Lowest targets successfully defended in WTC history – CricIndeed

In this detailed look at the history of the World Test Championship (WTC), we examine the tactical brilliance of bowling units as they defended small totals and secured historic victories.

Lowest targets successfully defended in WTC history

Key insights into defending small goals in the history of the World Test Championship

Record number of targets successfully defended by bowling units

South Africa successfully defended the lowest goal WTC history by securing a 124-run target against India at the Eden Gardens Test 2025.

This victory of the Proteas also ranks as the lowest goal defended in an away test since the beginning of the World Test Championship.

England defense of one 193-run target against India during the The Lord’s Test 2025 is the lowest ever recorded by a homegrown team in the WTC.

The West Indies successfully defended a 216 run target against Australia in the Brisbane Test 2024win by just one difference eight runs.

Critical hitting errors and historically low team totals

India has failed to pursue the targets below 250 runs on four separate occasions, the most by any team in the tournament’s history.

The West Indies were merely thrown away 27 runs while hunting 204 in return for Australia in the Kingston Test 2025which has the lowest team total WTC history.

The 27 everything off by the West Indies is also the lowest total ever recorded by any team in a pink-ball Test match. This is also The 27 everything off by the West Indies is also the lowest total ever recorded by any team in a pink-ball Test match. This is also the lowest ever Test total in the West Indies.

Australia reached one 176-run victory in the Kingston testwhich is the largest margin of victory for a team defending a goal under 250 in the WTC.

Notable team performance milestones and margins of victory

The West Indies achieved the highest successful run chase in WTC history by achieving a 395 runs target against Bangladesh in the Chattogram test 2021.

South Africa, Australia, Pakistanand the West Indies each have goals defended below 300 runs in three or more tests over the entire period WTC.

The 374 run purpose protected by India in return for England in the Oval test 2025 resulted in a six-run victory, the smallest victory by a run margin in the championship.

Australia defense of 204 runs against the West Indies represents the lowest total ever successfully defended in a pink-ball Test match. View the general list here.

New Zealand holds the record for the highest goal in the WTCsetting a mountainous 657 run purpose for England in the Hamilton test 2024.