Top 5 shortest Test matches in cricket history, based on balls played

By Ravi - Nov 23, 2025 03:50 PM
Last updated on Nov 23, 2025 03:50 PM

Test cricket is full of surprises because it gives both batsmen and bowlers an equal opportunity to perform well for their team and win the game. Therefore, it is considered the most challenging format of the game. Furthermore, varying conditions make Test matches even more challenging for teams. Playing conditions vary from country to country, while other venues offer considerable turn, which can impact the outcome of the game. Throughout the history of the game, there have been several Test matches that ended in 4-5 sessions or less. We will discuss the shortest Test matches in cricket history, based on the number of overs bowled.

In early 2024, at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, a match between India and South Africa was played that was so fast that it broke a 92-year-old record and became the shortest Test match in cricket history.

1. 642 balls - India vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2024

The shortest Test cricket match ever played was between South Africa and India at Newlands in Cape Town. It was the first Test of 2024, which ended in just five sessions. South Africa batted first and were all out for 55 in 23.2 overs, their lowest total on home soil. India were in good form at one point, but later lost their last six wickets without scoring a run. They scored 153 runs in 34.5 overs. In reply, South Africa were all out for 176 runs in 36.5 overs. India were set a target of 79 runs to win, which they achieved in 12 overs. The match was completed in 107 overs.

2. 842 balls - India vs England, Ahmedabad, 2021

In the Test match in Ahmedabad, a highly turning pitch produced impressive results. England were bowled out for 112 in the first innings, thanks to a six-wicket haul from Axar Patel. In reply, India scored 145 in 53.2 overs. Axar and Ashwin again dominated the third innings, taking a combined nine wickets to restrict England to 81. India then achieved the target of 49 runs in 7.4 overs, ending the match in two days, with just 842 balls bowled across four innings.

3. 847 balls - Australia vs England, Perth 2025

In the 2025 Ashes Test in Perth, 19 wickets fell on the first day. Both Australia and England batted poorly, losing three innings in a day and a half. The target was 205 in the fourth innings, and opening batsman Travis Head finally broke the momentum and decided to bat with intent. He fought back, scoring 123 runs off 83 balls, and achieved the target in 28.2 overs. Only 847 balls were bowled over two days, and only the Australian team batted for more than 40 overs in the second innings.

4. 866 balls - Australia vs South Africa, Brisbane, 2022

In the first Test of the series, played in Brisbane in 2022, South Africa struggled against Australia's fast bowlers, collapsing to 152 and 99 in their respective innings. Australia scored 218 in the second innings, thanks to Travis Head's 92, and eventually set the hosts a target of just 34 runs. The Proteas then staged a comeback, taking three wickets in seven overs to dismiss Usman Khawaja, David Warner, and Steve Smith. However, this total was too low to defend, and Australia won by six wickets. The match lasted 866 balls and just two days.

5. 883 balls - South Africa vs England, Centurion, 2000

After the first three days of the match were washed out due to rain, South Africa declared their first innings at 248/8, and then both teams decided to forfeit two innings each, leaving England a target of 249 runs to win on the final day. Fifties from Alec Stewart and Michael Vaughan helped England win by 2 wickets, finishing the match in just 883 balls

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