5 Matches Where Teams Were Bowled Out for Under 30 Runs in Test History

Delhi: In one of the most shocking collapses in Test cricket history, West Indies were bowled out for just 27 runs in their second innings of the third Test against Australia. Chasing a modest target of 205, the Caribbean side folded within just 12.3 overs — now the second-lowest team total in Test cricket history.

The record for the lowest-ever team score in Test cricket still belongs to New Zealand, who were bowled out for 26 runs against England in Auckland in 1955. But West Indies have now entered this undesirable list, and the cricket world is abuzz with comparisons.

Bowling Brilliance: Starc & Boland Wreak Havoc
Australia’s pace duo Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland were the chief destroyers in Kingston.

Starc, playing his 100th Test, picked up a fifer in just 15 deliveries, setting a new world record for the fastest 5-wicket haul in terms of balls bowled.

Boland, not to be outdone, took a stunning hat-trick, removing Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, and Jomel Warrican in three consecutive balls. He became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in a Day-Night Test match.

Test Cricket’s Lowest Team Scores – Top 5
Here’s a look at the top five lowest team totals in Test cricket history:

Rank Team Score Opponent Year
1 New Zealand 26 vs England 1955
2 West Indies 27 vs Australia 2025
3 South Africa 30 vs England 1896
4 South Africa 30 vs England 1924
5 South Africa 35 vs England 1899

Interestingly, South Africa features three times in the top five — all against England, and all dating back to the early days of Test cricket. They also have a score of 36 all out vs Australia, while India too were bowled out for 36 in the infamous Adelaide Test in 2020.

Adding to the twist — Australia themselves were bowled out for 36 against England in the past, showing that even giants of the game aren’t immune to collapses.

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