The recent Test match between India (IND) and South Africa (SA) in Cape Town will go down in cricket history as a historic event. This match, a part of the ongoing ICC Test Championship, rewrote history by becoming the shortest-ever completed Test in over 90 years.
This historic match broke the previous record of a 1932 Melbourne match between Australia and South Africa. The Cape Town Test concluded in 642 balls (107 overs), beating the Melbourne match’s total of 656 balls (109 overs).
This historic match witnessed India’s persistent comeback following their defeat in Centurion. India chased down a 78-run target in 12 overs to tie the series 1-1 and move to the top of the World Test Championship 2023-25 standings. Both teams shared the trophy in this dramatic series finale.
India's first Test win in Cape Town takes them to the top of the #WTC25 table 🇮🇳 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/0PwBlNJlih
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 4, 2024
The highlight of the match was Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quick scoring and Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj’s stunning six-wicket haul. Aiden Markram of South Africa also sparkled with a superb century in difficult conditions.
The Cape Town Test not only created a new record for the shortest completed Test, but it also demonstrated the changing dynamics of Test cricket throughout the ICC Test Championship period.
This encounter will surely be remembered for its intensity, historic significance, and both sides’ exceptional skill.
A look at the key takeaways as India draw a Test series in South Africa after 13 years 👇#WTC25 #SAvIND
— ICC (@ICC) January 4, 2024
List of Shortest Test Matches:
Following is the list of top five shortest test matches in terms of balls:
- India defeated South Africa by seven wickets in 642 balls. (2023; Cape Town)
- Australia beat South Africa by an innings and 72 runs in 656 Balls. (1932; Melbourne)
- England defeated the West Indies by four wickets in 672 balls. (1935; Bridgetown)
- England beat Australia by an innings and 21 runs in 788 balls. (1888; Manchester)
- Australia defeated England by 61 runs in 792 balls (1888; Lord’s)
