The game of cricket has a long and rich history. Over the years, many memorable matches have taken place.
However, some matches are remembered not for their excitement, but for their brevity. Recently, India played Bangladesh in the second Test of the series and it lasted just 173.2 overs.
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The match was significantly affected by rain, leading to fewer overs being played. This article looks at the five shortest Test matches ever played in the sport.
The shortest Test match ever took place was between India and South Africa in Cape Town in 2023. This match lasted just 107 overs.
India won by seven wickets, drawing the series 1-1. Both teams struggled with batting, and 23 wickets fell on the first day alone.
The Indian bowlers, especially Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, took charge. Their efforts helped India chase down 79 runs on the second day.
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The second-shortest Test match was played between Australia and South Africa in 1935 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This match lasted 109.2 overs, a total of 656 balls bowled.
South Africa recorded their lowest-ever Test total, getting all out for 36 runs. Australia won convincingly by an innings and 72 runs.
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In January 1935, a match between West Indies and England in Bridgetown lasted only 112 overs. The game was heavily impacted by rain.
West Indies batted first but could only score 102 runs. England declared at 81 for 7, and West Indies managed just 51 in their second innings. England chased down the target of 75 runs, winning the match in a peculiar scenario.
The Test match between India and Bangladesh recently, was also quite short, lasting 173.2 overs. Rain affected play on day one, leading to washouts on days two and three.
India bowled Bangladesh out for 233 runs on day four. India then declared at 289 for 5 in just 34.4 overs and bowled out Bangladesh again for 146 runs on day five. India chased down the target of 95 runs quickly, winning the series 2-0.
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This Test match was part of the 1888 Ashes series and took place at Old Trafford. It lasted 196 overs, having 1176 balls bowled.
England scored 172 runs, and Australia managed only 151 runs across both innings. England won the match by an innings and 21 runs.
These matches illustrate how unpredictable cricket can be, with weather and performance impacting the game. The brief nature of these Tests adds an interesting chapter to cricket’s rich history.
