5 shortest matches in the history of Test cricket

Team India scripted history with a historic win against South Africa in the second and final Test at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Thursday, January 4. The victory marked the first triumph for the visitors at this venue. On the second day of the game, India needed 79 runs to win which they chased down with 7 wickets in hand.

The win not only marked India’s first triumph at the venue but also set a new record for the shortest Test match in cricket history. On that note, let’s have a look at the top five shortest Test matches in cricket.

1. India vs South Africa, 2023: 107 overs (642 balls)

In a thrilling encounter, India’s pacers, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, wreaked havoc, picking up six-wicket-hauls each. The match, lasting only 107 overs (642 balls), saw a total of 33 wickets fall in two days. Despite Aiden Markram‘s century, India secured a historic 7-wicket win at Newlands, Cape Town.

2. Australia vs South Africa, 1935: 109.2 overs (656 balls)

This classic encounter at the MCG saw South Africa post their lowest-ever Test total of 36. Bert Ironmonger’s exceptional figures of 5/6 limited South Africa to 36 all out in 23.2 overs. Australia dominated, securing an innings and 72-run victory as South Africa crumbled to 81 runs across both innings in just 109.2 overs (656 balls).

3. West Indies vs England, 1935: 112 overs (672 balls)

Bridgetown witnessed one of the shortest Test matches with persistent rain reducing play to just 112 overs (672 balls). West Indies were dismissed for 102, and England curiously declared at 81/7. The Caribbean side then declared again at 51/6, setting England a modest target of 75, which the English team chased down for the loss of six wickets, securing a bizarre victory influenced by adverse weather conditions.

Also READ: SA vs IND – Netizens go crazy as India become the first Asian side to win a Test match in Cape Town

4. England vs Australia, 1888: 196 overs (1176 balls)

In the 1888 Ashes series at Old Trafford, the match lasted just 196 overs (1176 balls) under the unique rule of 4 balls per over in England Tests at the time. England’s dominant performance with a total of 172 restricted Australia to a combined 151 in both innings. England secured a decisive innings and 21-run victory.

5. England vs Australia, 1888: 197 overs (1182 balls)

Incidentally, in the same series, Lord’s witnessed the shortest Test ever played on its hallowed turf, lasting just 197 overs (1182 balls). Australia posted 116, and England could only manage 53. In a dramatic turn, Australia collapsed for 60 in their second innings, before England were bowled out for 62. The match ended with Australia’s victory in 197 overs.

Also READ: Twitter reactions – Aiden Markram smashes a fighting century after Jasprit Bumrah’s onslaught against South Africa on Day 2 of the Cape Town Test