India had set a target of 128 runs against Australia in the 2nd Test played at Brisbane. Though Australia managed to win this match by 4 wickets in hand, but at one time Australia lost quick wickets and at one position it even looked like there was a small chance for India to pull the match off. But at the end Australia won.
However, there has been only one instance when India has managed to defend a lower total. Let us take a look at top 10 lowest totals defended by India in Test matches:
|
Target |
Won by Runs |
Opposition |
Ground |
Match Date |
|
106 |
13 |
Australia |
Mumbai |
3 Nov 2004 |
|
142 |
59 |
Australia |
Melbourne |
7 Feb 1981 |
|
169 |
64 |
South Africa |
Ahmedabad |
20 Nov 1996 |
|
187 |
60 |
New Zealand |
Mumbai (BS) |
25 Sept 1969 |
|
191 |
28 |
England |
Kolkata |
30 Dec 1972 |
|
224 |
119 |
Australia |
Kanpur |
19 Dec 1959 |
|
240 |
138 |
England |
Mumbai |
27 Nov 1981 |
|
254 |
100 |
West Indies |
Chennai |
11 Jan 1975 |
|
268 |
49 |
West Indies |
Kingston |
30 Jun 2006 |
|
278 |
153 |
Australia |
Kanpur |
2 Oct 1979 |
Stat updated till 20 Dec, 2014
The lowest total defended by India is against Australia, when they defended a small total of 106 runs in Mumbai in the year 2004. The second lowest defended total is also against Australia in the year 1981, where India defended 142 runs at Melbourne. India had a good opportunity to get another one added in this list, but few missed catches and some irresponsible batting couldn’t make this possible.
8 out of the 10 lowest defended totals have come India. When we talk about away matches, the second lowest total defended by India has come in Kingston against West Indies in the year 2006. In this match, India defended a total of 268 runs.
However as we talk about the present, India is already trailing 0-2 in the 4 match series against Australia and the next match will be played in MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) on 26th December, which is also the boxing day test match. Another record that will hurt India is that the Indian team has never won a Boxing Day Test Match. This makes matters worse and also lowers the chances of India to draw the series.
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