Vaibhav Tripathi
Surrey pulled off an incredible feat on June 14th, completing the second-largest run chase in County Championship history. They chased down a daunting target of 501 runs to defeat Kent by five wickets in the County Championship Division One.
The impressive partnership between Dom Sibley and Ben Foakes played a crucial role in Surrey’s victory. Resuming their innings at 263-3, the pair extended their partnership to 207, firmly taking control of the game. Sibley’s resilient knock of 140 runs from 368 balls lasted 511 minutes. Foakes also contributed with 124 runs as Surrey achieved the target in 146.1 overs. Jamie Smith’s quickfire 114 off just 77 balls further bolstered their chase.
In the earlier stages of the match, Kent had posted a first-innings total of 301, while Surrey struggled with a score of 145 in their first innings. Kent then scored 344 runs in the second innings, with Jordan Clark taking a notable 5 wickets for Surrey.
Surrey’s remarkable run chase against Kent marked the second instance of a team successfully chasing down a total of 500-plus in County cricket. The previous occurrence took place in 1925 when Middlesex chased down 502 against Nottinghamshire, securing a memorable five-wicket victory. This achievement by Surrey ranks as the seventh-highest successful run chase in the history of First-Class cricket.
This victory holds immense significance for Surrey, propelling them to fifth place in the County Championship table. Kent, on the other hand, maintains their fourth position.