India’s batting assault powered them to an improbable win in the rain-hit Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. Here’s the complete list of quickest Test victories in terms of balls faced while batting by the winning team.
After only 35 overs were bowled in the first three days owing to inclement weather, the match was heading towards a certain draw after play resumed on day four. However, India had other plans.
Bangladesh, continuing with their innings on 107-3, were skittled out for 233, courtesy of an all-round bowling performance from the hosts. Jasprit Bumrah was the star performer, picking up 3-50. For Bangladesh, Mominul Haque (107*) was the lone fighter.
India batters on a rampage
In response, India openers Rohit Sharma (23 off 11 balls) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (72 off 51) came out with an aggressive approach, hoping to force an improbable result. Rohit smashed two sixes off his first two balls, becoming the first opener to do so. Virat Kohli (47 off 35) and KL Rahul (68 off 43) also upped the ante to match Bangladesh’s first-innings total as quickly as possible. India recorded the fastest-ever team 50, 100 and 200 in the process. They batted for 34.4 overs to reach 285-9 before declaring the innings.
Bowlers back the blazing batting display
Reaping the rewards of the blazing batting display, R Ashwin’s double blow at the end of the day took out opener Zakir Hasan for 10 and nightwatchman Hasan Mahmud for 4. Bangladesh went to stumps at 28-2.
On the final day, India were quick to fold out Bangladesh’s second innings for 146. After Ashwin dismissed Mominul Haque for two, Bumrah (3-17), Ravindra Jadeja (3-34) and Akash Deep (1-20) took the remaining wickets.
The important first-innings lead meant India only had to chase 95 to win the match. They gunned down the total in 17.2 overs with seven wickets remaining.
India's openers unleashed carnage, toppling the previous world record set last year 🤯
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 30, 2024
Read here ➡️ https://t.co/P6sPbUSu84 pic.twitter.com/UE5g13zfi0
Quickest Test victories in terms of balls faced
England’s four-wicket win against West Indies in 1935 in Bridgetown, in which they batted only 276 balls, tops the chart. India are the only team to feature twice in the top five. Earlier this year, their win against South Africa in Cape Town took them just 281 balls with the bat, the second-quickest overall.
The win in Kanpur, where they batted 312 balls earned them the fourth spot.
Here are the top five matches:
England (276 balls faced) v West Indies, Bridgetown, 1935
India (281 balls faced) v South Africa, Cape Town, 2024
South Africa (300 balls faced) v Zimbabwe, Cape Town, 2005
India (312 balls faced) v Bangladesh, Kanpur, 2024
Australia (327 balls faced) v South Africa, Melbourne, 1932
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