Lowest Score in a Test Match: A Shocking Cricket Collapse
When we think of Test cricket, we imagine long battles, strong defenses, and thrilling centuries. But sometimes, the game surprises us in the most unexpected ways. One such moment came when a team made the lowest score in Test match history a record no team wants to hold.
Let’s dive into the historic low points of Test cricket, especially the lowest score in a Test match, who made it, when and where it happened, and the unforgettable moments around it.
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The Lowest Score in Test Match: New Zealand All Out for 26
The lowest score in a Test match history was made by New Zealand, who were bowled out for just 26 runs against England on March 25, 1955, at Eden Park in Auckland.
Match Summary:
- Match: New Zealand vs England
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Date: March 25, 1955
- New Zealand’s Score: 26 all out
- Result: England won by an innings and 20 runs
Key Highlights:
- New Zealand’s innings lasted only 27 overs.
- No player reached double digits—the highest score was just 11.
- England bowler Tony Lock took 7 wickets in the match and Johnny Wardle took 4/7 in that innings.
This match remains one of the most one-sided and shocking collapses in cricket history.
Modern Disaster: West Indies Bowled Out for 27 (2025)
On July 12, 2025, West Indies created another unwanted record by being bowled out for just 27 runs in a Test match against Australia at Sabina Park, Jamaica. This was the second-lowest score in a Test match history and the lowest ever in the fourth innings of any Test.
Match Details:
- Match: West Indies vs Australia (3rd Test)
- Venue: Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
- Date: July 12, 2025
- West Indies’ Score: 27 all out (2nd innings)
- Result: Australia won by 176 runs and swept the series 3-0

Bowling Disasters:
- Mitchell Starc was the star of the show, taking 6 wickets for 9 runs.
- He reached a major milestone — 400 Test wickets and celebrated his 100th Test match in style.
- Scott Boland also made history by taking a hat-trick with 3 wickets in just 2 runs.
Match Hero: Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc’s spell in this match is considered one of the greatest in modern Test cricket history. He dismissed batters with raw pace, swing, and perfect control.

Starc’s Achievements in This Match:
- 6/9 in just 5 overs
- Fastest five-wicket haul in fourth innings (just 15 balls)
- Crossed 400 Test wickets
- Named Player of the Match and Player of the Series
Public Reaction and Stadium Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Sabina Park was full of shock and silence. Fans couldn’t believe what they were witnessing. The collapse happened so fast, most fans didn’t even reach their seats before the game was nearly over.
- Social media exploded with memes and cricket jokes.
- West Indies legends like Carl Hooper and Carlos Brathwaite criticized the performance heavily, calling it “embarrassing” and “unacceptable.”
- On the other hand, Australian fans celebrated the magical bowling performance, especially by Starc and Boland.

The moment quickly became a viral sensation.
Other Lowest Scores in a Test Matches
Rank |
Team | Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
1 | New Zealand | 26 | England | Auckland |
1955 |
2 |
West Indies | 27 | Australia | Kingston, Jamaica | 2025 |
3 | South Africa | 30 | England | Port Elizabeth |
1896 |
4 |
South Africa | 30 | England | Birmingham | 1924 |
5 | Bangladesh | 43 | West Indies | Dhaka |
2018 |
Why It Matters
The “lowest score in a Test match” isn’t just a number. It reflects:
- The pressure of high-level cricket
- The dominance of world-class bowling
- And the mental strength (or weakness) of batters
Such records go down in history and are remembered for decades.
Final Recall
- The lowest score in a Test match history remains 26 by New Zealand.
- West Indies’ 27 all-out in 2025 is the lowest in the fourth innings ever.
- Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland became national heroes overnight.
- The match was a reminder that Test cricket still holds the power to shock the world.
If you’re a cricket fan, this match is one to never forget. For the bowlers, it’s a dream. For the batters? A nightmare.