Test cricket is known for patience and endurance, but some teams have defied that by scoring 100 runs in record time. These blazing starts set the tone for thrilling matches and reflect a fearless batting approach. From India’s rapid start against West Indies to England’s historic dominance in Rawalpindi, here are the fastest team 100s in Test history that shook the cricket world.
Table of Contents
List of Top 10 Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket History
10. Bangladesh – 87 Balls vs England (2009/10)
In 2009/10, Bangladesh took on England in Dhaka with surprising aggression. In their first innings, Bangladesh raced to the 100-run mark in just 87 balls. The top-order batsmen played with full intent, punishing loose balls and rotating the strike effectively. This quick start gave the crowd something to cheer about and showcased Bangladesh’s evolving approach to Test cricket. It was one of the Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | 14.3 | 1st | 419 | England |
9. Australia – 87 Balls vs England (2002/03)
During the 2002/03 Ashes series, Australia put on a show at the WACA in Perth. Known for its fast pitch, the Australians took full advantage by reaching 100 in just 87 balls. Their second innings total of 456 was built on this foundation of aggressive batting. This innings became one of the Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket, led by openers who showed no fear.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
| 87 | 14.3 | 2nd | 456 | England |
8. Bangladesh – 85 Balls vs India (2007)
In 2007, Bangladesh faced India in Dhaka and played one of their most attacking innings in Tests. In their third innings, they reached 100 runs in only 85 balls. The batsmen played freely, displaying sharp strokeplay and solid partnerships. It was a rare sight back then, proving that Bangladesh could take on top teams aggressively. It rightly deserves a spot among the Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
| 85 | 14.1 | 3rd | 253 | India |
7. Australia – 84 Balls vs India (2011/12)
The WACA in Perth was once again the venue for fireworks, this time in 2012 when Australia took on India. In the first innings, the Aussies cruised to 100 runs in just 84 balls. The pace-friendly wicket and bold shot selection resulted in one of the Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket. Australia finished the innings at 369 runs, leaving a mark with their attacking intent.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
| 84 | – | – | 369 | India |
6. England – 83 Balls vs Pakistan (2022/23)
England’s first innings in Rawalpindi during their 2022/23 tour of Pakistan was historic. They smashed their way to 100 in only 83 balls. With the “Bazball” philosophy in full flow, England ended their innings at a gigantic 657. Their fearless cricket redefined modern Test batting and made this innings one of the Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
| 83 | 13.5 | 1st | 657 | Pakistan |
5. Bangladesh – 83 Balls vs West Indies (2012/13)
Another milestone for Bangladesh came in 2012 against West Indies in Dhaka. Reaching 100 runs in just 83 balls, the Bangladeshi top order stunned their opponents. Their eventual total of 556 showed they had both the aggression and the stamina to compete at the highest level. It marked one of the Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
| 83 | – | 1st | 556 | West Indies |
4. England – 82 Balls vs Pakistan (2022/23)
England appears again in this elite list with another quickfire 100 against Pakistan. In the 4th innings of the Karachi Test, they reached 100 runs in just 82 balls. This level of consistency with aggressive starts underlines why England is leading the charge in transforming Test cricket. Truly among the Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
| 82 | 13.4 | 4th | 170/2 | Pakistan |
3. England – 81 Balls vs South Africa (1994)
Way back in 1994, England showcased aggressive Test cricket at The Oval. In their 4th innings, they reached 100 runs in just 81 balls against South Africa. This approach was uncommon in that era, making it a notable achievement. Their eventual total of 205/2 wasn’t massive, but the quick start earned them a place in the list of Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
| 81 | 13.3 | 4th | 205/2 | South Africa |
2. Sri Lanka – 80 Balls vs Bangladesh (2001/02)
Sri Lanka produced a stunning batting display against Bangladesh in 2001/02 at the SSC in Colombo. In the 2nd innings, they stormed to 100 in only 80 balls and went on to score a massive 555/5. The Sri Lankan top order dominated from the start, making it one of the Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
| 80 | 13.2 | 2nd | 555/5 | Bangladesh |
1. India – 74 Balls vs West Indies (2023)
Topping the list is India’s blazing start against West Indies in 2023 at Port-of-Spain. In just 74 balls (12.2 overs), India crossed the 100-run mark. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were ruthless, targeting the bowlers with ease. This electrifying start helped India set a commanding tone and grab the record for the Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket.
| Balls to 100 | Over | Innings | Team Total | Opponent |
| 74 | 12.2 | 3rd | 181/2 | West Indies |
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FAQ
Which team holds the record for the fastest 100 in Test cricket?
India holds the record for reaching 100 runs in just 74 balls against West Indies in 2023.
Which country appears most in the list of fastest 100s?
England and Bangladesh both appear multiple times, showing their ability to play aggressive Test cricket.
What is “Bazball” in cricket?
“Bazball” is England’s ultra-aggressive Test batting approach under coach Brendon McCullum (“Baz”) and captain Ben Stokes, focusing on positive intent and high scoring rates.
Which ground has witnessed the most fast hundreds?
Dhaka and Perth have seen several record-breaking fast hundreds due to their batting-friendly conditions.
Has India always been known for fast starts in Tests?
Not always but under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and with attacking openers like Jaiswal, India has become more aggressive in the early overs.
