Test Largest Margin Wins by Innings Record (2025 List)
Cricket is often called a gentleman’s game, but it’s also a game of dominance. While most Test matches are remembered for intense contests, some are etched in history for sheer one-sided dominance. When a team wins by an innings, it means the opposition hasn’t even reached their first innings score. It’s a testament to complete control in both batting and bowling.
Here’s a look at the biggest innings victories in Test cricket history, updated through 2025, and this record book is filled with spectacular performances.
Top 10 Largest Wins by an Innings in Test Cricket History
1. England – Innings & 579 Runs vs Australia (1938, The Oval)
Match Date: August 20, 1938
Result: England won by an innings & 579 runs
The record for the largest innings victory in Test cricket has stood since 1938. England defeated Australia at The Oval by an incredible margin of an innings and 579 runs. Thanks to Sir Len Hutton’s brilliant innings of 364, England declared at a mammoth score of 903/7, a record at the time. The match is still considered one of the finest examples of batting dominance in Test cricket’s long history.
2. Australia – Innings & 360 Runs vs South Africa (2002, Johannesburg)
Match Date: February 22, 2002
Result: Australia won by an innings & 360 runs
In the early 2000s, Australia, led by Steve Waugh, was an unstoppable force. Against South Africa in Johannesburg, they completely dominated, posting 652/7 declared, with Matthew Hayden scoring 122 and Ricky Ponting 89. Unable to withstand the pace attack of Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie, the Proteas were bowled out for 159 and 133 respectively. This victory is considered Australia’s greatest innings victory in Test cricket.
3. New Zealand – Innings & 359 Runs vs Zimbabwe (2025, Bulawayo)
Match Date: August 7, 2025
Result: New Zealand won by an innings & 359 runs
New Zealand etched their name in the record books in 2025 with a massive innings and 359-run victory over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Riding on Kane Williamson’s double century of 241 and Daryl Mitchell’s 145, the Kiwis declared at 676/8. Their bowlers, led by Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, bundled out Zimbabwe for 175 and 142, respectively. The match marked the beginning of New Zealand’s emergence as a Test powerhouse, proving their consistency in both home and away conditions.
4. West Indies – Innings & 336 Runs vs India, 1958, Eden Gardens
Match Date: December 31, 1958
Result: West Indies won by an innings & 336 runs
In the late 1950s, the West Indies were a rising force in cricket. Their innings victory against India at Eden Gardens was a historic victory. Under the captaincy of Gary Sobers, Everton Weekes, and Conrad Hunte, the West Indies declared at 614/5. India struggled against the fast bowling of Wes Hall and Roy Gilchrist and were bowled out for 124 and 154, respectively. This victory remains one of India’s biggest defeats in Test cricket history.
5. Australia – Innings & 332 Runs vs England, 1946, Brisbane
Match Date: November 29, 1946
Result: Australia won by an innings & 332 runs
After World War II, Test cricket returned with a bang, and Australia made its mark. Don Bradman (187) and Sid Barnes (234) smashed the English bowling in Brisbane, scoring 645 runs. Ray Lindwall and Ernie Toshack devastated the batting order, and England were bowled out for 141 and 172, respectively. This laid the foundation for Australia’s dominance in the Ashes in the years to come.
6. Pakistan – Innings & 324 Runs vs New Zealand (2002, Lahore)
Match Date: May 1, 2002
Result: Pakistan won by an innings & 324 runs
Pakistan’s all-round performance in Lahore gave them one of their most impressive Test victories. Led by Inzamam-ul-Haq (329), Pakistan declared at a career-best 643/4. Their bowlers, Danish Kaneria and Shoaib Akhtar, quickly dismissed New Zealand for 73 and 246 runs, respectively. This remains one of Pakistan’s greatest Test victories ever.
7. West Indies – Innings & 322 Runs vs New Zealand, 1995, Wellington
Match Date: February 10, 1995
Result: West Indies won by an innings & 322 runs
In 1995, the West Indies were still a dominant team in world cricket. Their top order, led by Brian Lara and Jimmy Adams, declared at 660/5, but their lethal fast bowling bundled out New Zealand for 216 and 122. This showcased the West Indies’ unique balance: powerful batting and ruthless fast bowling.
8. West Indies – Innings & 310 Runs vs Bangladesh (2002, Dhaka)
Match Date: December 8, 2002
Result: West Indies won by an innings & 310 runs
In Dhaka, the Windies outplayed Bangladesh on every front. Thanks to superb knocks from Shivnarine Chanderpaul (136)* and Wavell Hinds (173), they declared at 536/3. In reply, Bangladesh could only manage 139 and 87, ultimately losing by their biggest margin ever.
9. New Zealand – Innings & 301 Runs vs Zimbabwe (2012, Napier)
Match Date: January 26, 2012
Result: New Zealand won by an innings & 301 runs
New Zealand has dominated Zimbabwe over the years, and the 2012 Napier Test was no different. Batting first, they scored 495 runs, thanks to Ross Taylor’s brilliant 122. Kiwi bowlers Trent Boult and Chris Martin bundled out Zimbabwe for 51 and 143 runs, respectively. A resounding innings victory of over 300 runs!
10. New Zealand – Innings & 294 Runs vs Zimbabwe (2005, Harare)
Match Date: August 7, 2005
Result: New Zealand won by an innings & 294 runs
New Zealand has dominated Zimbabwe for decades. In Harare in 2005, Stephen Fleming’s 202 helped New Zealand post 484. Zimbabwe’s weak batting line-up collapsed for 231 and 191, resulting in an innings defeat.
Read More: Highest Successful Run Chases in Test Cricket History
Conclusion
From England’s victory in 1938 to New Zealand’s dominance, these massive innings victories show us how Test cricket has evolved over the years. Innings victories rely not only on skill, but also on discipline and control—all of which point to true Test greatness. Although teams now focus on shorter formats, records like these prove that Test cricket remains the ultimate test of excellence.
FAQs: Questions & Answers
Q1. What is the largest victory by an innings in Test cricket history?
The record is held by England, who beat Australia by an innings and 579 runs at The Oval in 1938.
Q2. Has any team come close to breaking England’s 1938 record?
Very few. Australia’s innings & 360-run win in 2002 and New Zealand’s 359-run win in 2025 are the next closest margins. But England’s record still stands strong after nearly nine decades.
Q3. Which country has the most innings victories of over 300 runs?
New Zealand and the West Indies lead the way with multiple wins by over 300-run margins in the modern era.
