the five teams with the lowest scores in test cricket history

In the history of Test cricket, there have been some astonishingly low team scores that have left fans and analysts bewildered. The record for the lowest-ever score is held by New Zealand, who collapsed for just 26 runs against England in 1955. Following them are the West Indies, who managed a mere 27 runs against Australia in 2025, marking the second-lowest score. South Africa occupies the third spot with a score of 30 runs against England in 1896. They also appear fourth with another score of 30, against the same opponent in 1924. Additionally, South Africa rounds off the list at fifth place with a score of 35 against England in 1899.

Test cricket has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years, and among these are some truly shocking lows. This article delves into the five teams that have recorded the lowest scores in Test cricket history. From shocking collapses to embarrassing defeats, these scores have left fans and analysts alike perplexed. Join us as we explore these historical lows with a critical eye.

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• New Zealand: The Unfortunate Record Holders
• West Indies: A Shocking Downfall
• South Africa: A Consistent Presence
  • Another Low for the Proteas
  • Third Time’s Not a Charm
• Exploring the Impact of Such Scores
• Conclusion on the Five Lowest Scores
• Lowest Scores in Test Cricket History

New Zealand: The Unfortunate Record Holders

New Zealand holds the dubious honor of the lowest score in Test cricket history. In 1955, during a match against England in Auckland, the team crumbled to a mere 26 runs. This game remains a striking reminder of how the pressures of Test cricket can overwhelm even seasoned players. Having bowed out with the second-worst score is not something any team wants in their record books.

West Indies: A Shocking Downfall

West Indies team recently found themselves second on the list of the lowest Test scores. In 2025, they faced Australia in Kingston and were dismissed for just 27 runs. This outcome sent shockwaves through the cricketing community as one of the great representations of Caribbean talent fell abruptly, demonstrating that the game can be merciless on any given day. South Africa: A Consistent Presence South Africa is unfortunately featured in this ignoble list not once, but three times. Their first entry came in 1896 when they scored 30 runs against England at Gqeberha. This crack in their performance highlighted the challenges they faced against the English bowling line-up of that era. Another Low for the Proteas 30 runs again against England in Birmingham. The consistency of these poor performances suggests that the struggle for runs can ebb and flow for any team at any time. Third Time’s Not a Charm 35 runs against England in 1899 in Cape Town. The parallels across these scores reveal a series of innings that cricket fans would most certainly like to see erased from their history. Exploring the Impact of Such Scores West Indies score of 27, questions must be asked about team strategy, player form, and the overall state of their cricketing infrastructure. Conclusion on the Five Lowest Scores InsideSport and Howzat for detailed analyses on these monumental failures.

Lowest Scores in Test Cricket History