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What was the closest "not quite an innings victory" in the history of test cricket? As there are two possible metrics (smallest number of runs chased and smallest number of balls/overs in the fourth innings), please provide both if different.

Question #152535. Asked by WesleyCrusher.
Last updated Sep 03 2026.
Originally posted Sep 01 2026 4:35 AM.

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patrickk star
Answer has 3 votes
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patrickk star
20 year member
44 replies avatar

Answer has 3 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
The smallest possible run chase target is one run, which can occur when:
- the team batting first scores the exact same across their two innings as the team batting second does in their first innings, leaving the latter with a target of just one to take the lead
- the team batting first scores over 200 runs more than the team batting second does in the first innings, the former enforces the follow-on, and the latter then equals the former's first innings total across their two innings.

A target of one can be reached in just one ball. Turns out it has happened four times in Test history: (winning team listed first)

Aus vs SA, Cape Town, 1921
Eng vs Aus, SCG, 1932
WI vs Eng, Manchester, 1963
WI vs Ind, Bridgetown, 1983

In the first three matches, the batter scored exactly the one run required - no extra running, fours or sixes. This left them all on a strike rate of 100. The last match between West Indies and India ended with a no ball, and no runs to the batters. I wonder if it was bowled intentionally?

link https://www.cricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-south-africa-1921-22-61377/south-africa-vs-australia-3rd-test-62533/full-scorecard
link https://www.cricinfo.com/series/england-marylebone-cricket-club-tour-of-australia-1932-33-61718/australia-vs-england-1st-test-62606/full-scorecard
link https://www.cricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-england-1963-61874/england-vs-west-indies-1st-test-62929/full-scorecard
link https://www.cricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-west-indies-1982-83-62309/west-indies-vs-india-4th-test-63338/full-scorecard

Sep 03 2026, 3:06 PM
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