Team India secured a 7 wicket victory over South Africa to level the series 1-1

In a historic turn of events, the second Test match between India and South Africa in Cape Town recently etched its name in the cricket record books as the shortest-ever Test match in the 147-year history of the sport. The match lasted only 107 overs, equivalent to 642 balls. It saw a flurry of broken records, ultimately resulting in India leveling the series at 1-1 with a seven-wicket victory.

India’s victory in Newlands was not only their first-ever win at the venue but also the shortest Test match. They previously set at 842 balls against England in 2021.

South Africa batted twice on the same day, resulting in a total of 23 wickets falling on the first day. India successfully chased down 79 runs on Day 2, capping off a remarkable start to the new year.

Here’s a list of the top five shortest Test matches ever played:

  1. India vs South Africa, 2023: 107 overs
    India’s quest to draw only their second-ever Test series in South Africa saw pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah delivering memorable performances with six-wicket-hauls each. The match featured a total of 33 wickets falling within two days. India earned a 7-wicket victory at Newlands, Cape Town.
  2. Australia vs South Africa, 1935: 109.2 overs
    A clash between Australia and South Africa at the MCG in 1935 produced the second-shortest Test match lasting 109.2 overs. South Africa’s lowest-ever Test total of 36 all out in 23.2 overs paved the way for Australia’s dominant innings and 72-run win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
  3. West Indies vs England, 1935: 112 overs
    In a peculiar encounter marred by persistent rain in January 1935, West Indies and England played out the third-shortest Test match, spanning just 112 overs in Bridgetown. A weather-affected game saw England emerge victorious by successfully chasing a modest target of 75 in the fourth innings.
  4. England vs Australia, 1888: 196 overs
    During the 1888 Ashes series at Old Trafford, England and Australia engaged in the fourth-shortest Test match, lasting 196 overs. The unique rule of 4 balls per over in England Tests at the time did not hinder England’s dominance, securing a decisive victory by an innings and 21 runs.
  5. England vs Australia, 1888: 197 overs
    The same series witnessed the iconic Lord’s hosting the fifth-shortest Test match, lasting 197 overs. Australia’s batting struggles paved the way for England’s victory, as they were skittled for 60 in the second innings, giving England a memorable win in just 197 overs.