Breaking: India Won the Shortest Latest Test Match in History
With a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in only a day and a half, India achieved the fastest Test victory in history to produce a winner.
The visitors tied the series at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, winning 642 balls (107 overs).
Previously, when South Africa was defeated by Australia in 1932, the record was 656 balls.
A test match typically lasts five days, with 450 overs (2,250 balls) bowled over the course of the match, which is divided into four innings.
During these four sessions, a wicket fell on less than 20 balls on average.
Match officials are expected to examine the pitch to determine whether the match was cut short due to a poor surface or batting errors.
The victory target of 79 was reached in 12 overs shortly after lunch on the second afternoon, with India captain Rohit Sharma finishing 16 not out.
The only Indian wickets to fall were Yashasvi Jaiswal (28), Shubman Gill (10), and Virat Kohli (12).
Aiden Markram had earlier produced an eye-catching century for South Africa, but no other player in the batting order passed 12 as they were bowled out for 176 in the second inning.
Standout Jasprit Bumrah of India took six wickets for 61 runs.
India also set an unwelcome personal record, becoming the first team in Test history to lose six wickets without scoring a run.
South Africa was heavily chastised for sending a weakened Test squad to New Zealand in February, with seven uncapped players, including captain Neil Brand.
Cricket South Africa defended the move, emphasizing its commitment to international competition.
Some of the shortest Test matches in history date back to the late 1800s, when Australia beat England at Lords off 792 balls in July 1888, before England retaliated with four fewer balls bowled the following year.
England and the West Indies played the shortest official Test match ever at North Sound in 2009. That match, however, was called off due to a dangerous outfield, and the game ended in a tie.
