Highest Totals Successfully Chased In South Africa By A Team In ODIs

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In cricket, 'chasing' is often termed as an 'art' by various experts. When a team has to chase down a total, they have to plan out all outcomes and strategies in different phases of the match. All the variables are taken into account to pace an innings to reach the target. 

Pitches in South Africa are full of surprises. To some they may seem bowler-friendly, providing ample uneven bounce and pace to assist the bowler in troubling the batters. However, numbers have shown that many times teams have posted a huge total. And then, we have seen some of those totals being chased down as well!

Let's have a look at the five highest totals chased down by teams in South Africa - 

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#5. Sri Lanka (313 vs South Africa, Johannesburg 2012)

In the 5-match ODI series between South Africa and Sri Lanka in 2012/13, Sri Lanka had already lost the series before the fifth match, being 3-1 down. However, they wanted to end the series on a high note and so they did.

South Africa after being put on to bat first by the tourists, posted 312/4 on the board. Opener Graeme Smith scored 125 runs in 143 balls with 9 boundaries and 4 sixes while captain AB de Villiers blasted 125 runs off 98 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes. 

In reply, Sri Lanka openers Upul Tharanga(46(39)) and captain Tilakaratne Dilshan (41(49)) etched an opening partnership of 72 runs in 60 balls. However, Kumar Sangakkara was the hero of the match with his knock of 102 runs in 97 balls with 10 boundaries. Sri Lanka managed to achieve the target on the penultimate bowl of the 50th over. 

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#4. South Africa (319 vs England, Centurion 2016)

In the 5-match ODI series, hosts South Africa had already lost the first two matches. The 3rd match was a do-or-die situation for the hosts, and when England posted 318 on the board, chances of saving the series seemed bleak. 

After winning the toss and batting first, England posted 318/4 with a century from Joe Root (125) and fifties from opener Alex Hales (65) and all-rounder Ben Stokes (53).

In reply, the home team made an easy job of the target, chasing it down with 7 wickets and 22 balls in hand. South African openers Hashim Amla (127) and Quinton de Kock (135) etched an opening partnership of 239 runs in 222 balls, which made the win too easy for South Africa. 

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#3 Australia (327 vs South Africa, Port Elizabeth 2002)

Australia were in a ravishing form in this ODI series against South Africa, being undefeated in the first five matches of the seven-match series. In the 6th ODI, South Africa posted a huge total of 326. However, it wasn't enough to stop the 'Mighty Australians'.

After opting to bat first, South Africa put a total of 326 at a loss of 3 wickets. Opener Graeme Smith (84), all-rounder Jacques Kallis (80*) & Jonty Rhodes (71*) contributed with half-centuries, while Nicky Boje scored 47 runs. 

In reply, Australia managed to chase down the total of 327 in 49.1 overs, powered by captain Ricky Pontin (92) and Darren Lehmann (91) who missed out on well deserved centuries. Opener Adam Gilchrist gave a blazing start to the Australian innings with his 52 off 34 balls and was adjudged the 'player of the match. 

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#2 South Africa (372 vs Australia, Durban 2016)

After winning the first two ODIs of the 5-match series against Australia, the hosts South Africa had a huge momentum riding on their back. In the 3rd ODI, Australia posted 372 runs in the first innings, but the hosts were adamant to win. 

After opting to bat first, Australia posted 372 on the board at a loss of 6 wickets. The top 3 batters in the Australian batting lineup caused a carnage that ultimately led to this huge total. David Warner (117) and captain Steven Smith (108) contributed with centuries while Aaron Finch scored 53 off just 34 balls. Travis Head also scored a quick 35* off 18 towards the end.

However, the hosts had their eyes set on a complete sweep and even though they suffered a mini-collapse in the middle overs, David Miller's unbeaten ton (118* off 79 balls) led South Africa across the line. Opener Quinton de Kock (70) also contributed with a half-century while lower-order all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo made 42* off 39 balls. 

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#1 South Africa (435 vs Australia, Johannesburg 2006)

Who would ever forget this run-fest at Johannesburg in 2006, between South Africa and Australia? After the series was levelled at 2-2, the 5th ODI at Johannesburg was the decider, and it was approached by the teams in the same way. This was the first time a total in excess of 400 was scored in ODIs, only to be chased down!

Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and opted to bat first in this decider, and played a knock of 164 runs in 105 balls to power his team to 434/4 in 50 overs. Openers Adam Gilchrist (55 off 44) & Simon Katich (79 off 90) and number 4 Michael Hussey (81 off 51) contributed with the fast fifties (except Katich) while Andrew Symonds slogged an unbeaten 27* off 13 in death overs.

In reply, hosts lost their opener Boeta Dippenaar in the second over itself. However, Graeme Smith (90 off 55) and Herschelle Gibbs (175 off 111) brought their team to the brink of victory. Mark Boucher scored 50* off 43 balls and crossed the winning line for his team with 1 ball and 1 wicket in hand.