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During an emphatic performance in the second Test of the Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024-25, the hosts triumphed by 10 wickets, sealing a 2-0 series whitewash. This victory came after South Africa posted an imposing total of 615 runs in their first innings, led by an outstanding double century from Ryan Rickelton. Despite Pakistan’s resilient fight in their second innings, where they amassed 478 runs, the Proteas’ commanding first-innings lead proved insurmountable, earning them a resounding victory.
Pakistan’s valiant 478 runs in the second innings of the Test match against South Africa have placed them among the top five highest follow-on totals in defeat. Despite their massive total, Pakistan were unable to prevent a loss due to the huge margin from their first innings deficit.
Here are the top 5 follow-on totals in defeats in Test history
5. South Africa’s 452 Against Australia (2002)
In the third Test between South Africa and Australia in January 2002, Australia posted a mammoth 554 runs in their first innings. South Africa was dismissed for just 154, and Australia enforced the follow-on. South Africa responded with 452 runs, with Gary Kirsten’s century leading the charge. However, Australia successfully chased down 54 runs and won the match by 10 wickets.
4. West Indies’ 463 Against India (2011)
During the West Indies tour of India in 2011, the West Indies faced an uphill task after India scored 631/7 in their first innings. The West Indies could only manage 153 in response, forcing them to follow on. However, they fought valiantly in their second innings, posting 463 runs, highlighted by Darren Bravo’s century. Despite this, they lost the match by just 15 runs.
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3. Sri Lanka’s 475 Against England (2016)
In May 2016, during Sri Lanka’s tour of England, England set a formidable target after declaring at 498/9. Sri Lanka’s first innings was dismal, as they were bowled out for just 101 runs. However, they fought back with a determined 475 in their second innings, led by a brilliant century from Dinesh Chandimal. Despite their strong performance, Sri Lanka fell short as England comfortably reached 80/1 to win.
2. Pakistan’s 478 Against South Africa (2025)
In the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan at Cape Town, the visitors faced a huge deficit after South Africa scored 615 runs in their first innings. Pakistan was bowled out for 194 in their first innings, leading to the follow-on. Despite an impressive second-innings total of 478 runs, with a stellar century from Shan Masood, Pakistan lost by 10 wickets as South Africa comfortably chased down the required 61 runs in their second innings.
1. India’s 510 Against England (1967)
In one of the most remarkable follow-on performances, India managed to score 510 runs in their second innings during the first Test against England at Leeds in June 1967. After England scored 550/4 in their first innings and India were dismissed for just 164, England enforced the follow-on. India responded with a gutsy performance, but despite a brilliant century from captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, they lost the match by 6 wickets, with England successfully chasing 126 runs.
