Cricket enthusiasts witnessed a historic showdown at Newlands ground in Capetown as South Africa and India engaged in the shortest-ever completed Test match, rewriting the record books with a thrilling encounter.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, setting the stage for a whirlwind match. However, the Proteas’ innings proved disastrous as they were bowled out for a mere 55 runs in just 23.2 overs. David Beddingham and Kyle Verreynne were the only batsmen to reach double digits. Mohammad Siraj led the Indian bowling attack with a career-best performance, claiming an astounding 6 wickets for just 15 runs, while Mukesh Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah contributed with 2 wickets each.

In response, India made a solid start, reaching 4 for 153. However, the match took a dramatic turn as the last 6 wickets fell within 2 overs without adding any runs to the scoreboard, setting a world record for the most wickets falling without scoring a run. Despite the collapse, India secured a crucial 98-run lead in the first innings.

The second innings saw South Africa faltering again, managing only 176 runs. Opener Aiden Markram’s century (106) stood out as the lone fifty-plus score in the match. Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the hero for India, claiming 6 wickets for 61 runs. With a target of 79 runs to win, India achieved victory with only 3 wickets down, leveling the series at 1-1.

Mohammad Siraj was named Man of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance, while Jasprit Bumrah clinched the Man of the Series title. In a poignant moment, it was revealed that this Test marked Dean Elgar’s farewell to international cricket. Elgar, who scored 201 runs in the series, received a dual honor as Player of the Series alongside Bumrah. The match, completed within 642 balls, set a new benchmark as the shortest-ever completed Test match in cricket history, surpassing the previous record set in 1932 between Australia and South Africa, completed in 656 balls.