Top 5 fastest double centuries (200) by South Africa batsmen in test cricket

A total of 16 South African batsmen have hit double centuries in test cricket.

Test cricket is known for its tough and grinding nature. The longest format of the game, played over five days, requires batters to play out difficult phases with grit and determination.

While patience holds the key in test match batting, batters must also seize favourable moments to score quick runs and shift the momentum.

Throughout their history, South Africa have produced several explosive batsmen who have been known for their ability to change the game within a few overs.

In this article, we will take a look at the top five fastest double centuries made by South Africa batsmen in test cricket.

Top five fastest double centuries (200) by South Africa batsmen in test cricket

5. Jacques Kallis – 267 balls vs India, Centurion, 2010

Legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis played a cracking innings against India at Centurion in 2010, which was the first test of the three-match series.

After dismissing India for 136 runs in the first innings, South Africa were 166/2 when Kallis came in to bat. Playing a counter-attacking knock, Kallis reached his double century in just 267 balls. His unbeaten 201 helped the Proteas post 620 runs.

South Africa ultimately won the game by an innings and 15 runs and Kallis was named Player of the Match for his efforts.

4. Ryan Rickelton – 266 balls vs PAK, Cape Town, 2025

Ryan Rickelton blasted a 266-ball double ton in Cape Town in the 2025 home series against Pakistan. His blistering knock came when the Proteas were looking to post a big score in the first innings.

Ryan’s innings, which included 25 fours and a six, helped the Proteas post a big first-innings total. He stitched a 235-run partnership with Temba Bavuma, who scored a ton in the game, for the fourth wicket.

3. Gary Kirsten – 251 balls vs ZIM, Harare, 2001

Gary Kirsten smashed a 251-ball double century against Zimbabwe in 2001 at Harare, which was then the fastest double test century by a South African in test cricket. What made his innings special was the massive 256-run opening stand with Herschelle Gibbs.

Batting first, Kirsten’s blazing knock of 220 runs helped South Africa post a mammoth score of 600 in their first innings. South Africa ultimately won the game by nine wickets on the fifth day.

2. Graeme Smith – 238 balls vs BAN, Chittagong, 2008

One of the greatest openers of the 21st century, Graeme Smith holds the record of scoring second-fastest test century by a South African batsman in test cricket. It occured when he smashed a 238-ball double hundred against Bangladesh at Chittagong in 2008.

Opening the innings, Smith destroyed the Bangladeshi bowling attack by smashing 33 fours and a six for his innings of 232. Smith added 415 runs with Neil McKenzie (226) for the first wicket.

Bangladesh were no match with the bat as they were bundled out for 259 and 119 runs in the first and second innings respectively. South Africa won the game by an innings and 205 runs.

1. Herschelle Gibbs – 211 balls vs PAK, Cape Town, 2003

Hailed as one of the most explosive batsmen in South Africa’s history, Herschelle Gibbs holds the record for the fastest double test hundred by a South African batsman for his 211-ball double century against Pakistan in Cape Town in 2003.

Gibbs’ 228-run knock helped South Africa post a massive total of 620/7 declared in the first innings. Gibbs’ innings comprised 29 fours and six sixes.

Pakistan scored 252 and 226 in both their innings and lost the game by an innings and 142 runs.

(All stats are updated 4th January 2025)

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