Top 10 Shortest Test Matches In History

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Test cricket is renowned for its extended duration, played over a maximum of five days. The absence of a predefined time limit distinguishes it from shorter formats. Each team bats and bowls twice, and the match continues until a result is achieved or the scheduled number of overs is bowled. You can visit the 4RaBet popular site in India and place your bets for cricket or other sports. 

Factors influencing the match duration include the number of overs bowled each day, pitch conditions favoring either batsmen or bowlers, the teams’ performance, and weather interruptions. Test matches can culminate in a win, loss, draw, or tie, with the traditional five-day format providing a comprehensive assessment of players’ skills, endurance, and mental resilience. Recent innovations, such as day-night Tests and the World Test Championship, aim to enhance the appeal of Test cricket in the evolving cricket landscape.

Here are the shortest Test matches in cricket history: 

Place	Who Played	Overs	Balls	Year
1	South Africa vs India	107	642	2024
2	Australia vs South Africa	109.2	656	1935
3	West Indies vs England	112	672	1935
4	England vs Australia	196	784*	1888
5	England vs Australia	197 x 4	788*	1888
6	South Africa vs England	199 x 4	796	1889
7	England vs South Africa	135.5	815	1912
8	India vs England	140.2	842	2021
9	Australia vs South Africa	144.2	866	2022
10	New Zealand vs Australia	145.2	872	1946

South Africa vs India, 2024

In a momentous turn of events, the recent Test match between India and South Africa in Cape Town entered the annals of cricket history as the shortest-ever Test match in the sport’s 147-year history. The match concluded after only 107 overs, equivalent to 642 balls, with India securing a seven-wicket victory and leveling the series at 1-1.

India’s triumph at Newlands marked their inaugural win at the venue and set a new record for the shortest Test match, surpassing their previous record of 842 balls against England in 2021. The match saw South Africa batting twice on the same day, resulting in a total of 23 wickets falling on the first day. India successfully chased down 79 runs on Day 2, concluding a remarkable start to the new year.

The commencement of Test cricket in 2024 witnessed a record-breaking spectacle. However, the brevity of the match, lasting only one-and-a-half days, prompts reflection on whether such a rapid outcome is beneficial for the traditional game format.

Mohammed Siraj spearheaded the onslaught in the first session, showcasing exceptional fast bowling skills with figures of 6/15 on a challenging pitch. The South African team had no response, collapsing to just 55 after choosing to bat first. Although they made a remarkable comeback with the ball, limiting India to 153, their eventual lead of 78, propelled by a memorable hundred from Aiden Markram, culminated in a total of 176 in the second innings. However, it proved insufficient to secure a victory.

Australia vs South Africa, 1935

The briefest test match in cricket history occurred at the MCG between Australia and South Africa, a record eventually surpassed by India and South Africa after 89 years. This match witnessed South Africa posting their two lowest test scores. Australia batted once, scoring 153 runs in 54.3 overs.

In response, South Africa were dismissed for 36 runs (23.2 overs) and 45 runs (31.3 overs) in their two innings. The game concluded in 109.2 overs with Australia emerging victorious by an innings and 72 runs.

West Indies vs England, 1935

In January 1935, Bridgetown hosted one of the most peculiar and briefest Test matches in cricket history. Persistent rain severely disrupted the game, limiting it to a mere 112 overs (672 balls). West Indies, batting first, were dismissed for 102 in 47 overs, with Ken Farnes taking 4/40. 

In response, England declared at 81/7, a decision influenced by the rapidly deteriorating pitch. The Windies fared no better in their second innings, declaring at 51/6 in 19 overs, presenting England with a modest target. In the fourth innings, England successfully chased down the target of 75, losing six wickets along the way, securing a peculiar victory in a match heavily affected by adverse weather conditions.

England vs Australia, 1888 (Lord’s Cricket Ground)

Lord’s Cricket Ground has witnessed numerous memorable cricket matches throughout its history. One of the shortest Tests held at this iconic venue occurred in July 1888, featuring England and Australia. This game concluded in 197 overs, reflecting the convention of four balls per over in Tests played in England during that era. Australia batted, scoring 116 runs (71.2 overs) and 60 runs (29.2 overs) in their two innings. In response, England managed 53 runs (50 overs) and 62 runs (47 overs), ultimately losing the match by 61 runs.

