ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Records: Lowest Score Defended
Such dramatic and unforgettable games – cricket history at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup bears witness to them – this is one where teams displayed exceptional talent, discipline, and tactical genius in defending low scores. These matches demonstrate that when bowlers and fielders step up to the plate, even low totals may result in exciting matches. These are the top five times in T20 World Cup history where the lowest scores were successfully defended.
| Score | Team | Opposition | Opposition Score | Date |
| 106 (19.3 overs) | Bangladesh | Nepal | 85 (19.2 overs) | 16 June 2024 |
| 113-6 (20.0 overs) | South Africa | Bangladesh | 109-7 (20.0 overs) | 10 June 2024 |
| 115-7 (20.0 overs) | Nepal | 114-7 (20.0 overs) | 14 June 2024 | |
| 119 (19.2 overs) | Sri Lanka | New Zealand | 60 (15.3 overs) | 31 March 2014 |
| 119 (19.0 overs) | India | Pakistan | 113-7 (20.0 overs) | 9 June 2024 |
Bangladesh vs. Nepal (106 Defended, June 16, 2024)
Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Bangladesh defended a paltry 106 to beat Nepal in one of the more spectacular matches in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. Bangladesh failed to muster a respectable total on a wicket that stood tall to the bowlers. The only bright spot of their innings was captain Shakib Al Hasan’s 34.
Bangladesh’s spinners pulled the noose tight by accurate line and length once Nepal took off cautiously to start their chase. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman were the heroes who took six wickets together. Bangladesh won a game by 21 runs by bowling Nepal out for just 85 in 19.2 overs. The contest proved the value of discretion and team spirit in preserving small totals.
South Africa vs. Bangladesh (113-6 defended, June 10, 2024)
Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, USA was where this match of the T20 World Cup was held.
This happened just a couple of days ago, precisely on June 10, 2024, when South Africa emerged as the victorious side in what is often stated as one of the tremendous low-score defences against Bangladesh. Aiden Markram made the most runs (36), but South Africa could only manage 113/6 in their 20 overs when they batted first. Bangladesh kept the Proteas to a tricky wicket with their disciplined bowling and astute fielding.
But during the run, the South African bowling unit reversed the scenario. Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada clinically shredded Bangladesh’s batting line-up with his fiery deliveries. Litton Das, with the heroic knock of 28*could sum up only four runs short at 109/7 from Bangladesh in the match and tenacity combined with tactical brilliance from South Africa.
Nepal vs. Bangladesh (115-7 Defended, June 14 2024)
Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
On June 14, 2024, Nepal, a growing cricket powerhouse, held off Bangladesh by defending a slim total of 115/7. Nepal was able to set the modest target thanks to the efforts of their middle-order hitters.
Before Nepal’s spinners, under the leadership of Sandeep Lamichhane, worked their magic, Bangladesh’s chase was going nicely. Lamichhane’s three-wicket haul destroyed the middle order of Bangladesh, and runs were difficult to come by due to tight fielding. Cricket Betting app enthusiasts witnessed Bangladesh ensure Nepal a dramatic, one-run victory and a historic moment in associate cricket with a total of 114/7.
Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand (119 Defended, March 31, 2014)
Zohar Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh
One of the best bowling performances came by Sri Lanka against New Zealand in the 2014 T20 World Cup. After being dismissed for 119 runs in 19.2 overs, Sri Lanka’s chances appeared bleak. Their bowlers, though, had different plans.
Rangana Herath took five wickets for only three runs in a master display of spin bowling. One of the lowest scores in the history of the T20 World Cup was made by New Zealand, which was bowled out for an astonishing 60 in 15.3 overs. This game served as an excellent illustration of how a team may recover through outstanding bowling performances.
India vs. Pakistan (119 Defended, June 9 2024)
Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, USA
On June 9, 2024, the storied rivalry between India and Pakistan entered a new phase. India defended a respectable score of 119 against their most vigorous opponents in a high-stress match. India could only do a little batting first on a slow surface, except Suryakumar Yadav, who made a good contribution by scoring 44 runs in the T20 World Cup.
The Indians went all guns blazing, and the Pakistani chase began very cautiously. Death bowling on the tight side kept Pakistan at 113/7, and Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja often took crucial wickets at the right time. The game, yet again, proved that India is one of the cricketing superpowers, and they can keep cool even in the most stressful of situations.
These low-scoring defences demonstrate the erratic character of T20 cricket. Even though high scores usually appear in the headlines, these games bring back the memory that bowling and hitting are equal contributors to cricket. No matter how high the score, there is always a way to emerge victorious if they can handle the situation when things go wrong, follow up their plans, and be composed in the crunch of time. As part of the glorious legacy of the T20 World Cup, such moments will be relished by fans all over.
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