Top 5 Lowest Test Totals in South Africa

Sri Lanka’s shocking collapse for 42 runs in the opening Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on November 28 has reignited talks about lowest Test totals in South Africa.

After South Africa’s modest 191, Sri Lanka crumbled, with Kamindu Mendis the only batter in double figures, scoring 13. The bouncy pitches once again highlighted why visiting teams struggle here, though this wasn’t the lowest Test total in South Africa, showcasing how tough these conditions can be.

List of 5 Lowest Test Totals in South Africa

Rank	Team	Total	Opponent	Venue	Year	Key Bowler
1	South Africa	30	England	Port Elizabeth	1896	George Lohmann (8/7)
2	South Africa	35	England	Cape Town	1899	Schofield Haigh (6/11)
3	Sri Lanka	42	South Africa	Durban	2024	Marco Jansen (7/28)
4	South Africa	43	England	Cape Town	1899	Johnny Briggs (8/11)
5	New Zealand	45	South Africa	Cape Town	2013	Vernon Philander (5/7)

1. South Africa – 30 vs England, 1896

Lowest Test Totals in South Africa — *South Africa vs England, 1896*

The lowest total in South African Test cricket occurred in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in 1896 when South Africa was dismissed for just 30 runs against England. In this early era of Test cricket, South Africa struggled to adapt to England’s bowling attack.

England posted scores of 185 and 226, while South Africa managed only 93 and 30 in their two innings, chasing a target of 319. George Lohmann, a bowler known for his swing and precision, dismantled the hosts with extraordinary figures of 8-7 in the second innings.

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2. South Africa – 35 vs England, 1899

In Cape Town, in 1899, South Africa faced one of the lowest Test totals in South Africa, losing to England. England batted first and was dismissed for just 92, with Jimmy Sinclair, the South African bowler, taking 6-26. He went on to make history as the first South African to score a Test century, hitting 106 while South Africa managed to reach 177 in their first innings.

In response, England posted 330 in their second innings, setting South Africa a target of 246. However, South Africa was bowled out for a meager 35, marking one of the lowest test totals in south africa, with England’s Schofield Haigh (6-11) and Albert Trott (4-19) sharing all the wickets.

3. Sri Lanka – 42 vs South Africa, 2024

The ongoing Test series in South Africa witnessed another entry to the list of lowest Test totals in South Africa. In Durban, Sri Lanka was dismissed for a shocking 42 runs. South African pacer Marco Jansen delivered a stellar performance, claiming seven wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee added to the tally with two and one wickets, respectively.

With a commanding lead of 77-2 in their second innings, South Africa is in a strong position, aiming to set a massive target for the visitors. Sri Lanka will need a remarkable comeback in their next innings to avoid further embarrassment and stay in contention, especially given the context of lowest Test totals in South Africa.

4. South Africa – 43 vs England, 1899

Another lowest test total in south africa was recorded in Cape Town in 1899 during a match against England. England batted first and scored 292, thanks to opener Bobby Abel’s steady knock of 120 off 241 balls. In response, South Africa collapsed to just 47 runs in their first innings, with Johnny Briggs wreaking havoc by taking 7 wickets.

Forced to follow on, South Africa suffered another batting disaster, getting dismissed for merely 43 runs. Briggs continued his dominance, bagging an eight-wicket haul, ensuring England’s complete control over the match. This game remains a stark reminder of some of the lowest test totals in south africa.

5. New Zealand – 45 vs South Africa, 2013

New Zealand’s shocking batting collapse against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, in 2013 remains a key moment in the history of cricket. In one of the lowest test totals in south africa, Vernon Philander tore through the Kiwi lineup with an extraordinary spell, taking 5-7, as New Zealand managed only 45 runs in their first innings. Kane Williamson was the top scorer with just 13 runs.

In reply, South Africa declared their innings at 347-8, thanks to a brilliant century (106) by Alviro Petersen. Despite New Zealand showing some resistance in their second innings with Dean Brownlie scoring an impressive 109, they still couldn’t recover. The Kiwis posted 275 but ultimately lost by an innings and 27 runs, marking another instance of a match dominated by lowest test totals in south africa.

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