2017 Records: Lowest Margin of Victory in Tests
Dec 31, 2018 at 2:03 PM
Test matches remain the ultimate form of the game, and the format as a whole remains the most unadulterated version of the sport. With five days of intense action, it remains as the survival of the fittest.
2017 as a year witnessed some spectacular Test matches, as some underdogs stunned the heavyweights while in other cases, the usual suspects carried on their tasks without too much of a fuss.
However, the year as a whole stood out due to some extremely close games that got contested between teams. Barely the crucial moments within a session turned out to be the difference, as sides just about managed to get home in some nail-biting encounters.
With the year coming to a close, below, we have a look at the five closest Test matches of the year, regarding the margin of victory in runs.
- Pakistan vs West Indies – 101 runs:
One of the most iconic games of the year, which saw the farewell of legends Misbah Ul Haq and Younis Khan from Test cricket, turned out to be a nail-biting affair.
With the light fading away and barely ten balls to spare in the game, all the West Indians needed was some patience. However, a wild and nothing slog from number XI Shanon Gabriel off Yasir Shah resulted in his timber being clattered; handing Pakistan their first ever series win in the Caribbean and a rousing sign off for Misbah and Younis.
- India vs Australia – 75 runs:
It was one Test which pretty much defined the never say die attitude radiating from the Indian brand of cricket. After conceding a lead of more than 90 in the first innings, it seemed that Australia would retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
However, a magical knock from Cheteshwar Pujara of 92 with some able help from Ajinkya Rahane, saw India set Australia a target of 188. All it required was an impressive spell from R. Ashwin to turn the tide in India’s favour, as the tall off-spinner struck six times, to set up a memorable win for the Virat Kohli-led side in Bengaluru.
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – 68 runs:
The Day and Night Test in Dubai was a historic one for Sri Lanka, as Pakistan for the first time were defeated in a Test series in the UAE since it became their adopted home. For Sri Lanka, it was opener Dimuth Karunaratne’s imperious 196 which set the base for a big score in the first innings.
Gaining a lead of more than 200, Sri Lanka were jolted, as Pakistan bowled them out for just 96. However, that wasn’t enough for the Sarfaraz Ahmed, as Sri Lanka eventually snared the game by 68 runs.
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – 21 runs:
The first game of the series as the one mentioned above, this one was even more dramatic. This game in many ways defines the tradition of Pakistan’s skills as a cricket side. While they seemed in complete control of the game for a majority of the portion, it was just a couple of odd hours which resulted in utter humiliation.
Needing just 136 to win the game, it was the old workhorse, Rangana Herath who came to the party. Herath’s 6-43 was just too good for the Pakistanis to handle, as Sri Lanka sealed the game by 21 runs, to send shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity.
- Bangladesh vs Australia – 20 runs:
Without second thoughts, the Test between Bangladesh and Australia in Mirpur remains the most colourful game of the year. A game that was highlighted by the sheer all-round brilliance of Shakib Al Hasan witnessed the utmost humiliation of Australia.
On a track that sprung up demons in every odd over, Australia found themselves precariously placed, needing 265 to win. Even the best knock of David Warner’s career wasn’t good enough to save Australia from humiliation, as Shakib’s five-wicket haul sealed the game for the hosts by 20 runs.
Below, is the list of the ten closest Tests of the year, regarding the margin of victory through runs.
Team | Opposition | Margin (Runs) | Venue |
Bangladesh | Australia | 20 | Mirpur |
Sri Lanka | Pakistan | 21 | Abu Dhabi |
Sri Lanka | Pakistan | 68 | Dubai |
India | Australia | 75 | Bangalore |
Pakistan | West Indies | 101 | Roseau |
West Indies | Pakistan | 106 | Bridgetown |
West Indies | Zimbabwe | 117 | Bulawayo |
Australia | England | 120 | Adelaide |
England | South Africa | 177 | Manchester |
India | Bangladesh | 208 | Hyderabad |