The second Test match between India and South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, concluded on the second day, with the match wrapped up within 5 sessions itself. This match has booked it’s place in the record books for being the shortest Test match in the history of cricket which goes to 147 years.
While the sport’s first Test match dates back to 1877, this recent contest remarkably ended in only 642 deliveries, equivalent to just 107 overs. To put this into perspective, a One Day International (ODI) typically spans 100 overs.
This particular match stands out as the quickest conclusion to a Test match in history. Previously, a Test match in 1932 between Australia and South Africa in Melbourne concluded in 656 balls, 92 years prior. The recent Cape Town Test match between India and South Africa set a new record by reaching its end in just 642 balls, marking the fastest Test match of this century.
Shortest Test Matches in terms of deliveries bowled –
642 Balls – SA vs IND, Cape Town, 2024
656 Balls- AUS vs SA, Melbourne, 1932
672 Balls- WI vs ENG, Bridgerton, 1935
788 Balls- ENG vs AUS, Manchester, 1888
792 Balls- ENG vs AUS, Lords, 1888
Congratulations to #TeamIndia for levelling the series!
Markram’s approach was fantastic because sometimes attack is the best form of defence on a pitch like this.
Well bowled by Bumrah, who showed us exactly, how bowling in the channel consistently is all that’s required on such… pic.twitter.com/e1HDLq0IgR— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 4, 2024
Maiden win in Cape Town
Team India has achieved its maiden Test victory at Newlands, Cape Town. India had played their first-ever Test match at this venue back in 1993 and hadn’t won in 5 Test matches. Now, after a span of 31 years, India emerged victorious in the seventh Test contest held at this ground. This victory is not just India’s first Test win against South Africa at Newlands but also marks the first Test triumph for any Asian team at this venue. India sealed the match with a convincing 7-wicket win. The South African team struggled, managing only 55 runs in their first innings, with Mohammed Siraj claiming 6 wickets. Jasprit Bumrah’s 6-wicket haul in the second innings and Dean Elgar’s century further highlighted this Test match, which holds significant importance in the realm of cricketing records.