Low-scoring thrillers are not new to Kensington Oval in Barbados. The ground offers plenty of assistance to seamers, and it has seen quite many instances where even modest scores have proved defendable.
As West Indies and Australia battle it out in the ongoing first Test, the pitch has once again lived up to its reputation - fast bowlers have dominated and runs have come with difficulty.
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At stumps on Day 2, Australia led by 82 runs with six wickets in hand in their second innings after being bowled out for 180 and reducing West Indies to 190. With the match well-poised, fans are now wondering - can this become another classic low-scoring contest at Kensington Oval?
Top 5 lowest totals defended in Tests at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados
Here is a look at the top five lowest totals ever successfully defended in Test cricket at this historic ground.
| Team | Target | Result | Opposition | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 120 | Won | India | 27 Mar 1997 |
| West Indies | 188 | Won | Pakistan | 30 Apr 2017 |
| West Indies | 201 | Won | South Africa | 18 Apr 1992 |
| West Indies | 272 | Won | India | 7 Feb 1953 |
| New Zealand | 308 | Won | West Indies | 26 Jun 2014 |
West Indies lead the charts with them defending a target of less than 200 twice at this venue. It will be interesting to see how much Australia sets the target in the ongoing match and if they can successfully defend it.
So far, 24 wickets have fallen in just two days - with seamers doing almost all the damage. Australia's lead may not look big yet but on a pitch where every run matters - anything above 180 could pose a serious challenge.
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Given the venue's history of dramatic fourth innings and successful low-score defences, this match is shaping up to be another entry in that list.