South Africa vs India, 2nd Test: The shortest Test match in cricket history?

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On January 3, India took on South Africa in the 2nd Test of their bilateral series in Cape Town, looking to win their first match at the venue, and draw the series after losing the Boxing Day Test in Centurion.

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After choosing to bat first, South Africa were bowled out for a paltry 55 in the first session of the match, as Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj picked up 6/15. India then replied with 153, losing their last 6 wickets for zero runs but securing a 98-run lead on a day where a staggering 23 wickets eventually went down.

On Day 2, South Africa began the day on 62/3, before Aiden Markram's century pulled them into the lead and last wicket pair Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi held on bravely to score 176. In reply, India knocked off the required 79 runs in  overs, making it the shortest Test match with a winner in history.

What is the shortest Test match in cricket history?

Officially, the shortest men's Test match lasted just 10 deliveries, between England and West Indies at North Sound in 2009. However, that match was called off due to dangerous conditions for the bowlers and the result was a draw.

MORE: What is South Africa's lowest innings totals in Tests at home?

In men's Tests which have seen a winner, the previous shortest match came in 1932, when Australia beat South Africa in Melbourne. The entire match lasted just 109.2 overs, or 656 deliveries as South Africa were bowled out for 36 & 45 either side of Australia's 153.

Shortest Test matches with a winner
Winner Loser Match Length (Balls) Venue Date
India South Africa 642 Cape Town 4 Jan 2024
Australia South Africa 656 Melbourne 12 Feb 1932
England West Indies 672 Bridgetown 8 Jan 1935
England Australia 788 Manchester 30 Aug 1888
Australia England 792 Lord's 16 Jul 1888
England South Africa 796 Cape Town 25 Mar 1889
England South Africa 815 The Oval 12 Aug 1912
India England 842 Ahmedabad 24 Feb 2021
Australia South Africa 866 Brisbane 17 Dec 2022
Australia New Zealand 872 Wellington 29 Mar 1946
England South Africa 883 Centurion 14 Jan 2000

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Author(s)
Rahul Iyer Photo

Rahul is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.