The 5 lowest team scores in Test cricket history highlight dramatic collapses under relentless bowling and challenging conditions. Spanning from the 19th century to the modern era, these matches feature unforgettable moments where top sides crumbled completely, resulting in crushing defeats and etching their names into cricket’s record books for the wrong reasons.
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5. South Africa – 35 vs England, Cape Town, 1899
In 1899 at Cape Town, South Africa collapsed for just 35 runs while chasing 246 in the fourth innings. Earlier, they had dismissed England for 92 and scored 177 to take an 85-run lead. However, after England posted 330 in their second innings, the hosts fell apart, losing by 210 runs.
4. South Africa – 30 vs England, Birmingham, 1924
At Edgbaston in 1924, South Africa recorded their joint-lowest total in Tests—30 all out in just 12.3 overs. Chasing England’s 438, they suffered a disastrous collapse against Arthur Gilligan (6/7) and Maurice Tate (4/12). Despite posting 390 in the second innings, South Africa lost the match by an innings and 18 runs.
3. South Africa – 30 vs England, Gqeberha, 1896
South Africa’s lowest-ever total came in Gqeberha in 1896, when they were bowled out for 30 runs in the second innings. They scored only 123 runs across two innings as England dominated. Four batters scored ducks, and only Robert Poore reached double figures. South Africa suffered a crushing defeat by an innings and 288 runs.
2. West Indies – 27 vs Australia, Kingston, 2025
The lowest total of the 21st century occurred in Kingston during a day-night Test in 2025, where West Indies were skittled for 27 while chasing 204. Mitchell Starc claimed 6/9, and Scott Boland added 3/2, including a hat-trick. West Indies’ collapse sealed a 176-run win for Australia in a historic match.
1. New Zealand – 26 vs England, Auckland, 1955
New Zealand holds the record for the lowest Test total, collapsing to just 26 runs in Auckland in 1955. After posting 200 in their first innings and conceding 246 to England, they faltered miserably in the second innings, losing by an innings and 20 runs. Five New Zealand batters were dismissed for ducks.
