The third Test match between India and England on Thursday
could be one of the shortest matches ever recorded. The contest, which saw
England getting bowled out in the first innings by a score of 112, and India at
145.

The second innings, on the other hand, saw England being
finished off with a score of 81, giving India a target of 49, which was fulfilled
within 7.4 overs of the second Indian innings.

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The total number of overs bowled in the match amounted to
139.4, one of the lowest ever recorded.

Statistically, according to a list of shortest matches (as
per balls bowled) by ESPN cricinfo, among all recorded matches that had decisive winning
and losing sides, the third Test would be ranking third.

The first among the matches with recorded wins/losses is one
between Australia and South Africa in February 12, 1932 in Melbourne. The match
went on for a total of 109.2 overs, resulting in a win for Australia.

The second, not far from it, was a contest between West
Indies and England dating back to January 8, 1935 in which England won.

The next, as per the list, was an England vs Australia
content which went on for more than 197 overs.

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The current Test, however, ending in 139.4 overs, would now
be occupying the third position in the list.

The very first position in the list was taken up by a drawn
match between West Indies and England in North Sound (Sir Viv Richards Stadium,
Antigua). The match lasted for a mere 1.4 overs, or if it helps to better
comprehend, 10 balls.