The T20 format is notorious for its unpredictable and suspenseful endings when the slightest margins can decide games in T20 World Cup. Teams that win by the slimmest margins are involved in some of the most exciting matches. Cricket fans worldwide are enthralled by these matches, which test players’ nerves. These games in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have the lowest win margins by most runs.
| Margin | Winning Team | Score | Opponent | Score |
| 1 run | South Africa | 128/7 (20 overs) | New Zealand | 127/5 (20 overs) |
| New Zealand | 133/7 (20 overs) | Pakistan | 132/7 (20 overs) | |
| India | 152/6 (20 overs) | South Africa | 151 (19.5 overs) | |
| 146/7 (20 overs) | Bangladesh | 145/9 (20 overs) | ||
| Zimbabwe | 130/8 (20 overs) | Pakistan | 129/8 (20 overs) | |
| South Africa | 115/7 (20 overs) | Nepal | 114/7 (20 overs) |
New Zealand versus. South Africa (1 Run)
At Lord’s in London, South Africa defeated New Zealand by an incredible one run in the 2009 T20 World Cup. South Africa, who batted first, scored a respectable 128/7 in their 20 overs. Despite being steady, New Zealand’s pursuit came up painfully short, ending at 127/5. The Proteas won one of the tightest matches in T20 World Cup history thanks to Dale Steyn’s disciplined bowling in the last over.
Pakistan vs. New Zealand (1 Run)
At the Kensington Oval in Barbados, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by just one run in the 2010 T20 World Cup, creating another suspenseful finish. Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill made significant contributions as New Zealand scored 133/7. Umar Akmal led Pakistan’s chase, but Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum’s precise death bowling ensured Pakistan lost, finishing at 132/7. The importance of maintaining composure under pressure was highlighted during this contest.
South Africa vs. India (1 Run)
There was a fierce match in the 2012 T20 World Cup in Colombo at the R. Premadasa Stadium. India batted first and scored 152/6 thanks to crucial runs from Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina before a thrilling last over bowled by Lakshmipathy Balaji. South Africa’s chase appeared to be on track. India achieved a historic one-run triumph after South Africa was knocked out for 151 in 19.5 overs.
Bangladesh vs. India (1 Run)
During the 2016 edition, Bengaluru had one of the most memorable finishes in T20 World Cup history. Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina made crucial contributions as India reached 146/7. Bangladesh only needed two runs off the last three balls, seemingly setting themselves up for a historic victory. But MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast stumping and Hardik Pandya’s genius gave India a thrilling 1-run victory that shocked the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium audience.
Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe (1 Run)
Zimbabwe pulled off one of the most spectacular upsets over Pakistan at Perth Stadium during the 2022 T20 World Cup. Sean Williams led Zimbabwe’s innings as they batted first, setting a modest score of 130/8. Sikandar Raza was a key component of Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling, which caused Pakistan’s chase to fail. Pakistan concluded at 129/8, giving Zimbabwe one of their most memorable cricketing moments and a historic 1-run triumph.
Nepal vs. South Africa (1 Run)
At the Arnos Vale Stadium in Saint Vincent, South Africa defeated Nepal by a slim margin in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Nepal’s bowlers kept South Africa under strain throughout the innings as they labored to 115/7. Nepal’s pursuit, which ended at 114/7, was solid but fell short of the finish line. The decisive final over from Kagiso Rabada demonstrated South Africa’s ability to remain composed under pressure.
The exhilarating nature of the T20 World Cup is demonstrated by the closest victory margins in its history. Every run, ball, and choice matters in these games, which reminds us of the thin line separating win and defeat. In addition to putting the players’ abilities and personalities to the test, these games give spectators experiences they will remember and capture the essence of cricket.
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