record in the same game.
Highest Successful ODI Chase Record
| Record | Details |
| Highest successful chase | 438/9 |
| Team | South Africa |
| Opponent | Australia |
| Target | 435 runs |
| Venue | New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date | 12 March 2006 |
| Overs | 49.5 |
| Result | South Africa won by 1 wicket |
| Player of the Match | Herschelle Gibbs |
South Africa vs Australia: The Historic 438 Chase
The world record for highest run chase in ODI There was a story behind the most successful ODI innings involving any play where Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. It seemed like a decision made in heaven, because the Australian batting unit crumbled spectacularly.
As for Australia, Adam Gilchrist provided a quick start with 55 off 44 balls. Simon Katich then scored 79 and Mike Hussey chipped in an unblemished 81.
But the best was saved for captain Ricky Ponting. The Australian captain belted 164 runs in just 105 balls, including nine sixes and thirteen fours. Australia went on to score 434 with the loss of four wickets, setting South Africa a target of 435 runs in their 50 overs.
Chasing that, 435 looked an impossible task at that stage. But South Africa delivered the innings you never knew could possibly exist in ODI cricket.
Herschelle Gibbs Leads the Record Chase
Herschelle Gibbs provided South Africa with the start they so desperately required.
Gibbs smashed 175 runs from the 111 balls at a strike rate of over 157, including 21 fours and seven sixes. His attacking innings instilled the belief in South Africa that the mammoth objective was indeed possible.
Captain Graeme Smith was equally invaluable. He made 90 off just 55 balls and featured in a huge partnership with Gibbs. The duo put South Africa in a commanding position before the middle order carried on with chase.
One of the most iconic individual innings that rightfully resides with association to ODI’s highest successful run chase in history belongs to Gibbs. Scoring so heavily against such a monumental target and at such rapid speed shifted the dynamic of the contest.
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How South Africa Chased 435 Runs
In pursuit of 435, South Africa had to keep up a remarkable scoring rate from the start. However, this team did not lean solely on one bat; many played significant roles at key moments.
Smith and Gibbs gave South Africa a solid start. Their conservative approach allowed the required run rate from Australia’s mammoth total, to be kept within reach.
South Africa finally managed 438/9 in 49.5 overs. In the end, Boucher finished on 50 not out and managed to steer them home in their last phase of the run chase.
There was enormous pressure, as they were down to their last wicket. With one ball to spare, South Africa reached the target to win by one wicket.
Top 10 Highest Successful Run Chases in ODI Cricket
438 is still the highest run chase in ODI, but many other teams have done amazing successful chases ever since.
| Rank | Team | Opponent | Score | Year |
| 1 | South Africa | Australia | 438/9 | 2006 |
| 2 | Netherlands | Scotland | 374/6 | 2025 |
| 3 | South Africa | Australia | 372/6 | 2016 |
| 4 | India | Australia | 362/1 | 2013 |
| 5 | England | West Indies | 364/4 | 2019 |
| 6 | England | New Zealand | 365/9 | 2015 |
| 7 | New Zealand | Australia | 350/9 | 2007 |
| 8 | India | Australia | 351/4 | 2013 |
| 9 | England | India | 366/8 | 2017 |
| 10 | England | Scotland | 365/5 | 2018 |
Apologies for the exact ordering as this could be based on target chased, final score while chasing or successful chases only. This is a big difference, because for the chase to represent success, you need (the second-innings team) to get over your target and win. At present, the dominance of 350-plus ODI chases has been on rise.
South Africa’s Second-Biggest ODI Chase
Round-up South Africa is again high up on the list, with Last Time: Proteas chased down 372/6 (Australia, Sun) at Kingsmead in Durban – 2016
Australia scored 371/6, South Africa chased down the score with 372/6 in just 49.2 overs. In the chase, it was a savage knock from David Miller that propelled South Africa into another memorable victory over Australia.
