Top 5 Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History

Test cricket is usually known for its long matches, patience, and games that last up to five days. However, there have been occasions when matches ended much faster due to dramatic collapses, aggressive batting, or unusual pitch conditions. These games are now remembered as some of the Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History. The opening Ashes 2025 Test in Perth is the latest example, ending in just two days. Here is a list of the top 5 Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History.

5. South Africa vs England, Centurion, 2000 – 883 Balls

This match is famous for controversy as much as cricket. Heavy rain washed out the first three days, prompting both teams to forfeit an innings. South Africa declared at 248/8, leaving England a target of 249 on the final day.

Alec Stewart and Michael Vaughan played key innings, scoring half-centuries to guide England to a 2-wicket victory. Only 883 balls were bowled in total, making it one of the Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History. However, this match became infamous due to match-fixing, with South Africa captain Hansie Cronje receiving a lifetime ban.

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4. Australia vs South Africa, Brisbane, 2022 – 866 Balls

The first Test at Brisbane ended quickly as South Africa struggled against Australia’s fast bowlers. South Africa were bowled out for 152 and 99 in two innings. Travis Head’s 92 runs in Australia’s second innings helped set a small target of 34 runs for South Africa.

Despite early breakthroughs, Australia won by 6 wickets. The match finished in just 866 balls, ranking among the Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History.

3. Australia vs England, Perth, 2025 – 847 Balls

The Ashes 2025 Test at Perth became one of the most dramatic Tests. On Day 1 alone, 19 wickets fell as three innings were completed in 1.5 days. Poor batting and fast Australian conditions made scoring difficult.

Travis Head led a quick chase, scoring 123 runs off 83 balls to finish the match in 28.2 overs. The match ended in only 847 balls, making it one of the Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History.

2. India vs England, Ahmedabad, 2021 – 842 Balls

The day-night Test at Ahmedabad featured a turning pitch that heavily favored spinners. Axar Patel took 6 wickets in England’s first innings and 4 in the third innings. Ravichandran Ashwin took 5 wickets in the third innings, reducing England to 81 runs in their second innings.

India chased 49 runs in just 7.4 overs, completing the match in only 842 balls. This game demonstrated that spin bowlers can produce some of the Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History just as fast as pacers.

1. India vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2024 – 642 Balls

The second Test at Cape Town became the fastest Test of the century. South Africa were bowled out for 55 runs in the first innings, while India scored 153 in reply. South Africa managed 176 in the third innings.

India chased 79 runs in 12 overs to win by 7 wickets. With no team batting beyond 40 overs, pacers dominated, and only 642 balls were bowled in total, making this match the shortest Test in recent history and one of the Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History.

These matches prove that even in Test cricket, where patience is key, results can come fast. The combination of strong bowling, pitch conditions, and batting collapses ensures that some games remain memorable as the Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History.