Top 5 Shortest Matches in Test cricket history

Over the years, cricket has seen many incredible moments that became history. Test cricket is the oldest form of the game, which came in existence in 1877. Since then, a number of things changed, but the way to play test cricket is the same. This format has produced some of the best matches of all time.

There have been some games, where batters dominated all the way. On the other hand, there are some matches that moved at the rapid pace. In this article, we will talk about the top shortest matches played in the history of test cricket. It is astonishing to know that a test match has also ended within five sessions.

List of Top 3 Shortest matches in Test Cricket

5. 1888: England vs Australia – 197 overs (4-ball over) (Lord’s)

The fourth-shortest test came in the third game of the test series between England and Australia in 1888. Meanwhile, the fifth shortest matches in the first match, which ended in 792 balls. Australia batted twice and scored 116 and 60 in two innings. England scored 53 and 62 and lost by 61 runs.

4. 1888: England vs Australia – 196 overs (4-ball over) (Old Trafford)

There was a time, when a over was complete with four balls instead of six. Then, the fourth-shortest game took place between England and Australia in Manchester in August 1888. After winning the toss, England batted and managed 172 runs in 113.1 overs (4-ball over). But it was too much for Australia, as they scored 81 and 70 in two innings. This game was completed in just 788 balls (197 overs of 4 balls).

3. 1935: West Indies vs England – 112 overs (Bridgetown)

The game between England and West Indies, which was played in Bridgetown in January 1935, was the third-shortest ever. This game got over in 112 overs. This was the rain-hit match and poor pitch conditions made it more worst. West Indies made 102 runs in 47 overs in the first innings. In reply, England declared at 81/7 in 29.3 overs because it was tough to bat on the pitch. West Indies batted again and scored 51/6 and declared in 19 overs. England made 75/6 in 16.3 overs to win the game.

2. 1932: Australia vs South Africa – 109.2 overs (Melbourne)

The second-shortest test match was played between Australia and South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This was the fifth game of the series. South Africa registered their lowest test total in the first innings and got all out for 36 runs in 23.2 overs. In reply, Australia made 153 runs in 54.3 overs and took a lead of 117 runs. South Africa got all out again cheaply in the second innings for 45 runs in 31.3 overs. Australia won that game by an innings and 72 runs and it got over in 109.2 overs.

1. 2024: South Africa vs India – 107 Overs (Cape Town)

The recently concluded test match between South Africa and India at Newlands in Cape Town has been registered in the record books as the shortest test match. This game ended in just four and half sessions. It started with South Africa getting all out for 55 runs in 23.2 overs. In reply, India made 153 runs in 34.5 overs. In the second innings, South Africa scored 176 runs in 36.5 overs and gave India a target of 79 runs. India made 80/4 in 12 overs and won. This game ended in just 107 overs.