They’ve done it again. Calm under pressure, clinical in execution, and relentless in pursuit—Team India has once again proven why they’re the undisputed Chase Kings of world cricket. In the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on January 11, 2026, India pulled off a nerve-wracking four-wicket victory while chasing a stiff target of 301.
But this win wasn’t just another box ticked on the scoreboard. It was historic. With this chase, India became the first team in ODI history to successfully hunt down 300-plus targets 20 times—a staggering milestone that underscores their evolution from cautious chasers to fearless run-hunters.
Table of Contents
- How India Sealed the Historic Chase
- The ‘India Chase 300-Plus Targets’ Milestone Explained
- Key Performers: Virat Kohli Leads the Way
- Late Drama: Harshit Rana and KL Rahul Finish It
- How India Compares Globally in High Chases
- What Makes India So Good at Chasing?
- Conclusion: A Legacy of Clutch Cricket
- Sources
How India Sealed the Historic Chase
New Zealand posted a competitive 300/8 in their 50 overs, powered by half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. On a pitch offering some early seam movement but flattening out later, the Kiwis felt confident.
India’s chase began shakily—losing Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill inside the powerplay. But then came Virat Kohli, in sublime touch. His 93 off 97 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression—rotating strike, punishing loose deliveries, and anchoring the innings with trademark composure .
Just when it seemed India might stumble in the death overs, debutant Harshit Rana played a cameo for the ages—smashing two sixes in the 48th over off Matt Henry to shift momentum decisively. Captain KL Rahul, unbeaten on 42, held his nerve to seal the deal with four wickets and 10 balls to spare.
The India chase 300-plus targets Milestone Explained
This victory marked India’s 20th successful chase of 300 or more runs in One Day Internationals—a world record no other nation comes close to matching .
To put this in perspective:
- Australia, often hailed for their aggressive batting, has managed only 14 such chases.
- South Africa, dubbed “chokers” despite their talent, has 13.
- England and New Zealand? Just 9 and 7 respectively .
India’s dominance in high-pressure chases has accelerated since 2013, coinciding with the rise of Kohli, the tactical acumen of MS Dhoni, and now the data-driven approach under Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir.
Key Performers: Virat Kohli Leads the Way
Kohli’s 93 wasn’t just about runs—it was about intent. He targeted spinners Adam Milne (yes, surprisingly used as a part-timer) and Glenn Phillips with precision, and respected the new ball without appearing tentative. This innings took his tally to over 13,000 ODI runs, with 50+ scores in 70% of successful chases above 280 .
His partnership with Shreyas Iyer (38) rebuilt the innings after the early setbacks, showcasing the kind of middle-order resilience that defines modern Indian cricket.
Late Drama: Harshit Rana and KL Rahul Finish It
With 35 needed off 24 balls and wickets in hand, the stage was set for fireworks. Enter Harshit Rana—the 22-year-old pacer-turned-finisher, who had never batted above No. 9 before. Yet, with ice in his veins, he launched Henry over long-on and midwicket in consecutive deliveries.
“I just wanted to give Rahul bhai a chance to stay on strike,” Rana said post-match—a line that speaks volumes about India’s selfless lower-order culture .
KL Rahul, playing his first ODI as full-time captain, showed leadership beyond the bat. He rotated strike intelligently, shielded Rana from tough bowlers, and finished with a boundary that sent Eden Gardens into raptures.
How India Compares Globally in High Chases
According to ESPNcricinfo’s stats database, India has chased 300+ in ODIs at a success rate of 68% since 2015—the highest among all Test-playing nations .
Notable recent examples include:
- Chasing 315 vs Australia in Chennai (2023)
- 327 vs Sri Lanka in Colombo (2024)
- 302 vs Pakistan in Dubai (Asia Cup 2025)
This consistency isn’t accidental. It’s built on deep batting depth, situational awareness, and a culture that rewards calmness over chaos.
What Makes India So Good at Chasing?
Three key factors stand out:
- Data-Driven Strategy: Real-time analytics help batsmen understand required run rates, bowler weaknesses, and field placements.
- Role Clarity: Every player knows their job—Kohli stabilizes, Suryakumar accelerates, Jadeja rotates, and finishers like Axar or now Rana deliver in crunch moments.
- Mental Toughness: Years of high-stakes IPL experience have conditioned Indian players to thrive under scoreboard pressure.
[INTERNAL_LINK:how-ipl-has-transformed-indian-odi-cricket] The IPL’s influence can’t be overstated—it’s India’s secret weapon in mastering the art of the chase.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Clutch Cricket
The India chase 300-plus targets record isn’t just a statistic—it’s a testament to a generation of cricketers who’ve redefined what’s possible in white-ball cricket. From Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup final six to Kohli’s countless chases and now Rana’s fearless cameo, India has built a legacy where pressure is an invitation, not a burden.
As the T20 World Cup looms and the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle begins, this ability to chase big totals will be India’s greatest asset. Because in modern cricket, winning isn’t just about scoring runs—it’s about hunting them down, fearlessly and flawlessly.
Sources
- Times of India. “Chase Kings of world cricket: India create history, become first team to hunt down 300-plus targets 20 times in ODIs.” January 11, 2026. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru. “Highest successful run chases in ODI history by team.” https://stats.espncricinfo.com [[2], [5]]
- ICC Official Website. “ODI Team Rankings and Performance Metrics 2026.” https://www.icc-cricket.com
- Wisden Almanack. “Virat Kohli: The Chase Master – A Statistical Biography.” 2025 Edition.