Now Reading: Identical First-Innings Scores in Test Cricket: 9 Legendary Matches (1910–2025)
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Identical First-Innings Scores in Test Cricket: 9 Legendary Matches (1910–2025)
Nine Times in Test Cricket History: When Both Teams Scored Identical First-Innings Totals (1910–2025)
Test cricket, known for its rich history and unpredictable drama, has witnessed countless unforgettable moments. Among the rarest feats in the format is when both teams finish their first innings with exactly the same score. As of July 2025, this has happened only nine times in more than 140 years of Test cricket—highlighting how rare and remarkable these occasions are.
🏏 The Complete List: Matches with Equal First-Innings Scores
| # | Teams | Venue | Year | First-Innings Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa vs England | Durban | 1910 | 199 |
| 2 | India vs West Indies | Kanpur | 1958 | 222 |
| 3 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Auckland | 1973 | 402 |
| 4 | West Indies vs Australia | Kingston | 1973 | 428 |
| 5 | India vs England | Birmingham | 1986 | 390 |
| 6 | England vs West Indies | St John’s | 1994 | 593 |
| 7 | West Indies vs Australia | St John’s | 2003 | 240 |
| 8 | England vs New Zealand | Leeds | 2015 | 350 |
| 9 | England vs India | Lord’s | 2025 | 387 |
Source: Compiled from leading cricket statistical platforms, updated through July 2025.
🇮🇳 India’s Rarity
Even among cricket’s powerhouses, India has featured only three times—against West Indies (1958), England (1986), and most recently, at Lord’s in 2025 versus England. This underlines how infrequent such events are for even the most prolific Test-playing nations.
🤔 Why Is This So Uncommon?
Test cricket comprises four innings over up to five days. Given the numerous variables—batting form, pitch conditions, weather, and more—it’s statistically improbable for rival teams to end their opening stints on exactly the same total. These nine matches represent a special quirk in cricket’s long tapestry and have resulted in varied match outcomes, from tense draws to thrilling wins.
🏆 A Historical Perspective
From Durban in 1910 to Lord’s in 2025, each of these games is a testament to the sport’s unpredictability and competitive spirit. Cricket aficionados consider such matches as rare gems among thousands of Tests played over generations.
