Explore the top 5 shortest day-night Test matches ever played, featuring quick results and record-breaking finishes in cricket history. Day-night Test matches were introduced by the ICC in 2015 to make Test cricket more exciting and attract more viewers.
These matches use a pink ball instead of the traditional red ball, as it is easier to see under lights. The pink ball also moves more in the evening, making it harder for batters and giving bowlers an advantage.
Because of this, day-night Tests often finish faster than regular Tests. Most of these matches haven’t lasted five days, and none have ended in a draw so far.
With that in mind, let’s look at the top five shortest completed day-night Test matches.
Top five fastest completed day-night Test matches:
5. South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2017, Gqeberha – 907 balls
The day-night Test between South Africa and Zimbabwe in Gqeberha in 2017 was very short, lasting only 907 balls.
South Africa batted first and scored 309/9 declared in 79 overs. Zimbabwe replied by getting bowled out for 68 and 121 (after following on).
South Africa won the match by an innings and 120 runs. Aiden Markram was named Player of the Match for his 125 runs.
4. West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 2018, Bridgetown – 1201 balls
The day-night Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka in Bridgetown in 2018 lasted only 200.1 overs in total.
West Indies batted first and scored 204 runs in 69 overs. Sri Lanka replied with 154 runs in 59 overs.
In their second innings, West Indies collapsed and were all out for just 93 runs. Sri Lanka chased the target of 144 runs and won with four wickets left. Jason Holder was named Player of the Match for scoring 74 runs and taking nine wickets.
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3. India vs Bangladesh, 2019, Kolkata – 968 balls
Eden Gardens has hosted many unforgettable Test matches. One of them was India’s first day-night Test against Bangladesh in 2019. The match ended quickly, lasting only 968 balls.
Bangladesh scored 106 runs (31 overs) in their first innings and 195 runs (42 overs) in their second. India scored 347/9 declared (90 overs) and won the match by an innings and 46 runs.
Ishant Sharma was named Player of the Match for taking nine wickets in the game.
2. Australia vs India, 2020, Adelaide – 1031 balls
One of the most memorable Test matches between Australia and India was played at Adelaide Oval in December 2020, under day-night conditions. The match ended on the third day.
India batted first and scored 244 runs in 93 overs. Australia’s first innings was shorter, with 191 runs in 72 overs.
The big turning point came in the third innings when Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins bowled out India for their lowest-ever Test score of 36 runs. Australia won the match by eight wickets, with the game lasting only 1031 balls.
1. India vs England, 2021, Ahmedabad – 842 balls
The shortest day-night Test match was played between India and England in Ahmedabad in 2021. The match lasted only 842 balls (140.2 overs).
England batted first and were bowled out for 112 runs in 48.4 overs. India started well but lost their last seven wickets for just 40 runs, scoring 145 runs in total.
In their second innings, England were bowled out for 81 runs in 30.4 overs. India chased the target of 49 runs in 7.4 overs and won the match.
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