In Cape Town, the second Test match between South Africa and India ended in all but 107 overs (642 balls), the shortest in history. India defeated England in the Newlands Test by seven wickets to tie the series 1-1, breaking their own previous best of 842 balls against them in 2021. On their ninth tour of South Africa, India lost 10 more players on Day 2 before rallying for 79 runs to win their first Test at the stadium.
In light of this, we examine the five shortest Test matches in history:
India vs South Africa, 2023: 107 overs
In an attempt to draw their second-ever Test series in South Africa, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, two Indian pacers, bowled some remarkable spells. In Newlands, Cape Town, the opening day of the 2024 season saw the fall of 23 wickets, and the second day saw the fall of 10 wickets.
Australia vs South Africa, 1935: 109.2 overs
Australia and South Africa’s 656-ball Test match at the MCG was the second-shortest ever. Additionally, South Africa scored 36 all out in 23.2 overs, their lowest-ever Test total. When South Africa batted first, Bert Ironmonger recorded ridiculous 5/6 stats. After Australia responded with 153 in 54.3 overs, South Africa was once more bowled out for 45 in 31.3 overs.
West Indies vs England, 1935: 112 overs
Bridgetown saw one of the most bizarre and brief Test matches ever played in January 1935. The game was reduced to a measly 112 overs (672 balls) due to persistent rain. Ken Farms claimed 4/40 as the West Indies, batting first, were thrashed for 102 in 47 overs. In response, England made an odd declaration at 81/7 because the pitch was quickly getting worse.
England vs Australia, 1888: 196 overs
Another brief meeting took place at Old Trafford during the 1888 Ashes series. At that time, England Test matches were played under the unusual regulation of 4 balls every over. The match lasted only 196 overs (1176 balls). With 7/31 in the first innings and 4/37 in the second, Bobby Peel gave England complete control. Their lopsided effort won them the game by twenty-one runs in an innings.
England vs Australia, 1888: 197 overs
During the same series, the legendary Lord’s hosted the shortest Test match ever, with just 197 overs, on its sacred field. (1,882 balls). After Australia batted first and scored 116 (71.2 overs) thanks to impressive damage from Peel and Johnny Briggs, England could manage only 53 in 50 overs. Although a 122-run total appeared doable, Turner and JJ Ferris both took five wickets as England was dismissed for 62 in 47 overs.
