Four shortest Tests played in the 21st century (in terms of balls)

Test cricket, also known as the longest format of the game, is meant to last for a maximum of five days. Played across five long days, each of which comprises three two-hour-long sessions, this format can be a real test of resilience and character for the players involved. While most Tests traditionally ended within 3-4 days, some see a far more premature ending. Not to mention, the despair that engulfs the fans as they have their tickets booked for the latter stages of the game, only for it to end within a short span of 1-2 days. 

While it is not always a good thing for the Tests to get over this early, here are the four shortest Tests that have lasted fewer than 900 balls in the 21st century.

See also: The Hundred Women 2025: TRT-W vs NOS-W Prediction– 8th Match, Who will win today?

India vs South Africa 2024, Cape Town (642 balls)

This Test match holds the record for being the shortest Test match in the history of the game. This game lasted only a meager 642 balls and was over in just a little over a day. On a difficult, seam-friendly deck, South Africa were decimated in their first innings for just 55 as Mohammed Siraj ran riot with the ball, picking up impressive figures of 6-15. On the contrary, India made a much better start with the bat and seemed to be cruising along nicely at 153-4. But then, an expected collapse ensued, which no one would have hardly expected in their wildest dreams.

India went on to lose six wickets without a run and went from 153-4 to 153-10 in almost the blink of an eye. By stumps on day one, South Africa were reduced to 62-3 and still trailed by 36 runs. Aiden Markram slammed a valiant century to take South Africa's score to 176 on day two. But his effort proved to be insufficient as South Africa were only able to set a modest target of 79. India chased down the target relatively quickly inside 12 overs and went on to register a series-levelling win. In the aftermath of the game, ICC rated the Newlands pitch as "unsatisfactory".

India vs England 2021, Ahmedabad (842 balls)

This day/night Test match was played in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad which had just been renovated ahead of this marquee clash. This was also the first D/N Test between the two sides as well. Unfortunately, this historic Test match did not pan out as planned. Batters from both teams struggled to operate on the rank turner. England's first innings saw a momentary resistance from Zak Crawley, who smashed a breezy 53 (84). But the introduction of spinners triggered an imminent collapse. Axar Patel emerged as the chief destroyer for India, bagging figures of 6-38 while Ravi Ashwin also played his part, picking 3-26 to sink England for 112.

India responded patiently with the bat and ended day one on a high by posting 99 for the loss of only three wickets. Before the start of day two, the home side was poised to achieve a massive first innings lead. But then is when things took a turn for the worse. Joe Root surprisingly went on to register his maiden Test five-fer, and with added support from Jack Leach, England were able to bounce back and restrict India to 145 just before Tea. However, England couldn't take inspiration from Root's magnificent exploits with the ball and were bundled out for just 81 in the second innings. The target was chased down in less than eight overs, and the entire test match came to a close in a little over 1.5 days with 842 deliveries bowled. Despite heightened criticism from the cricket pundits regarding the state of the pitch, the ICC came to the rescue of the home side and deemed the pitch "satisfactory".

Australia vs South Africa 2022, Brisbane (866 balls)    

The Brisbane Test between Australia and South Africa ended on a one-sided note with the home side wrapping things up in just a matter of two days. The Test lasted only 866 balls, making it the second-shortest Test ever to be played on Australian soil. On a pitch that produced an awkward bounce, a staggering 15 wickets fell on day one as South Africa were bowled out for 152. In response, Australia lost half their side for just 145 before the call of stumps on day one. Then on day two, Australia were able to get past South Africa's 152 and secure a vital lead of 66 runs before getting bundled out for 215. 

But the problems for batters from either side existed. South Africa hardly got going with the bat in the second innings as Pat Cummins troubled the Proteas batters immensely with his variable bounce and registered a magnificent Test five-fer to skittle the visitors cheaply for 99. Tasked with chasing a paltry score of 34, Australia went on to lose four wickets, and the game was wrapped up during the dying minutes of day two's play. Following the conclusion of the game, the ICC slammed the Gabba pitch and deemed it to be too unsafe for play. As a consequence, the Gabba pitch received a "below average" rating, while Richie Richardson, who was in charge as a match referee for that game, felt that the pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. 

Pakistan vs Australia 2002, Sharjah (893 balls)  

A Test that was played in the scorching Sharjah heat, Pakistan were blown away cheaply in what turned out to be one of the quickest finishes of the early 2000s. The Test match lasted only 893 balls as Australia flexed their muscles to punish Pakistan mercilessly for two straight days. They ran Pakistan ragged on the field in both innings combined. Pakistan were a no-show with the bat in the first innings and were floored for a shocking 59, with Shane Warner emerging as the destroyer-in-chief with figures of 4-11 in his 11-over spell. In response, Matthew Hayden led the way for Australia with a magnificent ton (119). But Saqlain Mushtaq was able to get the better of the Aussies eventually and restricted them to 310.

Wiping out a deficit of 251 runs was always going to be a challenge. But only a select few expected Pakistan to surrender cheaply in the second innings. Their fortunes did not change much in the second innings as they were bundled out for 53. Warne once again went rampant with the ball and registered a four-fer to hand Australia a massive win by an innings and 198 runs. Imran Nazir and Misbah ul Haq were the only two Pakistani batters to make it to double figures in that innings. As records would have it, this is currently Pakistan's second-lowest score in Test cricket.