South Africa had a terrific record of chasing down some mammoth targets against Australia, and certainly this chase is not anywhere near the highest run chase in ODI, but it still was an achievement out of nowhere.
Why the 438 Chase Is So Special
There are many reasons that the 2006 match is a special one.
Australia then went on to post 434/4 – a score almost deemed impossible back then. Rest assured, this is not merely South Africa getting close to the target – they did much worse than that.
It was also the biggest aggregate score of 872 runs in a single ODI, ranking this match among the top high-scoring matches in ODI history. That was at least 400 as both the Australian total and South African chase surpassed four, which was a world leading achievement at the time.
The other highlight was the number of boundaries. The two teams scored 44 fours and 14 sixes combined (Australia: 44, South Africa: 12). And that turned the contest into a sensational exhibition of ODI batting.
Can the 438 Record Be Broken?
There has been so much change between modern ODI cricket. With more batting-friendly pitches and better bats, in addition to some powerplay rules and an aggressive hitting game, high-scoring chases are getting easier.
Targets in excess of 300 are now commonplace, with successful chases over 350 more than a mere infrequent event. The Netherlands’ chase of 374/6 against Scotland in 2025 ranks as the second highest successful ODI chase in official new lists.
Nonetheless, to better the record of highest runs chased in an ODl match, a team would need to score at least 439 runs successfully. As such you score real quick but also conserve wickets until the last few overs.
Highest Run Chase in Women’s ODI Cricket
Men’s ODI records and Women’s ODI records should be differentiated. 1st in ENG in women’s ODI cricket – New Zealand Women chased 350/8 v South Africa Women, Wellington, April 2026.
New Zealand chased down the target with two balls to spare, winning by two wickets. An innings of 179 (not out) off 139 balls by Amelia Kerr This is the highest successful chase in women’s ODI cricket according to Guinness World Records.
This highlights the phenomenal rate at which women’s ODI batting has developed, and that substantial successful chases have become a regular feature across international cricket.
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FAQs About Highest Run Chase in ODI
1. What is the highest run chase in ODI cricket?
The highest successful run chase in men’s ODI cricket is 438 runs by South Africa against Australia in Johannesburg on March 12, 2006. South Africa scored 438/9 while chasing Australia’s 434/4.
2. Who holds the record for the highest run chase in ODI?
South Africa holds the record for the highest run chase in ODI cricket. They chased a target of 435 against Australia and won by 1 wicket.
3. Who scored the most runs in the highest ODI chase?
Herschelle Gibbs was the leading run-scorer for South Africa, making 175 runs from 111 balls in the historic 438-run chase.
4. What was Australia’s score in the 438-run chase?
Australia scored 434/4 in 50 overs, with captain Ricky Ponting making 164 runs.
5. When did South Africa chase 438 runs?
South Africa completed the record chase on 12 March 2006 at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
6. How many wickets did South Africa lose while chasing 435?
South Africa lost 9 wickets and finished at 438/9 in 49.5 overs.
Conclusion
The title of highest run chase in ODI still stands tall as a remarkable feather in the cabinet of cricketing records. The 438/9 posted by South Africa against Australia in Johannesburg on March 12, 2006 is still the gold-standard for men’s ODI run chases.
Australia’s 434/4 was destined to be the highest score ever in ODI cricket but Herschelle Gibbs’ monumental 175, Graeme Smith with his 90 and important knocks from the South African middle order turned an unachievable target into a memorable win. Well, South Africa reached 438/9 and won on the last ball by a wicket.
With modern-day ODI cricket continuing to grow morbidly more monstrous by the day, teams are now well and truly equipped to hunt targets over 350. It is a milestone but one that proved special in itself with this 438-run chase. To breach it, a side will require an epic mix of power hitting, partnerships, calmness and finishing skill.
As of now, the formidable 438-run chase led by South Africa in Johannesburg remains the record ODI chase to date.
