A look at highest run-rates in a Test match
Sri Lanka earned a consolation win over England in the third and final Test at The Oval. However, it marked the first instance of Sri Lanka beating England in Tests since June 2014. The visitors won on Day 4 after chasing down 219, with Pathum Nissanka scoring a ton. As per Cricbuzz, the match had a run-rate of 4.69, the fourth-highest in a Test.
4.93: Pakistan vs India, Lahore, 2006
The 1st Test between Pakistan and India from the 2005/06 series resulted in a dull draw. It was a run-fest studded with records. Batting first, Pakistan racked up a mammoth 679/7d in 143.3 overs. India responded with 410/1 before rain enforced a draw. Virender Sehwag (254) and Rahul Dravid (128*) recorded a historic 400+ opening stand. The run-rate in the Lahore Test read 4.93.
4.77: South Africa vs Australia, Johannesburg, 1902
Surprisingly, the Test with the second-highest run-rate dates back to 1902, when South Africa and Australia clashed in Johannesburg. The Proteas smashed 454 before restricting the Aussies to 296. Following on, Australia turned the tide and declared on 372/7. Chasing 215, the Proteas managed 101/4 as the match ended in a draw. The match had a run-rate of 4.77.
4.73: England vs Ireland, Lord's, 2023
England gave a solid account of their Bazball ploy in the 2023 one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's. They declared on 524/4 after bowling the Irishmen out for 172 in the first innings. Although Ireland managed 362 in the second innings, England won after chasing a paltry 11. Notably, the match recorded a run-rate of 4.73.
4.69: England vs Sri Lanka, The Oval, 2024
As mentioned, the recently-concluded 3rd Test between England and Sri Lanka had a run-rate of 4.69, the fourth-highest in a Test match. Notably, SL also recorded the fifth-highest run-rate in a successful 200-plus run-chase in a Test.
