![Shortest Test matches by balls bowled in this century [Source: AFP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1763881755564_ashes_perth_test.jpg?type=hq)
Shortest Test matches by balls bowled in this century [Source: AFP Photos]
Test cricket is usually known for its patience, long sessions, and games that last five full days. But in the modern era, dynamics have changed, resulting in dramatic and shorter ends.
The recent Ashes 2025 opening Test held at Perth ended in just two days. A match that swung like a pendulum in every session has entered the list of the shortest Test matches recorded in this century by balls bowled.
The list included only those matches which produced a result.
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5. 883 balls - South Africa vs England, Centurion, 2000
This match made history, but for the wrong reasons. After the first three days were washed out due to rain, South Africa declared the first innings at 248/8, and then both teams decided to forfeit two innings, meaning England had to chase 249 runs to win on the final day.
Alec Stewart and Michael Vaughan’s half-centuries guided England to a 2-wicket win as the match ended in just 883 balls.
However, Proteas captain Hansie Cronje confessed to match-fixing, as he had a secret deal with a bookmaker who had offered him cash and a leather jacket for making a game of it. He later faced a lifetime ban.
4. 866 balls - Australia vs South Africa, Brisbane, 2022
In the first Test of the series held in Brisbane, South Africa struggled against a fiery Australian pace attack, getting bundled for 152 and 99 in two innings. Travis Head’s 92 helped Australia score 218 in the second inning, and eventually, the hosts had to chase just 34 runs.
The Proteas, however, fought back, picking 3 wickets of Usman Khawaja, David Warner and Steve Smith inside 7 overs. However, the total was too small to defend as Australia sealed a 6-wicket victory. The match ended in 866 balls and lasted just two days.
3. 847 balls - Australia vs England, Perth 2025
In a dramatic Ashes Test held at Perth, 19 wickets fell on Day 1. Both Australia and England batted terribly as three innings concluded in 1.5 days. With 205 runs to chase in the fourth inning, Travis Head, opening the inning, finally decided to break the shackles and bat with intent.
He launched a counterattack and slammed 123 off 83 balls to wrap up the chase in 28.2 overs. Through the two days, only 847 balls were bowled, and only the Aussies managed to bat beyond 40 overs in the second inning.
This game showed how Australian conditions paired with batting disasters can turn a traditional five-day match into a much shorter battle.
2. 842 balls - India vs England, Ahmedabad, 2021
In a rare day-night Test match held in Ahmedabad, a rank turner surface produced swift results. Axar Patel’s 6-wicket-haul restricted England to 112 in the first inning. In response, India put 145 runs in 53.2 overs.
Axar and Ashwin again dominated the proceedings in the third inning, picking up 9 wickets combined as England collapsed to 81. India then chased down 49 runs in 7.4 overs as the match was wrapped up in two days, and only 842 balls were bowled across four innings.
The match ended well inside the expected time, proving that spin can finish Tests just as quickly as pace.
1. 642 balls - India vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2024
In the second Test held at Cape Town, South Africa had a horrendous collapse to 55 runs in the first inning. India then scored 153 runs in 34.5 overs before the Proteas regrouped and put 176 runs on the board in the third inning.
Still, the fightback wasn't enough, as India chased down the target of 79 runs in 12 overs and sealed a 7-wicket win. Across the four innings, no team managed to bat over 40 overs, as pacers had a significant advantage off the pitch.
In total, only 642 balls were bowled in two days, marking the shortest end to a Test match by balls bowled in this century.
