Test cricket has often been linked to patience, strategy, and long hours of play. But modern-day cricket has changed that perception, giving us breathtaking moments of aggression. The Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket stand as proof that even in the longest format, teams can turn up the heat and dominate from the start. From Australia to England, New Zealand to South Africa, these quick-fire double centuries show how teams have revolutionized the pace of scoring.
In this article, we present the Top 10 Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket, ranked from 10 to 1, with in-depth details of each record-breaking innings and stats tables to help you understand how extraordinary each performance was.
List of Top 10 Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket History
10. England – 200 in 205 Balls vs Ireland (2023)
England’s aggressive intent was on full display at Lord’s when they faced Ireland in 2023. In the second innings, England raced to 200 runs in just 205 balls (34.1 overs). This innings is a fine example of the “Bazball” era where England doesn’t believe in playing it safe. They smashed Ireland’s bowling attack and showed their dominance in home conditions.
This knock reminded everyone why England is now considered the most entertaining Test side in the world. Their fearless approach defines the Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket in the modern era.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 205 |
| Innings | 2nd |
| Overs | 34.1 |
| Opponent | Ireland |
9. England – 200 in 204 Balls vs India (2024)
On a flat Rajkot pitch in 2024, England stunned India by reaching 200 runs in only 204 balls (33.6 overs) in their second innings. Despite Indian bowlers trying various tricks, England’s batters attacked with complete freedom and control. Every boundary echoed England’s philosophy of attacking cricket.
England’s fearless cricket in Indian conditions was a rare sight, further strengthening their reputation in the list of Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 204 |
| Innings | 2nd |
| Overs | 33.6 |
| Opponent | India |
8. South Africa – 200 in 198 Balls vs Zimbabwe (2005)
South Africa took on Zimbabwe in Cape Town and raced to 200 in just 198 balls (32.6 overs) in the second innings. Facing a relatively weaker opponent, the Proteas didn’t hold back. Their top-order batting was clean and aggressive, creating pressure early on and showing class with pace.
This innings stood out for its intent and efficiency, adding to South Africa’s presence in the history of the Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 198 |
| Innings | 2nd |
| Overs | 32.6 |
| Opponent | Zimbabwe |
7. England – 200 in 195 Balls vs West Indies (2009)
During the 2009 series in the Caribbean, England stormed to 200 in just 195 balls (32.3 overs) in their third innings. It was a rare aggressive knock in a series dominated by slower scoring. The English batters counter-attacked and played with urgency, setting up a tight finish.
This innings proves that England’s attacking mindset was present even before the Bazball era and deserves mention in the Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket list.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 195 |
| Innings | 3rd |
| Overs | 32.3 |
| Opponent | West Indies |
6. West Indies – 200 in 192 Balls vs Australia (1975)
Way back in 1975, the mighty West Indies showed the world their fearless brand of cricket by scoring 200 in just 192 balls (23 overs) in the second innings against Australia at the WACA. This was raw power in its purest form, with legends like Viv Richards and Gordon Greenidge involved.
The Caribbean fire set the tone for what would later become one of the most iconic cricketing legacies in the Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 192 |
| Innings | 2nd |
| Overs | 23.0 |
| Opponent | Australia |
5. South Africa – 200 in 187 Balls vs Australia (2012)
In a thrilling Test match at Perth in 2012, South Africa stunned Australia by scoring 200 in just 187 balls (31.1 overs) in the third innings. With their backs against the wall, the Proteas, led by Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers, launched a counter-attack.
This was classic South African grit mixed with aggression, rightly earning a spot in the Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket rankings.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 187 |
| Innings | 3rd |
| Overs | 31.1 |
| Opponent | Australia |
4. England – 200 in 183 Balls vs Pakistan (2022 – 3rd Innings)
In the same Rawalpindi Test where they dominated from the start, England came back in the third innings and scored 264/7, reaching the 200 mark in just 183 balls (30.3 overs). This was pure attacking cricket, with shots all around the wicket and no signs of slowing down.
England’s repeated brilliance in this match further cements their position in the Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket list.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 183 |
| Innings | 3rd |
| Overs | 30.3 |
| Opponent | Pakistan |
3. New Zealand – 200 in 183 Balls vs Pakistan (2014)
New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum led his side to a breathtaking start in Sharjah, hitting 200 in just 183 balls (29.4 overs) in the second innings. The Kiwi captain went on to score a memorable triple century, and the team posted a massive total of 690.
This performance redefined Kiwi aggression and deserves third place among the Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 183 |
| Innings | 2nd |
| Overs | 29.4 |
| Opponent | Pakistan |
2. England – 200 in 181 Balls vs Pakistan (2022 – 1st Innings)
During the first innings of the Rawalpindi Test in 2022, England set the tone with blazing strokes and complete dominance. They raced to 200 in only 181 balls (30.1 overs) and eventually posted a mammoth 657, breaking several records.
This innings was a defining moment in the Bazball era and stands tall in the list of Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 181 |
| Innings | 1st |
| Overs | 30.1 |
| Opponent | Pakistan |
1. Australia – 200 in 171 Balls vs Pakistan (2017)
At the top of the list is Australia’s jaw-dropping effort at the SCG in 2017. In their third innings, they blazed past 200 runs in just 171 balls (28.1 overs) against Pakistan. David Warner’s blazing century before lunch on Day 1 was the highlight.
This remains the fastest team 200 in Test history and defines what it means to dominate early. Australia’s record remains a benchmark in the Fastest Team 200s in Test Cricket.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Balls to 200 | 171 |
| Innings | 3rd |
| Overs | 28.1 |
| Opponent | Pakistan |
READ MORE:
- Top 10 Fastest Batters to Score 1000 Runs in Test Cricket History
- Top 10 Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket History
FAQ
Q1. What is the fastest team 200 in Test cricket history?
A: Australia scored the fastest 200 in just 171 balls against Pakistan in 2017.
Q2. How many teams have scored 200 runs in under 200 balls?
A: Three teams Australia, England, and New Zealand have managed that incredible feat.
Q3. Is Bazball responsible for England’s fast 200s?
A: Yes, under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England adopted a highly aggressive batting style known as Bazball.
Q4. Has any team scored 200 in under 30 overs twice in the same Test?
A: Yes, England did it in both innings against Pakistan in Rawalpindi (2022).
Q5. Which ground has seen the most fast 200s?
A: Rawalpindi has witnessed two lightning-fast 200s in the same Test by England.