In Test cricket, when both patience and planning are right, then that innings is made which becomes memorable. There have been some such moments in Pakistan’s Test history when they made their batting famous. Their scoreboard does not just tell the story of runs, but also of dominance. Today we will look at their top 5 highest totals in Test cricket – and the most special thing is that 3 of these feats have been achieved against India.
From Karachi to Faisalabad: Pakistan’s Top 5 Highest Totals in Test Cricket
1. 765/6d at Karachi – Highest total Test score against Sri Lanka
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Stat: 765/6d | 248.5 overs | 3.07 RR | 2nd innings | vs Sri Lanka | Match drawn (21 Feb 2009)
Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan: In 2009 at the National Stadium of Karachi, Pakistan scored its highest total in Test cricket till date. In this match played against Sri Lanka, they scored 765 runs in 248.5 overs in the second innings. The match was drawn but Pakistan’s batting changed the course of the entire game. This innings showed that they have power along with patience.
2. 708 at the Oval – A sensational start against England
Stat: 708 all out | 220.3 overs | 3.21 RR | 1st innings | vs England | Match drawn (6 Aug 1987)
Pakistan tour of England: Pakistan made its second-highest total in test cricket with 708 runs in 1987 on the historic ground of The Oval. They batted for more than 220 overs and built pressure against England in the first innings of the match. Although the match was a draw, but this innings was a proof of their consistency and ability to stick around for a long time.
3. 699/5 in Lahore – Rain of runs against India
Stat: 699/5 | 203.4 overs | 3.43 RR | 2nd innings | vs India | Match drawn (1 Dec 1989)
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India tour of Pakistan: In 1989 against India in Pakistan’s Lahore posted a mammoth score of 699/5 in the second innings. For almost 204 overs, they tired out the Indian bowlers and put pressure from every angle. This innings was a perfect example of the depth and dominance of their batting line-up, where every player made his contribution.
4. Lahore Again – Gave a befitting reply to India with 679/7d
Stat: 679/7d | 143.3 overs | 4.73 RR | 1st innings | vs India | Match drawn (13 Jan 2006)
India tour of Pakistan: Again in 2006 in Lahore, this time Pakistan declared 679/7 in just 143.3 overs in the first innings. This match was also a draw, but this time they maintained the run rate – 4.73, which is considered quite impressive in Test cricket. This fast-paced batting against India clearly showed their intent.
5. 674/6 at Faisalabad – then a historic knock against India
Stat: 674/6 | 224.5 overs | 2.99 RR | 2nd innings | vs India | Match drawn (24 Oct 1984)
India tour of Pakistan: In the 1984 Faisalabad Test too, Pakistan made its fifth-highest total in test cricket with 674/6 against India. By batting more than 224 overs in the second innings, he showed that he can score runs, no matter what the pitch says. This innings showed once again that against India, his confidence and performance both remain at the top.
In Pakistan’s Test history, India’s name appearing 3 times in their top 5 highest totals is not a coincidence but proof of a rivalry. Whenever these two teams come face to face, fireworks are bound to happen on the pitch. These records are not just numbers but a snapshot of an era when Pakistan showed the world through its batting that Test cricket can be a run-fest for them too.
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