19 October 2024 India made their third lowest score in Test cricket as they were all out for 46 runs against New Zealand in the 1st Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 20 runs and 5 batters were out for zero. New Zealand's Matt Henry took 5/15 and William O'Rourke took 4/22.
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Lowest Team Scores in Test Cricket History
New Zealand recorded the lowest Test score in history, scoring just 26 runs against England at the Eden Park, Auckland in 1955. South Africa occupies the next three lowest Test scores recorded in Test history. England is the most common opponent.
Below is the list of top 20 lowest scores in Test cricket.
| Team | Total Score | Innings | Opposition | Ground | Year |
| New Zealand | 26 | 3 | vs England | Auckland | 1955 |
| South Africa | 30 | 4 | vs England | Gqeberha | 1986 |
| South Africa | 30 | 2 | vs England | Birmingham | 1924 |
| South Africa | 35 | 4 | vs England | Cape Town | 1899 |
| India | 36 | 3 | vs Australia | Adelaide | 2020 |
| South Africa | 36 | 1 | vs Australia | Melbourne | 1932 |
| Australia | 36 | 2 | vs England | Birmingham | 1902 |
| Ireland | 38 | 4 | vs England | Lord's | 2019 |
| New Zealand | 42 | 1 | vs Australia | Wellington | 1946 |
| Australia | 42 | 2 | vs England | Sydney | 1888 |
| India | 42 | 3 | vs England | Lord's | 1974 |
| South Africa | 43 | 3 | vs England | Cape Town | 1889 |
| Bangladesh | 43 | 1 | vs West Indies | North Sound | 2018 |
| Australia | 44 | 4 | vs England | Oval | 1896 |
| South Africa | 45 | 3 | vs Australia | Melbourne | 1932 |
| England | 45 | 3 | vs Australia | Sydney | 1887 |
| New Zealand | 45 | 1 | vs South Africa | Cape Town | 2013 |
| India | 46 | 1 | vs New Zealand | Bengaluru | 2024 |
| England | 46 | 1 | vs West Indies | Oval | 1994 |
| New Zealand | 47 | 4 | vs England | Melbourne | 1958 |
1. New Zealand - 26 runs (vs England, Auckland 1955)
New Zealand holds the record for the lowest team score in Test cricket history. Facing a deficit of 46 runs after England’s first innings, New Zealand managed just 26 runs in their second innings. England’s bowlers, led by Bob Appleyard, Frank Tyson and Brian Statham, dominated the New Zealand’s batting lineup. England won the match by an innings & 20 runs.
2. South Africa - 30 runs (vs England, Gqeberha 1896)
South Africa experienced a forgettable performance over a century ago. They were dismissed for just 30 runs by England, chasing 319 for victory in the fourth innings. George Lohmann’s spectacular bowling spell (8/7) was the main reason for this low score. The match was played on a tricky pitch that offered a lot of assistance to bowlers. England won the match by 288 runs.
Also read: Most Runs in Test Cricket
3. South Africa - 30 runs (vs England, Birmigham 1924)
South Africa appears second time on this list with another 30 all out, this time at Edgbaston in 1924. England’s bowlers Arthur Gilligan (6/7) and Maurice Tate (4/12) delivered sensational spells, leaving the South African batters clueless. South Africa made 390 runs in the second innings and lost the match by an innings & 18 runs.
4. South Africa - 35 runs (vs England, Cape Town 1899)
South Africa again struggled in the early years of their cricket journey, posting only 35 runs in a Test match against England at Newlands in 1899. Setting a target of 246 runs in the fourth innings, England's Schofield Haigh (6/11) and Albert Trott (4/19) bowled with precision, taking advantage of favorable conditions. England won by 201 runs.
5. India - 36 runs (vs Australia, Adelaide 2020)
India’s 36 all out against Australia in the Adelaide Test of 2020 sent shockwaves through the cricket world. In the second innings, Australia’s pacers - Josh Hazlewood (5/8) and Pat Cummins (4/21) produced an extraordinary bowling display to blow away India’s batting lineup. Australia won the Test by 8 wickets. Despite the setback, India bounced back heroically in the series, ultimately winning 2-1.
India's Lowest Score in Test History
India's lowest score in Test cricket is 36 all out against Australia in Adelaide, 2020. India's lowest Test total at home is 46 all out against New Zealand in Bengaluru, 2024.
| Team | Total Score | Innings | Opposition | Ground | Year |
| India | 36 | 3 | vs Australia | Adelaide | 2020 |
| India | 42 | 3 | vs England | Lord's | 1974 |
| India | 46 | 1 | vs New Zealand | Bengaluru | 2024 |
| India | 58 | 2 | vs Australia | Brisbane | 1947 |
| India | 58 | 2 | vs England | Manchester | 1952 |
| India | 66 | 4 | vs South Africa | Durban | 1996 |
| India | 67 | 3 | vs Australia | Melbourne | 1948 |
| India | 75 | 1 | vs West Indies | Delhi | 1987 |
| India | 76 | 1 | vs South Africa | Ahmedabad | 2008 |
| India | 78 | 1 | vs England | Leeds | 2021 |
Also read: Most Catches by Indian Player in Test Cricket
FAQs
What is the lowest Test score ever?
New Zealand holds the record for the lowest score in Test cricket. New Zealand were all out for 26 runs against England at Auckland on 25th March, 1955.
What is India’s lowest Test score?
India's lowest score in Tests is 36 all out, which came against Australia in 2020 at the Adelaide Oval. Australia won the match by 8 wickets.
What is Pakistan's lowest Test score?
Pakistan lowest Test score is 49 all out against South Africa on 1st February 2013 at the Wanderers, Johannesburg.
Who is the current No. 1 Test team?
According to current ICC team rankings updated on 18th October 2024, Australia is the No. 1-ranked team with 124 rating points. India is second and England is third.
