Top 10 shortest completed test matches in the history of cricket

The shortest completed test match ended after 107 overs of play.

Test cricket is full of surprises because it gives both batters and bowlers an equal chance to perform and win the game for their team. That is why it is known as the hardest format of the game. Adding to that, the different conditions make a test match more difficult for the teams. The playing conditions in every country are different from one another.

Some places offer seam, swing and bounce, while other offer a great amount of turn, which also effect on the result of the game. In the history of the game, there are a number of test matches that have ended within 4-5 sessions or less. That’s what we will talk here. We will talk about the shortest completed test matches in the history of cricket in terms of overs bowled in the complete match.

8. England vs South Africa – 135.5 overs (The Oval, 1912)

A test match between England and South Africa at the Oval took place in August 1912 which ended in 135.5 overs. South Africa batted first and got all out for 95 runs (42.3 overs). England replied with a score of 176 runs (56.1 overs). South Africa had similar performance in the second innings, as they were dismissed for 93 runs (32.4 overs). England got a target of 13 runs and they made 14/0 in 4.3 overs and won the test match.

7. South Africa vs England – 198 overs (4 balls per over) (Cape Town, 1889)

Bowling out the opposition below 50 runs in both innings of a test is pretty rare. One such instance occurred in March 1889, when England and South Africa faced each other in Cape Town. England batted once and made 292 runs in 123.1 overs. South Africa were dismissed for 47 runs (47.1 overs) and 43 runs (28.2 overs) and lost by an innings and 202 runs. That game ended in 198 overs. Only four balls per over were used to get bowled Tests played in South Africa in 1889.

6. England vs Australia – 197 overs (4 balls per over) (Lord’s, 1888)

Lord’s cricket ground has seen some incredible games in the history of cricket. The shortest test played at this venue was between England and Australia in July 1888, which ended in 197 overs, where only four balls were used to be bowled at that time in an over in Tests played in England. Australia scored 116 runs (71.2 overs) and 60 runs (29.2 overs) in their two innings. On the other hand, England scored 53 runs (50 overs) and 62 runs (47 overs) and lost the match by 61 runs.

5. England vs Australia – 196 overs (4 balls per over) (Old Trafford, 1888)

The third test of the same series of the previous instance between England and Australia produced another shortest game. This was played at Old Trafford, which ended in 196 overs, where only four balls were used to be bowled in an over in Tests played in England. England batted once and made 172 runs (113.1 overs). In reply, Australia managed 81 runs (52.2 overs) and 70 runs (31.1 overs) and lost by an innings and 21 runs.

4. Australia vs Bangladesh – 125 overs (Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2026)

Australia vs Bangladesh Test in Mackay in 2026 ranks fourth in this list. The Test match lasted just 124 overs, which Australia won by innings and 51 runs. Put into bat, Bangladesh got all out for just 64 runs in 34 overs with Mitchell Starc being the pick of the bowlers with his 6-fer. In reply, Australia also didn’t have a great outing as they got all out for 210 in 52.3 overs. It was expected that Bangladesh would put up a fight; however, they came up with yet again poor performance as they were bundled out for 95 in just 38.3 overs.

3. West Indies vs England – 112 overs (Bridgetown, 1935)

The third shortest game was played between West Indies and England in Bridgetown in January 1935. This game lasted for only 112 overs. It was one of the strangest test matches ever played, which was largely affected by rain. West Indies batted first and made 102 runs in 47 overs. In reply, England declared their innings at 81/7 in 29.3 overs because of the bad behaviour of the pitch. In reply, West Indies batted and declared at 51/6 in 19 overs. England made 75/6 in 16.3 overs in the fourth innings and won the game.

2. Australia vs South Africa – 109.2 overs (Melbourne, 1935)

The shortest test match was recorded between Australia and South Africa at the MCG before India and South Africa broke the 89-year-old record in test cricket in 2024. It saw South Africa’s two lowest test scores. Australia batted once and made 153 runs in 54.3 overs. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 36 runs (23.2 overs) and 45 runs (31.3 overs) in their two innings. Australia won that game by an innings and 72 runs, which ended in 109.2 overs.

1. South Africa vs India – 107 overs (Cape Town, 2024)

The shortest ever completed test cricket match was between South Africa and India at Newlands in Cape Town. This was the first test of 2024, which ended in just five sessions. South Africa batted first and were bowled out for the lowest total at home of 55 runs in 23.2 overs.

India looked good at one stage, but later lost last six wickets without a run. They managed 153 runs in 34.5 overs. In reply, South Africa got all out for 176 runs in 36.5 overs. India had a target of 79 runs, which they chased in 12 overs and won. Overall this game was completed in 107 overs

(All stats updated till 22nd November, 2025)

Note: The list includes matches which produced a complete result by a team winning the match.

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