The Great Chase by team India against West Indies

On April 12, 1976, India chased down a record 406 for 4 in the fourth innings to pull off a sensational victory. India had never chased more than 256 before the Test.

Series Background: West Indians had won the first Test at Kensington Oval by an innings & the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval ended in a draw. The third Test was scheduled at Bourda, but due to the heavy downpour, it had to be shifted to Queen’s Park Oval.

1st Innings (West Indies): Clive Llyod won the toss and West Indies scored 359. Vivian Richards scored a brilliant 177. For India, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar took 6/120 while cptain Bedi too 4/73. 

1st Innings (India): Michael Holding finished 6/65 as India were bowled out for 229. For India, Madan Lal and Viswanath scored 42 & 41 respectively.

2nd Innings (West Indies): West Indies declared their second innings for 271/6 giving a record target of 403 runs to win in the fourth innings. An unbeaten century (103*) by Alvin Kallicharran was the highlight of the innings. Also Check India-West Indies Special  "The Brave Act of Anil Kumble"

2nd Innings (India): Chasing down the target of 403, the opening pair of Gavaskar and Gaekwad added 69 before Gaekwad was dismissed by Jumadeen. Amarnath joined Gavaskar and both put on 108 for the second wicket before Gavaskar was dismissed for a brilliant century(102). It was the thrid wicket partnership of 159 runs between Amarnath and Viswanath that changed the course of the game. Viswanath was run out for 112 India were 336 for 3, still requiring 67. India reached the final hour with 65 to score from the mandatory overs. With 11 runs needed, Amarnath departs for a well made 85 but Brijesh Patel quick 49* ensured the record six wicket victory. 

Quotes after the Match

“I was confident that we could save the game because the wicket was still good; but the thought of winning never entered my mind,” Gavaskar later said.

Brief Scores:

West Indies 359 (Viv Richards 177, Clive Lloyd 68, Bernard Julien 47; Bhagwat Chandrasekhar 6 for 120, Bishan Bedi 4 for 73) and 271 for 6 decl (Alvin Kallicharran 103 not out) lost to India 228 (Madan Lal 42, Gundappa Viswanath 41; Michael Holding 6 for 65) and 406 for 4 (Sunil Gavaskar 102, Gundappa Viswanath 112, Mohinder Amarnath 85, Brijesh Patel 49 not out) by 6 wickets.