Top 5 Shortest Completed Test Matches in the Cricket History

Test matches are the ultimate format of the game. It tests your patience towards the game day by day. Moreover, it examines a player's game read and a captain's leadership skills each day. Some of the records are created by batsmen and some of them are created by the bowlers. During the SA vs IND 2nd Test match at Cape Town, match ended in just five sessions with 107 overs bowled, making it the shortest test match in the history of cricket. So, it's time we look at the top 5 shortest test matches in cricket history.

Also Read: Top 5 Lowest Totals scored against India in Test Cricket

The Lord's Cricket Ground has witnessed various incredible games in the history of cricket. The shortest test played at this venue was between England and Australia in July 1888, which ended in just 197 overs. Only four balls were used to be bowled at that time in an over in Tests played in England. Australia scored 116 runs (71.2 overs) and 60 runs (29.2 overs) in their two innings. On the other hand, England scored 53 runs (50 overs) and 62 runs (47 overs) and lost the match by 61 runs, making it the fifth shortest test match in cricket history.

The third test of the same series between England and Australia produced another shortest game, this time at Old Trafford. The match ended in 196 overs. England made 172 runs (113.1 overs) in the first inning which was enough to win that match. Australia managed to score only 81 runs (52.2 overs) and 70 runs (31.1 overs) in both innings and lost the match by an inning and 21 runs.

The third shortest game was played between the West Indies and England in Bridgetown in January 1935. This game lasted for only 112 overs. The match was affected by rain. West Indies batted first and made 102 runs in 47 overs. In reply, England declared their innings at 81/7 in 29.3 overs because of the bad behavior of the pitch. In the second inning, West Indies batted and declared at 51/6 in 19 overs. England scored 75/6 in 16.3 overs and won the game.

The shortest test match was recorded between Australia and South Africa at MCG before India and South Africa broke the 89-year-old record in Test cricket in 2024. At first, Australia batted and made 153 runs in 54.3 overs. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 36 runs (23.2 overs) and 45 runs (31.3 overs) in their two innings. Australia won that game by an inning and 72 runs, which lasted only for 109.2 overs.

The shortest game ever to take place in Test cricket is between India and South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. This was the first test of 2024, which ended in just five sessions. South Africa batted first and were bowled out for the lowest total at home of 55 runs in 23.2 overs courtesy of Siraj's 6-wicket haul. India started well but later lost the last six wickets without a run. Only Virat Kohli (46 runs) put up some score to help India get a lead of 98 runs. India managed to score only 153 runs in 34.5 overs.

In reply, South Africa got all out for 176 runs in 36.5 overs as Bumrah scalped 6 wickets but Aiden Markram scored a fearless century and fought alone for his side. India had a target of 79 runs which they chased in 12 overs and won the match comfortably by 7 wickets. Overall this game was completed in 107 overs, making it the shortest test match in the history of cricket.