The Delhi Test between India and the West Indies has entered cricket’s history books for an extraordinary reason. In a sport that has seen more than 2,600 Test matches over 150 years, this game produced a record that had never been achieved before.
India Clinch Series with Clean Sweep
India secured a convincing victory in the Delhi Test, completing a 2-0 clean sweep over the West Indies. However, the match will be remembered not just for India’s dominant win but also for the rare and historic record created during their first innings.
India’s Unique Feat: No Byes or Leg Byes in 518 Runs
Batting first, India declared their innings at 518 for 5 after facing 134.2 overs. What made this innings remarkable was that the entire total came without a single bye or leg bye – a feat never seen before in Test cricket’s long history.
That means every run scored during the innings came directly off the bat. Not one delivery passed the keeper for extras, nor did any ball deflect off a batter’s pads for additional runs. It showcased the incredible precision of both batting and wicketkeeping throughout the innings.
Only Two Extras in 134 Overs
In addition to the absence of byes and leg byes, the West Indies bowlers also displayed excellent discipline. Across 134.2 overs, they did not bowl a single no-ball, and the only two extras in India’s massive total were wide deliveries.
This level of control and accuracy from both sides made the innings one of the most technically flawless displays in recent memory.
Comparison with a 2018 Record
The only somewhat similar instance occurred in 2018, when Bangladesh scored 513 runs against Sri Lanka without any byes or leg byes. However, that innings included runs from no-balls and wides, which makes India’s achievement in Delhi truly unique.
This match has now officially set a new benchmark for batting discipline and bowling accuracy, marking a first-of-its-kind moment in Test cricket history.
A Rare Statistical Gem
Cricket has witnessed countless records across its 150-year journey, but this one stands out for its unusual nature. Scoring over 500 runs without a single bye, leg bye, or no-ball reflects not just skill but also exceptional concentration from everyone on the field – from the batters and bowlers to the wicketkeeper.
