What is the lowest target ever successfully defended in a Test match at Lord’s?

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Chasing a target at Lord’s Cricket Ground is considered one of the toughest challenges in Test cricket. Widely revered as the “Home of Cricket,” Lord’s in London holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans around the world. Its rich history, iconic atmosphere, and timeless charm make it one of the most prestigious venues in the sport.

What makes Lord’s especially unique is its traditional Test pitch, which offers something for both batters and bowlers. The surface tends to play true early on, but as the game progresses—especially into the final days—it often becomes more challenging for batting sides. The pitch can become unpredictable, offering more for the bowlers in terms of seam, swing, and variable bounce.

Test Cricket: Over the years, this legendary ground has witnessed countless memorable moments and thrilling contests. However, chasing a target here—particularly in the fourth innings—has proven to be a daunting task. Even modest totals have been successfully defended, as bowlers exploit the changing conditions and the pressure of the venue itself.

At Lord’s, it’s not just about skill, but also resilience, strategy, and nerves of steel. And that’s why run chases here remain one of the truest tests in the longest format of the game.

Lowest Defended Targets at Lord’s in Test Cricket – A Historic Overview

Test Cricket

When it comes to defending low totals in Test matches at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, a few historic performances stand out.

The lowest total ever defended at Lord’s came way back in 1888, when Australia managed to hold off England from chasing a modest target of just 124 runs. Despite the seemingly easy target, England faltered, and this match still holds the record over a century later — a testament to the extraordinary bowling efforts of that day.

Test Cricket: England feature prominently on this list as well. In 2019, they produced a memorable win against Ireland, successfully defending just 182 runs in a game that saw the visitors crumble under pressure. Going further back, in 1955, England once again pulled off a gritty defense, restricting South Africa to under 183 runs, securing another low-scoring victory.

Fast forward to 2025, and one of the most thrilling recent additions to the list occurred when England faced India. In a tense and tightly-contested match, England defended 193 runs, eventually winning by 22 runs in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats.

The fifth-lowest defended total came in 2013, when England took on New Zealand. Test Cricket The Black Caps were tasked with chasing 239 runs, but England’s bowling attack proved too strong, sealing a hard-fought win.

Test Cricket nother notable match, though with a slightly higher target, took place in 2021 between India and England. India, powered by a ferocious pace attack, set England a target of 272. On a dramatic final day, India bowled out the hosts and clinched an emphatic victory, showcasing one of the finest defensive displays by a visiting side at Lord’s.

These matches highlight that at Lord’s — a ground steeped in cricketing tradition — even modest targets can become monumental challenges under the right conditions.

TargetBowling TeamOpponentYear
124AustraliaEngland1888
182EnglandIreland2019
183EnglandSouth Africa1955
193EnglandIndia2025
239EnglandNew Zealand2013
272IndiaEngland2021

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