Lowest Innings Totals in Test Cricket. (This image is AI-generated)
Test cricket is dubbed the “ultimate test” since every team is vulnerable to a collapse. A bowling spell or a tricky pitch can alter the course of the match, reminding us that succeeding in the test format requires both resilience and skill. New Zealand recorded one of the lowest innings totals in Test cricket when they were dismissed for just 26 runs against England on 25 March 1955 in Auckland.
Top 5 Teams with the Lowest Innings Totals in Test Cricket
| Team | Opposition | Score | Overs | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | England | 26 | 27.0 | 25 Mar 1955 |
| West Indies | Australia | 27 | 14.3 | 12 Jul 2025 |
| South Africa | England | 30 | 18.4 (5‑ball over) | 13 Feb 1896 |
| South Africa | England | 30 | 12.3 | 14 Jun 1924 |
| South Africa | England | 35 | 22.4 (5‑ball over) | 1 Apr 1899 |
New Zealand vs England – 26 (1955)
New Zealand recorded a low point in Test cricket in March 1955 at Eden Park. After scoring 200 runs and restricting England to 246, they collapsed in their second innings and managed only 26, the lowest total in Test history. England’s Bob Appleyard and Brian Statham wrapped up the match with a victory by an innings and 20 runs.
West Indies vs Australia – 27 (2025)
The West Indies suffered their worst collapse in history at Sabina Park in July 2025. Australia bowled them out for only 27 runs while they chased a target of 204. Mitchell Starc took five wickets and Scott Boland completed a hat-trick. Seven batters failed to score and Australia swept the series 3-0.
South Africa vs England – 30 (1896)
South Africa’s campaign ended in a crushing defeat to England in February 1896 at St George’s Park. They collapsed to just 30 runs while chasing 319 in their second innings. George Lohmann was phenomenal as he took 8 wickets, helping England secure a win by 288 runs with only Robert Poore reaching double digits.
South Africa vs England – 30 (1924)
South Africa collapsed for just 30 runs while chasing England’s 438 in June 1924 at Edgbaston. Arthur Gilligan and Maurice Tate tore through their batting lineup. Despite a strong comeback with 390 runs in their second innings, South Africa ended up losing by an innings and 18 runs.
South Africa vs England – 35 (1899)
South Africa’s inaugural home Test match ended in disaster in April 1899 at Newlands. Johnny Briggs and George Hirst bowled South Africa for 35, following England’s collapse to 92. Later, they could only score 43 while chasing a target of 157 and England secured victory by 113 runs in less than three days.
