In this detailed breakdown of World Test Championship (WTC) history, we explore the tactical brilliance of bowling units as they defend small totals and secure historic victories.
Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in WTC History
| Winning Team | Target Defended | Opponent | Opp Score | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 124 | v India | 93 | Eden Gardens | 14 Nov 2025 |
| New Zealand | 147 | v India | 121 | Wankhede | 1 Nov 2024 |
| England | 193 | v India | 170 | Lord’s | 10 Jul 2025 |
| Australia | 204 | v West Indies | 27 | Kingston | 12 Jul 2025 |
| West Indies | 211 | v Pakistan | 120 | Tarouba | 25 Jul 2026 |
| West Indies | 216 | v Australia | 207 | Brisbane | 25 Jan 2024 |
| West Indies | 231 | v Bangladesh | 213 | Mirpur | 11 Feb 2021 |
| England | 231 | v India | 202 | Hyderabad | 25 Jan 2024 |
| South Africa | 247 | v West Indies | 159 | Centurion | 28 Feb 2023 |
| Pakistan | 251 | v West Indies | 123 | Multan | 17 Jan 2025 |
| West Indies | 254 | v Pakistan | 133 | Multan | 25 Jan 2025 |
| England | 254 | v New Zealand | 138 | Lord’s | 4 Jun 2026 |
| South Africa | 263 | v West Indies | 222 | Providence | 15 Aug 2024 |
| Bangladesh | 268 | v Pakistan | 163 | Mirpur | 8 May 2026 |
| Australia | 271 | v England | 124 | Hobart | 14 Jan 2022 |
More WTC Records
Key Insights on Defending Small Targets in World Test Championship History
Record Low Targets Successfully Defended by Bowling Units
South Africa have successfully defended the lowest target in WTC history by securing a 124-run target against India at the 2025 Eden Gardens Test.
This victory by the Proteas also stands as the lowest target defended in an away Test since the inception of the World Test Championship.
England’s defense of a 193-run target against India during the 2025 Lord’s Test is the lowest ever recorded by a team on home soil in the WTC.
The West Indies successfully defended a 216-run target against Australia in the 2024 Brisbane Test, winning by a mere eight runs.
Critical Batting Failures and Historic Low Team Totals
India has failed to chase down targets below 250 runs on four separate occasions, the most by any team in the tournament’s history.
The West Indies were bowled out for just 27 runs while chasing 204 against Australia in the 2025 Kingston Test, marking the lowest team total in WTC history.
The 27 all-out 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 all-out by the West Indies is also the lowest total ever recorded by any team in a pink-ball Test match. This is also West Indies’ lowest ever Test total overall.
Australia achieved a 176-run victory in the Kingston Test, which stands as the largest win margin for a team defending a sub-250 target in the WTC.
Notable Team Performance Milestones and Victory Margins
The West Indies achieved the highest successful run chase in WTC history by reaching a 395-run target against Bangladesh in the 2021 Chattogram Test.
South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, and the West Indies have each defended targets below 300 runs in three or more Tests throughout the WTC.
The 374-run target safeguarded by India against England in the 2025 Oval Test resulted in a six-run win, the smallest run-margin victory in the championship.
Australia’s defense of 204 runs against the West Indies represents the lowest total ever successfully defended in a pink-ball Test match. See the overall list here.
New Zealand holds the record for the highest target set in the WTC, setting a mountainous 657-run target for England in the 2024 Hamilton Test.
