Day-night matches in Test cricket have become a unique format since they were introduced in 2015. These matches are played with a pink ball instead of the usual red one. The pink ball is easier to see, especially in the evening, and it moves more in the air, giving bowlers an edge. This change has made the matches faster and more exciting. Many day-night Tests have ended quicker than regular Tests, often before the five-day mark.
Let’s look at the top five shortest day-night Test matches
5. West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 2018 (Bridgetown)
The day-night Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka in Bridgetown lasted only 200.1 overs (1201 balls).
| Team | First Innings | Second Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 204 (69 overs) | 93 (28.3 overs) | Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets |
| Sri Lanka | 154 (59 overs) | 144/6 (40 overs) |
West Indies batted first and scored 204 runs. Sri Lanka managed 154 runs in response. In the second innings, West Indies were all out for just 93 runs. Sri Lanka successfully chased the 144-run target and won the match with four wickets remaining. Jason Holder was the Player of the Match for his impressive 74 runs and nine wickets.
4. Australia vs India, 2020 (Adelaide)
The day-night Test between Australia and India in Adelaide in December 2020 ended in just 1031 balls (171.1 overs).
| Team | First Innings | Second Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 244 (93 overs) | 36 (21.2 overs) | Australia won by 8 wickets |
| Australia | 191 (72 overs) | 71/2 (24.2 overs) |
India batted first and scored 244 runs. Australia replied with 191 runs. The match took a dramatic turn when India were bowled out for just 36 in their second innings. Australia chased down the target of 90 runs in no time and won the game by eight wickets.
3. India vs Bangladesh, 2019 (Kolkata)
India’s first day-night Test against Bangladesh in 2019 lasted just 968 balls (161.3 overs).
| Team | First Innings | Second Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 347/9d (90 overs) | 145 (43 overs) | India won by an innings & 46 runs |
| Bangladesh | 106 (31 overs) | 195 (42 overs) |
Bangladesh were dismissed for 106 in their first innings and 195 in the second. India declared at 347/9 and won by an innings and 46 runs. Ishant Sharma was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, taking nine wickets in the match.
2. South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2017 (Gqeberha)
The day-night Test between South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2017 lasted only 907 balls (151.1 overs).
| Team | First Innings | Second Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 309/9d (79 overs) | 121 (42.2 overs) | South Africa won by an innings & 120 runs |
| Zimbabwe | 68 (27.3 overs) | 121 (42.2 overs) |
South Africa batted first and scored 309/9 in 79 overs. Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 68 in their first innings. Following on, Zimbabwe managed 121 runs, but South Africa won the match by an innings and 120 runs. Aiden Markram was the Player of the Match for his 125-run knock.
1. India vs England, 2021 (Ahmedabad)
The shortest day-night Test took place in Ahmedabad in 2021 between India and England. This match ended in just 842 balls (140.2 overs).
| Team | First Innings | Second Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 145 (53.4 overs) | 49 (7.4 overs) | India won by 10 wickets |
| England | 112 (48.4 overs) | 81 (30.4 overs) |
England batted first but were bowled out for just 112 runs. India struggled in their first innings, scoring only 145 runs. England’s second innings was even worse as they were dismissed for just 81. India needed just 49 runs to win, which they chased down in 7.4 overs. India won by 10 wickets, and this match became the shortest day-night Test in history.
Conclusion
Day-night matches have changed the way Test cricket is played. The pink ball has added an extra level of excitement, making the matches faster and more thrilling. These shorter day-night Test matches have given us unforgettable moments. As teams adapt to the challenges of the pink ball, we might see more fast-paced and exciting Test matches in the future.
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