Top five shortest day-night matches in Test cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced day-night tests in 2015 to enhance viewership and generate greater excitement in the traditional format of cricket.

The day-night matches utilize a pink ball instead of the conventional red ball to enhance visibility. The additional lateral movement that the pink ball exhibits in the evening contributes to its increased difficulty in play. This added advantage for bowlers has helped teams bowl out the opposition quicker than expected.

Typically, day-night tests have not extended beyond five days, and to date, there has not been a single instance of a day-night test concluding in a draw.

In light of this, let’s examine the five shortest completed day-night matches in the history of Test cricket.

5. West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 2018, Bridgetown – 1201 balls

The day-night match between West Indies and Sri Lanka held in Bridgetown in 2018 concluded after a total of 200.1 overs. The West Indies batted initially and were all out for 204 runs in 69 overs. In response, Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 154 runs in 59 overs.

In the second innings, the West Indies experienced a horrible collapse, resulting in their dismissal for a mere 93 runs. Sri Lanka successfully pursued the target of 144 runs, finishing the match with four wickets remaining. Jason Holder received the Player of the Match award for his impressive performance as he scored 74 runs and took nine wickets during the game.

4. Australia vs India, 2020, Adelaide – 1031 balls

One of the most memorable test matches between Australia and India was played at the Adelaide Oval in December 2020 in the day-night setting. This game concluded on the third day.

India batted first and were dismissed for a total of 244 runs in 93 overs. In response, Australia managed to score only 191 runs in 72 overs. The major turning point in the match occurred during the third innings when Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins collaborated to dismiss the opposing team for their record-low test score of 36 runs. Australia secured victory in the test by eight wickets, with the match concluding after 1031 balls.

3. India vs Bangladesh, 2019, Kolkata – 968 balls

Eden Gardens has been the venue for numerous unforgettable test matches. Among these was India's inaugural day-night test match, held against Bangladesh in 2019, which concluded in just 968 balls.

Bangladesh scored 106 runs (31 overs) and 195 runs (42 overs) in their two innings. On the other hand, India scored 347/9d runs (90 overs) and won the game by an innings and 46 runs. Ishant Sharma's nine wickets in the Test earned him the title of Player of the Match.

2. South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2017, Gqeberha – 907 balls

The day-night match between South Africa and Zimbabwe held in Gqeberha in 2017 concluded after just 907 balls. South Africa commenced the batting and scored 309 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 79 overs. 

In response, Zimbabwe was dismissed for 68 runs in their first innings and managed to score 121 runs in their second innings (following on). South Africa secured victory in the test match by an innings and 120 runs. Aiden Markram received the Player of the Match award for his impressive innings of 125 runs.

1. India vs England, 2021, Ahmedabad – 842 balls

The shortest day-night Test match occurred between India and England in Ahmedabad in 2021. This match concluded after just 842 balls, which is 140.2 overs. England batted first and were bowled out for just 112 runs in 48.4 overs.

While batting, India looked good at one stage, but later lost their last seven wickets for just 40 runs, eventually managing to post 145 runs. In response, England was dismissed for a total of 81 runs in 30.4 overs. India got the target of 49 runs, which they successfully achieved in 7.4 overs, securing victory in the match.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official