There have been many matches which have hardly lasted for a day. But most of these matches were drawn and had no result. There have been some matches which have concluded in no time while producing a winner. The shortest test match with a result came in 1932. When South Africa toured Australia in 1931-32, the hosts were a formidable unit. In the 5-match test series, Australia won the first four test matches and led the series comfortably. The 5th match lasted a total of 109.2 overs and became the shortest test match in history.
South Africa batted first
The Proteas won the toss and elected to bat first. Laurie Nash making his test debut for the Australian team shared the new ball with Stan McCabe. McCabe took the first wicket and was replaced by left-arm off-spinner, Bert Ironmonger after four overs. Right-arm fast bowler, Nash took 4 wickets but the star performer for the Australian team was Ironmonger. The left-arm spinner took 5 wickets in 7.2 overs while conceding just 6 runs. He dismissed two South African batters, Herbie Taylor and Sandy Bell for ducks while his other dismissals included Ken Viljoen, Denys Morkel and Cyril Vincent who all scored one run each. South Africa were bowled for just 36 runs in 23.2 overs.
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Australia scored big in reply
The Australian skipper, Bill Woodfull was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball of their innings. Woodfull was dismissed by South Africa’s right arm-pacer, Sandy Bell. Opener Jack Fingleton along with Keith Rigg shared a 51-run and got Australia into a lead of 15 runs. Rigg was dismissed for 22 runs by left-arm pacer Neville Quinn. Alan Kippax also scored 42 runs before being dismissed by Quintin McMillan. Bell, Neville and McMillan picked three wickets each with Don Bradman not taking the field. Australia managed to score 153 runs in 54.3 overs to get a lead of 117 runs.
South Africa once again have no clue against Australian bowlers
When South Africa came in to bat in the third innings they were facing a deficit of 117 runs. For Australia, first innings’ star performer, Bert Ironmonger shared the new ball with Laurie Nash. The left-arm spinner took 6 wickets to complete his 10-wicket haul in a match. Ironmonger dismissed opener Syd Curnow who was the top scorer of the South African innings with 16 runs. His other five wickets included Bruce Mitchell for 4 runs, Denys Morkel for a duck, Herbie Taylor for two runs, Quintin McMillan for a duck and Neville Quinn for 5 runs.
Bill O’Reilly took three wickets while Laurie Nash took one wicket. South Africa only managed to score 45 runs in 31.3 overs. They lost the match by an innings and 72 runs.
Shortest Test Match
The Australia-South Africa test match from 1932 is remembered as a notable example of dominance and shortness in cricket history. As a result of this match’s brief duration of just 109.2 overs, it became known as the shortest test match with a result. South Africa was knocked for a pitiful 36 in their first innings, contributing to Australia’s stunning triumph, which was driven by Bert Ironmonger‘s superb bowling. Australia amassed 153 runs after a shaky start to secure a sizable advantage. Ultimately, South Africa’s vain effort in the third innings resulted in an innings loss, highlighting the extraordinary brilliance and brevity of this historic clash.