Test cricket is often called the toughest format of the game. It can take five days to decide a winner, and one good session can completely change the match.
Over the years, some teams have produced unbelievable victories against much stronger opponents. Here are five of the biggest upsets in Test cricket history.
India vs Australia, Kolkata (2001)
This is arguably one of the greatest comebacks in Test cricket. Australia arrived in Kolkata on a 16-match winning streak and looked almost unbeatable. India were pushed into a difficult position after being forced to follow on.
But VVS Laxman produced a stunning 281, while Rahul Dravid scored 180. The pair put together a huge partnership and completely changed the match. India eventually bowled Australia out and won by 171 runs.
The victory ended Australia’s incredible winning run and became one of the most famous Test matches ever played.
Bangladesh vs England, Mirpur (2016)
England were expected to beat Bangladesh in the second Test in Mirpur. The visitors had to chase 273 runs for victory and seemed to be in control after reaching 100 without losing a wicket. Then everything changed.
Bangladesh’s spinners started picking up wickets one after another. Mehedi Hasan Miraz played a major role with the ball. England collapsed and were eventually bowled out for just 164.
Bangladesh won by 108 runs and secured their first-ever Test victory over England. It was a huge moment for Bangladesh cricket.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, Peshawar (1998)
Pakistan were the favourites when Zimbabwe arrived for the Test in Peshawar. Zimbabwe, however, produced one of their most memorable performances.
They kept Pakistan under pressure throughout the match and eventually set themselves a target of 162 runs. Zimbabwe chased it down successfully.
They won the Test by seven wickets, completing a famous victory against a much stronger Pakistan side. The result remains one of the most memorable wins in Zimbabwe’s Test history.
West Indies vs England, Headingley (2017)
England looked to be in a strong position at Headingley. They set the West Indies a target of 322 runs to win the Test.
The visitors then suffered a nightmare start. They were reduced to just 5/3. At that point, England looked certain to win but Shai Hope had other plans.
Hope scored an unbeaten 118, while Kraigg Brathwaite added 95. The West Indies completed an incredible 5-wicket victory. It was one of the finest 4th-innings chases in modern Test cricket.
New Zealand vs India, Bengaluru (2024)
India have traditionally been extremely difficult to beat at home. That made New Zealand’s victory in Bengaluru even more surprising.
India were bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings. New Zealand took full advantage of the situation and controlled the Test. The visitors eventually won by 8 wickets.
The result became even more painful for India as New Zealand went on to win the 3-match series 3-0. It was India’s first home Test-series whitewash in 24 years.