Lowest Score in T20 Cricket History | Top 10 List

In cricket, it’s not always the highest scores that make history; sometimes, it’s the lowest that’s noteworthy, since both are part of the game’s unpredictable beauty.

In T20 cricket, the “lowest score” refers to the fewest runs a team scores in a 20-over match before being all out. Because T20 is known for its fast pace and high scoring, when teams collapse for shockingly lowest score in T20, it immediately grabs headlines in the cricketing world.

From T20 Internationals (T20Is) to World Cup clashes and IPL thrillers, low points moments remind us that even in modern cricket, one brilliant spell or one bad day can completely alter the game, and etch the record in history.

Top 10 Lowest Score in T20 International Cricket

T20 cricket is the shortest official format of the game, which is designed for fast scoring and big hits. It is also famously unpredictable, which leads to some dramatic batting collapses, and remarkably low scores.

To date, no one has beaten Ivory Coast, which has recorded the lowest score in T20 cricket history. Can you guess how many runs they scored? Believe it or not, it’s just 7 against Nigeria in 2024. Definitely, it’s the lowest score in T20 international history, and that highlights the struggles of emerging cricket nations adjusting to this fast-paced format. Besides, Mongolia, Mali, and Turkey are other emerging teams that have recorded some of the lowest totals.

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Here is a table of the top 10 lowest team totals in T20 cricket (including T20 Internationals and other recognized T20 matches), which dominates the list due to its long history of low scores.

India’s Lowest Score in T20 Matches

Cricketing giants like India have had their share of struggles in the lowest score in T20 cricket history. 74 runs made against Australia, in Melbourne, in 2008, remains the lowest score in T20 India. In this match, India was bowled out in 17.3 overs with a top score of 26 by Irfan Pathan, while Nathan Bracken took 3 wickets for Australia.

74 is considered India lowest score in a T20 scorecard, characterized by a heavy batting collapse with no other batsman scoring more than 9 runs.

Here is the list lowest score in T20 by India:

Lowest Score in T20 World Cup History

Well, the Netherlands might not be known for heavy hitting, but they do hold the record for the lowest powerplay score in T20 international. NZ lowest score in T20 came when they managed to score just 39 runs against Sri Lanka in Chattogram in 2014. That Netherlands vs Sri Lanka match still stands as the lowest-ever innings in the tournament.

However, the Netherlands is not alone in this distress. As of 2024, Uganda tallied the same runs, 39 against the West Indies. Here are the top 10 teams with the lowest scores in T20 World Cup history.

Pakistan Lowest Score In T20

Pakistan had 74 runs against Australia in the 2012 T20I series held in Dubai, UAE. Pakistan was bowled out for 74 runs in 19.1 overs, with Australia’s bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins taking 3 wickets each to dismantle the Pakistani innings.

Australia Lowest Score In T20

Australia scored 62 runs in T20 international cricket against Bangladesh in 2016, which was a rare batting collapse for the Australian team.

Lowest Score in T20 World Cup 2021

The Netherlands again struggled, scoring only 44 runs against Sri Lanka in Sharjah, one of the lowest scores in the T20 World Cup 2021, almost repeating their earlier collapse.

However, they weren’t alone this time. The West Indies were bowled out for just 55 runs by England in Dubai, marking another very low total in the T20 World Cup 2021.

The 2021 T20 World Cup gave a mix of strong bowling performances, driving teams to record low totals, contributing to the tournament’s thrilling unpredictability and competitive intensity.

Defending the Lowest Scores in T20 Cricket

In a format known for big scores and fast action, pulling off a win after a tiny total is always impressive. There have been some memorable games where teams defended just 96 or 100 runs, thanks in part to helpful pitch conditions.

• Zimbabwe Defends 105 vs West Indies (Feb 28, 2010)
• Zimbabwe posted only 105 runs but bowled out the West Indies for 79.
• Spin bowling by Graeme Cremer and Greg Lamb was instrumental.
• The pitch in that match assisted spinners heavily, making batting difficult.
• Sri Lanka Defends 119 vs New Zealand (Mar 31, 2014)
• Chasing just 120, Sri Lanka bowled New Zealand out for 60.
• Rangana Herath’s outstanding bowling (5 wickets for 3 runs) on a spinner-friendly pitch turned the match.
• The low target was defended comfortably due to disciplined bowling on a turning wicket.
• West Indies Defends 113 vs England (Sep 25, 2011)
• 113 runs on the board, and the West Indies held firm, keeping England short of the target.
• Zimbabwe Defends 118/9 vs Pakistan (Apr 23, 2021)
• Zimbabwe set 118 and defended it by bowling Pakistan out for 99.
• Bowling by Luke Jongwe and Ryan Burl was exceptional.
• Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, ICC T20 World Cup 2014
• Sri Lanka defended 119 runs on a spinner-friendly track.
• New Zealand’s batting stumbled against accurate spin bowling, an example of how pitch conditions play a crucial role.

Lowest Scores in Domestic & IPL T20s

Even in big leagues like the IPL, BBL, and PSL, teams with star players have sometimes been bowled out for shockingly low scores.

IPL Lowest Score Record

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ranks in the top when it comes to the lowest score  in T20 IPL. They were bowled out for just 49 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens in 2017. This collapse occurred in just 9.4 overs.

Besides, Rajasthan Royals (RR) suffered low totals with scores of 58 and 59 in 2009 and 2023, respectively.

Also, the Delhi Capitals faced collapses twice with scores of 66 and 67 in 2017.

Powerplay Collapses in T20 Internationals

Powerplay overs (first 6 in T20s) have seen teams getting off to disastrous starts, leading to low scores. In international T20s, the lowest powerplay score recorded is around the low 20s for 6 overs.

Further, teams like India, Australia, and England have all experienced collapses in powerplay, as a result in very low match totals. Such collapses often occur due to disciplined line and length bowling. Additionally, use of variations, and pressure on batsmen to score quickly early on.

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FAQs About Lowest Scores in T20

Q: What is the lowest score in T20 history?

A: The Ivory Coast in November 2024 scored only 7 against Nigeria, which is the lowest score in T20 ever recorded in history. They bowled out in just 7.3 overs with no batsman scoring more than 4 runs.

Q: What is the lowest score in T20 World Cup ever?

A: The Netherlands, who were bowled out for just 39 runs against Sri Lanka, is regarded as the lowest score ever recorded in T20 World Cup history.

Q: What is India’s lowest score in T20?

A: In 2008, when India managed to score 74 runs against Australia, it was the lowest score in T20 by India. They were bowled out inside 18 overs, with none of the batsmen, apart from Irfan Pathan, managing to score in double digits.

Q: Which team defended the lowest score in T20 cricket?

A: The lowest score defended in T20 cricket history is Zimbabwe, who successfully defended a total of 105 runs against the West Indies on 28th February 2010.

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