Top 5 Highest Day 1 Test Scores by India in Overseas Matches

When it comes to overseas Test cricket, Day 1 often sets the tone for the rest of the match. Over the years, India has delivered some commanding performances on the opening day of overseas Tests. Here’s a look at five of the best Day 1 batting performances by India in away Tests, where Indian batters showcased dominance right from the word go.

1. 399/3 vs Sri Lanka in Galle, 2017

Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara stole the show on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium in 2017. After the early dismissal of Abhinav Mukund, Dhawan and Pujara forged a monstrous 253-run partnership for the second wicket.

• Shikhar Dhawan smashed a blazing 190, tormenting the Sri Lankan bowlers with flair and aggression.

• Cheteshwar Pujara remained unbeaten on 144*, anchoring the innings with trademark composure.

India finished Day 1 at 399/3, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive 304-run victory.

2. 372/7 vs South Africa in Bloemfontein, 2001

The 2001 Test at Bloemfontein witnessed a classic Indian fightback. After being reduced to 68/4, the visitors needed a rescue act — and Sachin Tendulkar (155) and debutant Virender Sehwag (105) delivered.

• The pair stitched together a 220-run partnership for the fifth wicket, pushing India to a strong total.

• India ended Day 1 at 372/7 and eventually posted 379.

Despite the brilliant individual efforts, South Africa won the match by nine wickets, highlighting the challenges of playing in foreign conditions.

3. 359/3 vs England at Headingley, 2025

India’s most recent addition to the list came in the 2025 Headingley Test against England. This game saw Shubman Gill leading India in Tests for the first time, and he led by example.

• Gill scored an unbeaten 127, guiding the innings with maturity and confidence.

• Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a fluent 101, adding a 91-run opening stand with KL Rahul (42).

• Rishabh Pant chipped in with a rapid 65 towards the end of the day*, helping India cross the 350-run mark.

India ended Day 1 at 359/3, putting England under immediate pressure.

4. 356/2 vs Pakistan in Multan, 2004

One of the most iconic performances in Indian Test history came in Multan, 2004, famously known as the “Multan of the Sultan” Test.

• Virender Sehwag lit up the day with an explosive 228, setting the tone for his eventual triple century (309) — the first by an Indian.

• Sachin Tendulkar provided stability with an unbeaten 60, later converting it into a majestic 194*.

India ended Day 1 at 356/2 and went on to declare at 675/5, securing a dominant innings victory over their arch-rivals.

5. 302/4 vs West Indies in North Sound, 2016

In the first Test of the 2016 series in North Sound, India showcased class and control to put up a strong first-day total.

• Shikhar Dhawan contributed 84 runs, narrowly missing a century.

• Virat Kohli led from the front with an unbeaten 143, and later converted it into his maiden Test double-century (200).

India ended Day 1 at 302/4, eventually declaring at 566/8 and setting the stage for a convincing innings win.