By Anees-ur-Rehman
India rewrote history books after they defeated host South Africa by seven wickets to level the Test series 1-1 at Newlands on Thursday.
India chased down a small target of 79 runs for the loss of three wickets. Both the teams shared the two-match series 1-1 after an extraordinary game finished inside the five sessions.
It has become the shortest ever Test match completed in the history of cricket as it takes only 642 balls (107 overs), beating Australia’s 656-ball (109.2 overs) victory over South Africa in 1932.
656 balls (109.2 overs) - AUS vs SA, Melbourne, 1932
In a historic Test match between South Africa and Australia in 1932, the Proteas faced their lowest Test scores. Their first innings saw a dismal performance as they were dismissed for a mere 36 runs in 23.2 overs, with Bert Ironmonger securing exceptional figures of 5/6.
Australia's score of 153 proved decisive, leading to their victory by an innings and 72 runs. In their second innings, South Africa struggled once more, being all out for just 45 runs in 31.3 overs. The match completed in just 109.2 overs.
672 balls (112 overs) - WI vs ENG, Bridgetown, 1935
The 1935 Test match between West Indies and England in Bridgetown was heavily impacted by rain, lasting only 112 overs. West Indies batted first and managed a total of 102 runs in 47 overs, with Ken Farms taking 4/40. England, in response, declared at 81/7 due to the worsening pitch conditions.
The hosts made a bold declaration at 51/6 in 19 overs, setting England a target of 75. Despite losing six wickets, the visitors successfully chased down the target in their fourth innings.
788 balls (131.3 overs): England v Australia, Manchester 1888
It rained before the first day’s play. England made 172 and Australia 32-2 on the first day. So far, so good – but then the sun shone brightly, baking the wet surface dry as play went on. Australia were bowled out for 81 and 72 on a gluepot against left-arm spinner Bobby Peel (7-31 and 4-37), who used to thrive in the conditions.