Stat Attack – Shortest Test Matches (By Days) Since 2000

Apr 6, 2019 at 2:14 PM

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Stat Attack – Shortest Test Matches (By Days) Since 2000

The turn of the millennium has witnessed batting as the stronger suit in cricket and that has been evident with the way the game has panned out in recent years. Nevertheless, there have been some exceptional bowling displays, or rather, some lackluster batting performances which have contributed to the short span of a Test match.

In the 20th century, when bowling had the upper hand over batting, it was a common sight to witness Test matches getting over well before the fifth day. Once the pitches started getting easy, batting gradually became the stronger aspect of the game with Tests even ending in tame draws.

However, it is imperative to go through some really short Test matches that have taken place since 2000 and below we list down four such iconic games.

leeds

  1. England vs West Indies, 2000 – 2 days:

The fourth Test of the series at Leeds saw a quick end as the hosts crushed West Indies within just two days. Going into the fourth test with the series level at 1-1, no one anticipated such a spineless batting display from the West Indies, a once powerhouse, that had begun its decline. After winning the toss, the West Indians led by Jimmy Adams opted to bat first only to regret the decision. Thanks to an accurate bowling display from the English pacers, West Indies were bowled out for just 172 in 48.4 overs. England replied with exactly a 100-run lead as batting at Leeds remained a tough challenge. The Calypso Kings were even worse in their second innings as they were bundled out for a mere 61, with Andy Caddick picking five wickets.

aus-vs-pak

  1. Australia vs Pakistan, 2002 – 2 days:

A famous cricket expert went on to term Pakistan’s batting display “Fail beyond fail, flop beyond flop” post this game. The Test played at Sharjah was an absolute annihilation of Pakistan as they were bowled out for just 59 within 32 overs. Australia responded with an aggressive mindset as Matthew Hayden notched up a superlative century. The Kangaroos managed a lead of 251 in the first innings after being bowled out for 310. Pakistan’s already dismal game was about to nosedive when Shane Warne made an absolute mess of the fragile batting lineup. Pakistan were cleaned up for 53, as their innings folded even before the 25th over mark. Out of the total 20 Pakistani wickets, only three could manage to get into the double figures!

sa-vs-zim

  1. South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2005 – 2 days:

Entertaining and lively can be two words used to describe this test at Cape Town. South Africa began the game with complete dominance as the Zimbabweans were rolled over for just 54 in 31.2 overs. Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini and Jacques Kallis took 3, 3, 4 wickets respectively in the first innings. From South Africa’s approach with the bat, it seemed clear that Graeme Smith was in the mood to create history. The Proteas batted for just 50 overs, but went on to score 340 as Smith recorded a ton quicker than run a ball. Trailing by 286, Zimbabwe definitely put up an improved batting display, but fell short as they were all out for 265. The game ended late on the second day as South Africa’s lively approach came to the fore.

zim-vs-nz

  1. Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 2005 – 2 days:

Featuring again on the superfluous list is Zimbabwe, with another shambolic display in 2005. Thanks to centuries from lower order individuals in Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori, the Kiwis got to 452 after being reduced to 113-5 at one stage. For the hosts at Harare, it was a sorry tale as they were dismissed for just 59, as all Kiwi bowlers had a ball in the middle. After being enforced the follow on, Zimbabwe improved but just marginally as they were done and dusted for 99, handing New Zealand a victory by an innings and 294 runs.

 

 

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