Australia Vs New Zealand 5th T20I 2018: Aussies Set New World Record After Chasing Down Black Caps Score of 243

The T20 International between Australia and New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland on February 18 proved to be a run-fest with Aussies beating the Black Caps side by five wickets. The fifth match of Trans Tasman Tri-Series saw several records being made and broken in almost every over. From Kiwi opener Martin Guptill becoming the highest run-scorer in Twenty20 matches to Australia setting a new world record by chasing down the highest total ever in a Twenty20 international. Aussies riding on key contributions from David Warner, D'Arcy Short, Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch chased down the massive score of 243 set by New Zealand. Here are the top five exciting highest-chases in Twenty20 International matches:

1) Australia against New Zealand, 2018 - Chased 243 Runs

Australia chased down the mammoth total of 243 set by New Zealand by scoring 245 runs in just 18.5 overs -- yes, seven deliveries remaining. Martin Guptill scored a scintillating century in the match but Australia made a mockery of the total thanks to the explosive batting at the top by openers David Warner and D’Arcy Short. Aaron Finch made sure that the visitors finished in style by scoring the winning runs with a massive six. The entire match seemed to be a highlight right from the first ball was bowled.

2) West Indies against South Africa, 2015 - Chased 235 Runs

South Africa posed 235 and victory seemed inevitable but West Indies came out with all guns blazing in this record chase. Du Plessis century went in vain as Chris Gayle’s 90 run knock showed the world why he is the most dangerous batsman in the world. West Indies won the match thanks to his knock. Before Aus vs NZ match, this was the highest chase in T20 Internationals with West Indies making 236 runs in 19.2 overs.

3) England against South Africa, 2016 - Chased 229 Runs 

A nail-biting match that went right down to the wire. South Africa posed 229 on the board and England needed a superlative innings to win them the match. Joe Root counter-attacked with a brilliant 83 of 44 balls, it was his innings that helped England win the match. They reached the target 230 losing eight wickets in 19.5 overs.

4) India against Sri Lanka, 2009  - Chased 206 Runs  

Sri Lanka put up 206 on the board after Kumar Sangakkara's 59 and Angelo Mathews quick 28 in the end. India expected its openers to do the job for them. Gautam Gambhir played a supporting role to Virendra Sehwag who top scored with 64 in the match but it was Yuvraj Singh’s quickfire 60 that helped India get over the total making 211 losing four wickets in 19.2 overs.

5) South Africa against West Indies, 2007 - Chased 205 Runs

This was the inaugural match of the first Twenty20 World Cup and Chris Gayle set the stage on fire by scoring a century in the first match itself. He was also awarded the Man of the Match for his 117 but that was not enough to stop South Africa from winning the game and chasing down 205 that they easily did in 17.4 overs. Herschelle Gibbs did it for Africa by scoring a brilliant attacking 90 and was helped well by Justin Kemp.

In cricket, no match is over until the last ball is bowled. And, the above matches are great examples of how teams faced defeats despite setting up collossal targets on the scoreboards. While wins and losses are a part and parcel of the sport but losing a high-total game is definitely more hurtful.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 16, 2018 04:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).