In a match that will be etched in the records of English County Championship history, Surrey achieved an extraordinary feat by successfully completing the highest run chase witnessed in nearly a century. Facing off against Kent at Canterbury, Surrey embarked on a remarkable pursuit of a daunting target of 501 runs, ultimately triumphing by five wickets.

Former England batsman Dom Sibley played a pivotal role in this historic chase, albeit at a deliberate pace. Sibley's century etched his name in the record books, as it became the slowest-ever hundred in the competition's history. His innings exemplified patience and resilience, steering Surrey closer to their monumental target.

This successful chase now stands as the eighth-highest in the history of first-class cricket and holds the distinction of being the second-highest in County Championship history. Surrey came agonizingly close to matching the record for the highest chase in the Championship, falling just one run short of the 502-run milestone set by Middlesex against Nottinghamshire in 1925 at Trent Bridge.

What promised to be a captivating final day of cricket transformed into a one-sided procession as Sibley and England's wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes batted with ruthless precision. Foakes contributed a superb century of his own, scoring 124 runs, while Sibley showcased incredible concentration and endurance on his way to a monumental knock of 140 from 415 deliveries.

Sibley's resolute presence at the crease guided Surrey towards an astounding victory, expertly partnering with Jordan Clark to seal the triumph. Alongside Sibley's heroics, Jamie Smith also made a significant contribution with a splendid century, adding 114 runs to Surrey's second-inning total.

The record-breaking nature of this chase, combined with the exceptional performances of Sibley, Foakes, and Smith, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most captivating and enthralling matches in County Championship history.

Surrey's historic run chase captivated cricket enthusiasts who were mesmerized by their relentless pursuit of an imposing target. It showcased the team's resilience and skill, leaving fans in awe and admiration for their remarkable accomplishment.