England vs Australia, 1888 (Old Trafford)

Another noteworthy encounter occurred during the 1888 Ashes series at Old Trafford, played under the unique rule of four balls per over in England Tests at that time. Lasting just 196 overs (1176 balls), the match showcased England’s dominance as they posted a total of 172 runs. Australia struggled, accumulating only 151 runs in both innings combined (81 and 70). Charlie Turner claimed 5/86 for Australia, but Bobby Peel’s outstanding performance with 7/31 in the first innings and 4/37 in the second firmly placed England in control. This one-sided display resulted in England securing a decisive victory by an innings and 21 runs.

South Africa vs England, 1889

Bowling out the opposition for fewer than 50 runs in both innings of a Test match is a rare occurrence. One such remarkable instance unfolded in March 1889 when England clashed with South Africa in Cape Town. 

England batted once, amassing 292 runs in 123.1 overs. In response, South Africa faced a formidable challenge and was bowled out for a mere 47 runs (47.1 overs) and 43 runs (28.2 overs). This comprehensive bowling performance led to England securing victory by an innings and 202 runs. The entire game spanned 198 overs, and it’s worth noting that during the 1889 Tests played in South Africa, only four balls were used per over.

England vs South Africa, 1912

In August 1912, a Test match unfolded between England and South Africa at the Oval, concluding in 135.5 overs. South Africa took the batting initiative, posting a total of 95 runs (42.3 overs). England responded with a score of 176 runs (56.1 overs).

The second innings mirrored South Africa’s earlier struggle, as they were bowled out for 93 runs (32.4 overs). With a target of 13 runs, England efficiently reached 14/0 in 4.3 overs, securing victory in the Test match.

India vs England, 2021

The briefest Test match in India occurred in February 2021 in Ahmedabad, featuring a contest between India and England where neither team reached the 150-run mark. Responding to England’s first-innings score of 112 (48.4 overs), India posted 145 runs in 53.2 overs. Trailing by 33 runs, England struggled in their second innings, getting all out for 81 runs (30.4 overs). India chased down the target in just 7.4 overs, scoring 49 runs and securing victory. The entire game spanned 140.2 overs, making it the shortest completed Test match since 1935, with only 842 balls bowled.

Despite the celebration of Virat Kohli and his team going up 2-1 with one game left in the series, and the excitement of witnessing 30 wickets fall in just over a day and a half, there was a sense of disappointment among cricket fans. The much-anticipated day-night Test concluded after little more than five sessions. The reasons for this unusually short and intense game, typically associated with a more gradual buildup and anticipation, were being debated on social media even before Rohit Sharma hit the winning runs.

Australia vs South Africa, 2022

In December 2022, one of the briefest Test matches in recent times transpired at The Gabba between Australia and South Africa, concluding within two days. South Africa, batting first, were dismissed for 152 runs in 48.2 overs. Australia responded more robustly, posting 218 runs in 50.3 overs. Trailing by 66 runs, South Africa’s batting woes continued, as they were all out for just 99 runs in 37.4 overs. With a target of 34 runs, Australia faced some hiccups, losing four wickets but ultimately secured victory with a score of 35/4 in 7.5 overs. The entire game spanned 144.2 overs, making it one of the shortest Test matches in recent memory.

New Zealand vs Australia, 1946

A notable instance of a brief Test match occurred in 1946 during a match between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington. New Zealand batted first and suffered a dismal performance, being dismissed for just 42 runs in 42 overs. In response, Australia posted 199/8 in 74 overs and declared the innings, holding a lead of 157 runs.

In the second innings, New Zealand faced another disastrous collapse, being bowled out for a mere 54 runs, leading to Australia’s victory by an innings and 103 runs. The entire game concluded in 145.2 overs, underscoring its brevity and the dominance of the Australian team.

Conclusion

In the rich tapestry of Test cricket, the shortest matches stand out as captivating anomalies, encapsulating the unpredictable nature of the sport. From the early days of four balls per over to the contemporary era, these brief encounters have left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape. Whether marred by inclement weather, challenging pitches, or extraordinary performances, these matches showcase the diverse factors that can influence the duration and outcome of a Test.

As we reflect on the history of the shortest Test matches, each entry serves as a testament to the volatility and excitement inherent in this traditional form of the game. From the iconic contests at Lord’s to the historic encounters in Wellington and beyond, these matches remind us that cricket, in all its glory, continues to surprise and enthrall fans worldwide. As the cricketing world evolves, so too will the narratives of these short-lived battles, forever etched in the annals of Test cricket history.

Shortest Test Matches In The Last 20 Years Video

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