Top 10 Matches with the Most No Balls in a Test Match

In Test cricket, no balls are considered small mistakes that can turn into big problems. When bowlers overstep the crease or deliver the ball wrongly, it leads to a no ball an extra run and one extra delivery for the batting side. Across the history of cricket, some matches have witnessed the Most No Balls in a Test Match, making them memorable not just for runs or wickets, but for the bowling indiscipline on display.

Let’s explore the top 10 matches with the Most No Balls in a Test Match, ranked from 10 to 1. Each match is explained in detail, including the total runs scored and no balls delivered.

List of Top 10 Matches with the Most No Balls in Test History

10. Australia vs West Indies – Adelaide, 1989

In this intense match held at Adelaide on 3rd February 1989, both Australia and West Indies played aggressively. However, it was also one of the matches with the Most No Balls in a Test Match. A total of 71 no balls were bowled.

The bowlers from both sides overstepped several times. The match had 418 overs, and the frequent no balls gave the batters more chances to score. This game highlighted how even top-class teams can have lapses in discipline.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
Australia vs West Indies	1341	71

9. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – Auckland, 1991

On 1st March 1991, New Zealand and Sri Lanka met in Auckland for a match filled with extras. This game recorded 71 no balls, placing it at number 9 in the list of Most No Balls in a Test Match.

The flat pitch allowed batters to dominate, while bowlers struggled with rhythm and foot placement. The 417 overs delivered included frequent overstepping, making this match one of the sloppiest in terms of bowling control.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka	1277	71

8. West Indies vs Australia – Georgetown, 1991

This clash at Georgetown on 23rd March 1991 had some powerful batting but also several undisciplined spells of bowling. The game witnessed 75 no balls, making it one of the matches with the Most No Balls in a Test Match.

Pace bowlers tried too hard to generate speed, resulting in 75 no balls across nearly 377 overs. The match showed how pressure can lead even experienced players to make repeated errors.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
West Indies vs Australia	1196	75

7. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Karachi, 2000

On 12th March 2000, Pakistan and Sri Lanka faced each other in Karachi. Both teams gave away runs through extras, including 75 no balls, ranking this Test at number 7 in the list of Most No Balls in a Test Match.

Pakistan’s fast bowlers, in particular, lost control at crucial times. The no balls kept giving Sri Lanka extra runs and momentum. This match remains one of the most undisciplined Test performances for the hosts.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka	1132	75

6. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Lahore, 2002

Once again, these two teams found themselves in a chaotic Test match in Lahore on 6th March 2002. Another 75 no balls were bowled in the game, adding it to the record list of Most No Balls in a Test Match.

This match was slightly shorter in overs compared to others on the list, but the high number of no balls in just 315 overs proved how badly the bowling units performed under pressure.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka	1120	75

5. West Indies vs Australia – Bridgetown, 1999

Played in Bridgetown on 26th March 1999, this was a thrilling contest but also full of bowling errors. With 78 no balls, this match earned the 5th spot among the Most No Balls in a Test Match.

The fast bowlers tried to unsettle the batters with aggressive spells, but repeated no balls helped the batters escape pressure and build their innings. Discipline was clearly missing in this exciting Test.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
West Indies vs Australia	1276	78

4. West Indies vs England – Bridgetown, 1974

Going back to 6th March 1974, this match at Bridgetown saw the West Indies and England contest a long and grinding Test match. The 79 no balls bowled here rank it fourth on the list of Most No Balls in a Test Match.

Despite being an older match, the number of no balls was quite high. West Indies’ pacers overstepped multiple times while trying to push for wickets on a flat surface.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
West Indies vs England	1268	79

3. West Indies vs England – Bridgetown, 1994

Another Test played in Bridgetown, this time on 8th April 1994, also ended up in the record books. A total of 81 no balls were bowled, making this one of the matches with the Most No Balls in a Test Match.

The pressure of the game got to the bowlers, especially from West Indies. Their pace attack, although strong, lacked precision, and this resulted in high extras.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
West Indies vs England	1290	81

2. Australia vs West Indies – W.A.C.A, 1988

On 2nd December 1988, Australia hosted West Indies at W.A.C.A in Perth. It was a high-scoring, action-packed Test match with 90 no balls earning it the second spot on our list of Most No Balls in a Test Match.

The West Indies pace quartet bowled fast and fierce, but many deliveries were illegal. The no balls allowed Australia to take the upper hand and build a massive total.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
Australia vs West Indies	1427	90

1. West Indies vs Pakistan – Bridgetown, 1977

Topping the list with an unbelievable 103 no balls, this Test match played on 18th February 1977 in Bridgetown stands as the match with the Most No Balls in a Test Match ever recorded.

This historic match witnessed 173 extra runs in total, and the 103 no balls became a world record that still stands today. Bowlers on both sides lacked control, and the match became a classic example of how discipline can break down under pressure.

Teams	Total Runs	No Balls
West Indies vs Pakistan	1398	103

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