Top five teams with most wins in day-night Test matches

Given that test cricket was reportedly "dying," changes had to be made to the game's longest format in order to maintain its appeal to players of all ages. Therefore, the ICC introduced day-night matches. These are played with a pink ball.

The inaugural day-night test between Australia and New Zealand took place at Adelaide Oval in 2015. Ten of the 12 test-playing countries have so far played day-night test cricket matches. 

Fans have readily embraced this version of the game, and it has undoubtedly increased interest in test cricket.

In this article, let’s talk about the record of the top five teams in pink-ball tests.

5. New Zealand – 1 Win

In December 2015, New Zealand participated in the first day-night test against Australia, which was played at Adelaide Oval. In all, they have played four games: two against England and two against Australia. While they played home pink-ball matches against England, both of their matches against Australia took place in Australia.

In 2018, they defeated England at Eden Park by an innings and 49 runs thanks to Trent Boult's nine wickets. This was their only victory in day-night test cricket matches.

4. Sri Lanka – 2 Wins

Sri Lanka have played four day-night test matches and all four of them have been away from home. They have played against Pakistan, West Indies, Australia, and India.

They defeated Pakistan by 68 runs in Dubai in 2017 and the West Indies by four wickets in Bridgetown in 2018. However, the Sri Lankan team suffered defeats in their pink-ball matches against Australia and India

3. England – 2 Wins

Up until now, England has participated in the second-most day-night test matches (7). In 2017, they played their first day-night match in Birmingham against the West Indies, which they won by an innings and 209 runs.

They have won two of their seven games, six of which have been away from home. In 2023, they defeated New Zealand in Mount Maunganui for their second victory in day-night tests.

2. India – 3 Wins

In test cricket, India has played four day-night matches and won three of them. They have won all three of their home games against England, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

In 2020, India's only defeat in a pink-ball test occurred against Australia at Adelaide Oval. India lost by eight wickets in that match after being bowled out for 36 all out.

1. Australia – 11 Wins

Australia have played the most day-night matches in test cricket and have also won the most – 11 out of 12. In fact, they play at least one pink-ball test every summer. Since 2015, Australia has played and hosted day-night tests on a regular basis.

Australia has a stellar record, having won 11 of the 12 day-night matches. In a thrilling match against the West Indies at the Gabba in Brisbane in January 2024, they lost by eight runs, their only defeat in a pink-ball test.

Cover Credits - ICC Official