Test cricket is recognised as an easygoing calm game in which batters take their time establishing themselves for the innings. However, the way the game is played has changed, now teams are taking it with a more aggressive approach. This has resulted in some of the thrilling records, such as the fastest teams to reach 100 runs in Test cricket. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top five teams who have scored the fastest team Test century.
Fastest Teams to Score 100 in Test Cricket
1. India vs Bangladesh – 10.1 Overs (Kanpur, 2024)
In September 2024 Team India made history with an outstanding performance against Bangladesh at Green Park in Kanpur. During the second Test of the Bangladesh tour of India, India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, helped the team record the fastest 100 in Test cricket, taking 10.1 overs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was in blistering form, hitting 67 runs off just 40 balls, while Rohit Sharma supplied a quick 23 off 11 innings. Shubman Gill added a run-a-ball 11 to propel India to 100 runs in 61 balls. This record-breaking performance beat India’s previous best and showed the team’s aggressive performance in the long format.
2. India vs West Indies – 12.2 Overs (Port of Spain, 2023)
India held the record for the quickest team 100 in Test cricket until 2024 when they broke it. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal got off to a quick start in their second innings against the West Indies in Port of Spain in July 2023.
India scored 98 runs in 11.5 overs before reaching 100 in 12.2 overs. Although the match ended in a draw, India’s strong start indicated that Test cricket could be played with the same attacking mindset as shorter formats like T20 and ODI.
3. Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – 13.1 Overs (Colombo, 2001)
Sri Lanka is ranked third in Test cricket for the fastest 100s. Sri Lankan openers Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu scored 100 runs in 13.1 overs against Bangladesh in Colombo in 2001.
Jayasuriya’s aggressive batting style, in addition to Atapattu’s consistent performance, made life difficult for the Bangladeshi bowlers. Sri Lanka continued on their great start by declaring 555/5 in their first innings. They ultimately won the game by an innings and 137 runs.
4. Bangladesh vs West Indies – 13.4 Overs (Mirpur, 2012)
Bangladesh stunned everyone with their quick score during a Test match against the West Indies in Mirpur in November 2012. After the West Indies declared at 527/4, Bangladesh quickly chased the goal, scoring 100 runs in 13.4 overs.
Despite a strong start, Bangladesh were able to maintain their momentum and lost by 77 runs. However, their ability to score swiftly demonstrated how even teams not known for their quick pace could adapt to the new environment of Test cricket.
5. England vs Pakistan – 13.4 Overs (Rawalpindi, 2022)
England’s aggressive approach to Test cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum helped them to score 100 runs in only 13.4 overs against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in December 2022.
Opening batters Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett faced Pakistan’s bowlers from the start, assisting England in fast scoring 100 runs. This strong start set the stage for England’s massive total of 657 runs in the first innings. They eventually triumphed by 74 runs, illustrating that a rapid approach can be effective in Test cricket.
Summary
These performances suggest that Test cricket is no longer only a game of patience. Teams are increasingly using aggressive tactics, which results in high-scoring and exciting games. India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and England have all made history by completing 100 runs in record time. As the game evolves, we may see even faster team 100s in the future, making Test cricket more thrilling and surprising for fans all around the world.
Also Read: Shortest Cricketers with Big Records and Achievements
