# Five Shortest Completed Test Matches in History Led by India's Historic Cape Town Win

> Test cricket has occasionally seen matches conclude in fewer overs than a standard 50-over ODI game. Here are the five shortest completed Test matches in history.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Cricket · **Published:** 2026-08-23 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/pancha-aise-testa-maicha-jo-vanade-se-bhi-jaldi-nipate-cape-town-men-india-ne-banaya-tha-varlda-rikorda-20621 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Cricket, Test Cricket, Indian Cricket Team, Cape Town Test, Australia Cricket, South Africa Cricket

Test cricket is traditionally known as the ultimate trial of patience and endurance, designed to last over five days and 450 overs. However, there have been rare instances in international cricket where matches concluded in a flash, lasting even fewer overs than a standard 50-over One Day International match. The recent Test match between Australia and Bangladesh at Mackay brought this phenomenon back into the spotlight after Australia wrapped up a commanding victory in under two days. Following a shocking defeat in Darwin, the Australian side bounced back in style, dominating Bangladesh to tie the two-match series at 1-1. This quick finish prompted a look back at the top five shortest completed Test matches in cricket history where a definitive result was produced.

## 4. Australia vs Bangladesh at Mackay (2026)
The second Test match between Australia and Bangladesh, which commenced on 22 August 2026 in Mackay, made its mark on cricket history as the fourth shortest completed Test ever played. Australia defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in a match that lasted just 126 overs across two days. Batting first, Bangladesh collapsed spectacularly, being bundled out for just 64 runs in 34 overs. Australia replied with a total of 210 runs in 52.3 overs, gaining a huge lead. In their second innings, Bangladesh failed to put up a fight once again, getting bowled out for 95 runs in 38.3 overs. With both Bangladeshi innings falling short of three figures, the match was wrapped up swiftly.

## 5. England vs Australia at Old Trafford (1888)
Holding the fifth spot on this list is a historic clash between England and Australia played at Old Trafford, Manchester, in 1888. This match lasted for a total of only 196 overs before a result was achieved. An interesting historical note from this era is that overs consisted of only four balls rather than the modern six-ball standard. England batted first and posted 172 runs in a marathon effort lasting 113.1 overs. Australia's batting lineup collapsed completely in response, managing only 81 runs in 52.2 overs in their first innings and a paltry 70 runs in 31.1 overs in their second innings. England ultimately won the low-scoring contest by 21 runs.

## 3. West Indies vs England at Bridgetown (1935)
The third shortest completed Test match took place in 1935 between the West Indies and England at Bridgetown, Barbados. Weather played a major role in this contest, as heavy rain disrupted play on a treacherous pitch. Despite the interruptions, both captains made strategic declarations to force a result in just 112 overs. The West Indies scored 102 runs in 47 overs in their first innings. England responded by declaring their first innings at 81 for 7 after 29.3 overs to exploit the wet conditions. In a bold tactical move, the West Indies then declared their second innings at 51 for 6 after just 19 overs, setting England a target of 73 runs. England successfully chased down the target, scoring 73 for 6 in 16.3 overs to claim a remarkable victory.

## 2. Australia vs South Africa at Melbourne (1932)
Ranked second on the all-time list is the 1932 encounter between Australia and South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This entire match lasted just 109.2 overs. Australia batted first and accumulated 153 runs in 54.5 overs on a tricky surface. South Africa's batting lineup was systematically dismantled by the Australian bowlers. The visitors were shot out for a miserable 36 runs in 23.2 overs in their first innings, and fared barely any better in the second innings, getting dismissed for 45 runs in 31.3 overs. Australia wrapped up a dominant victory by an innings and 72 runs in little more than a day of playing time.

## 1. India vs South Africa at Cape Town (2024)
The absolute shortest completed Test match in the history of cricket was played between India and South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town in January 2024. The entire match produced a result in an astonishing 107 overs (642 balls). South Africa opted to bat first on a wildly fiery pitch, only to be blown away for 55 runs in 23.2 overs. India built a lead by scoring 153 runs in 34.5 overs during their first innings, losing their last six wickets for zero runs in a dramatic collapse. South Africa put up a better fight in their second innings, scoring 176 runs in 36.5 overs. Chasing a modest target of 79 runs for victory, Team India knocked off the required runs in just 12 overs, losing three wickets in the process to seal a historic 7-wicket win.

## What this means for you
**For Cricket Fans:**

- **Evolving Game Dynamics:** Challenging pitches and aggressive strategies mean Test matches are increasingly finishing within two days, delivering fast-paced drama to fans.
- **Historic Record:** India's 107-over victory against South Africa in Cape Town remains the shortest completed Test match in cricket history.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Which is the shortest completed Test match in cricket history?
The shortest completed Test match was played between India and South Africa at Cape Town in January 2024, lasting just 107 overs.

### 2. How quickly did India win the Cape Town Test against South Africa?
The entire match lasted 107 overs, and India chased down the 79-run target in just 12 overs in their second innings to win by 7 wickets.

### 3. How many overs were bowled in the Australia vs Bangladesh Mackay Test?
The Mackay Test between Australia and Bangladesh lasted a total of 126 overs, with Australia winning by an innings and 51 runs.

### 4. How many balls per over were bowled in the 1888 England vs Australia Test?
During the 1888 Test match at Old Trafford, an over consisted of four balls instead of six.

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