In the world of cricket, Test matches often showcase the resilience and determination of players, especially when the odds are stacked against them. The following list highlights the top ten performances in the 21st century that saved drawn Test matches, focusing on those that occurred on the final day. This compilation excludes innings or partnerships that led to victories, instead emphasizing the grit shown in challenging situations.
Starting off at number ten, we have the duo of Hanuma Vihari and R Ashwin during the Sydney Test of the 2020/21 series. India, chasing a daunting target of 407 runs, found themselves in a precarious position at 250-3. However, a couple of quick dismissals and Vihari's hamstring injury forced them to reassess their approach. With Ashwin joining Vihari, both players displayed immense resolve, fending off the Australian bowlers for over three hours. Their efforts not only saved the match but also set the stage for India's historic series victory in Australia.
At number nine, we find the remarkable performances of Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan in Karachi during the 2021/22 series against Australia. Faced with a mammoth target of 506 runs, Pakistan was in dire straits at 21-2. However, Shafique (96) and Babar (196) mounted a strong resistance, and even when wickets fell, Rizwan's unbeaten 104 ensured that Pakistan held on for a draw, finishing at 392 runs.
Ranked eighth is Sonal Dinusha's extraordinary effort in a Test match against India in 2026. Chasing a daunting target of 503 runs, Sri Lanka found themselves at 290 all out on the fourth morning. By the end of day four, they were at 229-6, still needing to contend with India’s formidable bowling attack. Dinusha's remarkable performance, which included his second century of the match, saw him receive crucial support from Keshara Nuwantha and Lahiru Kumara, allowing Sri Lanka to survive the final day without losing another wicket.
Seventh on the list is the partnership between Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews in Wellington during the 2018/19 series. After trailing by 296 runs in the first innings, Sri Lanka found themselves in deep trouble at 13-3 in their second innings. However, Mendis (141 not out) and Mathews (120 not out) held firm, batting through the fourth day and into the fifth until rain intervened, securing a hard-fought draw.
In sixth place, Darren Bravo's remarkable innings in Dunedin during the 2013/14 series stands out. Following on from a massive deficit of 396 runs, Bravo batted for over nine hours, scoring 218 runs. His incredible determination helped West Indies avoid defeat, as rain ultimately saved them from an innings loss.
Gautam Gambhir's performance in Napier during the 2008/09 series ranks fifth. His 137 runs came from an astonishing 10 hours and 43 minutes at the crease, helping India draw the match after being asked to bat again with a daunting 314-run lead against New Zealand.
Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, and Kemar Roach's partnership in Christchurch during the 2025/26 series is fourth on the list. With West Indies struggling at 72-4 while chasing 531 runs, this unlikely trio combined to bat out the remaining time, showcasing their resilience despite the challenges posed by the New Zealand bowlers.
Abdul Razzaq and Kamran Akmal's efforts in Mohali during the 2004/05 series take the third spot. With Pakistan at 257-6 and a 204-run deficit, the duo's resistance ensured that India could not break through, leading to a hard-fought draw.
Brendon McCullum's innings in Wellington during the 2013/14 series ranks second. After New Zealand found themselves at 94-5, McCullum's 302 runs, supported by BJ Watling and Jimmy Neesham, led New Zealand to a remarkable draw against India.
Finally, at the top of the list is Faf du Plessis's defensive masterclass in Adelaide during the 2012/13 series. After South Africa slumped to 45-4, du Plessis's unbeaten 110 not out, along with contributions from his teammates, exemplified the art of defense in Test cricket, leading to a historic draw against Australia.
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