Discover the thrill of the shortest Test matches ever played in cricket history! This list of the five fastest Test matches spotlights games that ended in record time, leaving fans stunned. From astonishing collapses to dominant performances, these matches show the unpredictable side of Test cricket, where strategies and quick wickets turned the game on its head. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced action or just curious about cricket’s unusual records, this roundup of the shortest Test matches will fascinate and surprise you. Dive into cricket history and explore how these unforgettable games changed the pace of the sport.
5. England vs Australia, 1888: 197 overs
The same Ashes series also featured the fifth-shortest Test match at Lord’s. Australia struggled with their batting, being dismissed for 60 in the second innings, which led to an England victory in just 197 overs.
4. England vs Australia, 1888: 196 overs
During the 1888 Ashes series at Old Trafford, England and Australia played the fourth-shortest Test match, lasting 196 overs. England, with a rule of four balls per over at the time, dominated and won by an innings and 21 runs.
3. West Indies vs England, 1935: 112 overs
This match, played in Bridgetown, was affected by persistent rain in January 1935, making it the third-shortest Test. England chased down a modest target of 75 in the fourth innings to win the game.
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2. Australia vs South Africa, 1935: 109.2 overs
The Melbourne Cricket Ground hosted this second-shortest Test match in 1935. South Africa’s record-low total of 36 all out in 23.2 overs allowed Australia to secure an innings and 72-run victory.
1.India vs South Africa, 2023: 107 overs
In this historic match at Newlands, Cape Town, India’s pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah shone with six-wicket hauls each. The game, which saw 33 wickets fall over two days, ended with India achieving a seven-wicket victory.
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