New Zealand’s 26-All Out: A Record That Still Stands After 70 Years

Seventy years ago, on March 28, 1955, New Zealand cricket suffered its darkest day, getting dismissed for just 26 runs against England at Eden Park. This remains the lowest-ever Test innings total, a record that still haunts New Zealand cricket history.

Since then, 7855 Test innings have comfortably crossed the dreaded 26-run mark, but no team has failed to surpass it. The closest collapse in recent times was India’s 36 all out in Adelaide (2020), where they were 26-8, sparking hope of a new record, but Hanuma Vihari’s boundary ensured India avoided the unwanted milestone.

The Match That Created History

On day three of the second Test, England, who trailed by 52 runs overnight, ended their innings at 246, taking a first-innings lead of 46. New Zealand spinner Alec Moir shone with 5-62, but what followed was an unforgettable collapse.

New Zealand’s second innings lasted just 27 overs, with four ducks and three players scoring just one run. Bert Sutcliffe top-scored with 11, while captain Geoff Rabone managed only seven. Rabone even appealed against the light at 22-8, but umpire Clyde Harris dismissed the plea.

England’s Bob Appleyard destroyed New Zealand’s batting lineup with 4-7, sealing victory by an innings and 20 runs.

A Record That Refuses to Fall

Despite the humiliation, New Zealand recovered, winning their first-ever Test match less than a year later, beating the West Indies at Eden Park. Since then, they have won 118 Tests, but 26 all out remains unbeaten as the lowest Test score in history.

Seventy years on, the record still stands, waiting for another team to rewrite history.