South Africa challenge India to break all-time Test record for highest successful run chase, set a mammoth target of 549 in Guwahati

South Africa have challenged an out-of-form India batting lineup to break the all-time Test record of highest successful run chase. Temba Bavuma declared the innings during second session of Day 4 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, setting a target of 549.

What’s the record for highest successful run chase in Test?

The highest successful Test run chase belongs to West Indies when they chased down 418 against Australia in 2003. India's highest fourth innings score in Tests is 445 in a losing cause against Australia in Adelaide in 1978. India's highest successful run chase in Tests came in 2008 when they chased down 387 against England.

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South Africa frustrate India bowlers on Day 4

Starting at an overnight score of 26 for no loss, South Africa openers completed the 50-run partnership in the 16th over of the innings. Ravindra Jadeja got the breakthrough with Ryan Rickelton's wicket. He scored 35 runs from 64 balls. A few overs later, Jadeja dismissed Aiden Markram as well. The opener scored 29 runs from 84 balls. The third wicket to fall was skipper Bavuma who edged one to leg-slip fielder Nitish Kumar Reddy off Washington Sundar’s bowling. At the end of first session, South Africa had 107/3 on the board with a 395-run lead in the bag.

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Resuming after the tea break, Tristan Stubbs continued with the defensive approach. Tony de Zorzi did not stop himself from playing sweep shots to find boundaries. The got the lead past 450. Again, the partnership was broken by Jadeja. De Zorzi missed out on his fifty by just one run. He got out lbw after hitting four fours and a six. Stubbs and De Zorzi shared a 101-run partnership for the fourth wicket. In the 62nd over, Stubbs reached his half-century from 129 deliveries. South Africa did not declare even after the second session with a massive lead of 508.

In the third session, Stubbs and Mulder extended their partnership. Stubbs went on offensive mode as he targeted his maiden Test century on Indian soil. He missed his century by six runs as he got bowled by Jadeja attempting a slog sweep. He hit nine fours and a six in his 94-run knock off 180 deliveries. On the other end, Wiaan Mulder remained unbeaten for 35 off 69 deliveries. South Africa posted 260/5 and set a 549-run target.