ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Records: Which Teams have Recorded the Lowest Innings Totals in the History of the Tournament?

T20 World Cup Records: Lowest Innings Totals

Even if T20 cricket is often associated with big scores and breathtaking batting, there are indeed instances when teams fold under pressure. In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup so far, on a few occasions, teams have been unable to cope with the disciplined bowling that has led to the lowest innings totals in the history of that particular competition. Let’s see some such matches in more detail. 

There have been some remarkable collapses in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where teams have posted embarrassingly low innings totals. These records reveal the overwhelming pressure of T20 cricket and the unpredictable nature of the format. There is nothing quite like a batting collapse, or a magician with a ball, to create those unforgettable memories of the lowest scores in the free-willing history of the T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands (39 runs in 10.3 overs) 

At Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, the Netherlands defeated Sri Lanka with a meager score of 39, setting the questionable record for the lowest team total in T20 World Cup history. The Dutch batting order was totally destroyed by Sri Lanka’s seamers, especially Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews. Sri Lanka chased the mark in just five overs, finishing the match pretty fast, thus showing their superiority in the 2014 edition.

Uganda vs. West Indies (39 runs in12 overs) 

Uganda faced the West Indies at Providence Stadium in Georgetown during their first T20 World Cup campaign in 2024. Their chances were brought down by Uganda, who could not get even 39 runs off 12 overs in the face of the Caribbean bowlers’ pace and spin. An uneven match promised much to be a decisive win for West Indies’s veteran bowling team, headed by Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph.

New Zealand vs. Uganda (40 runs in 18.4 overs) 

After the lowest total, Uganda also lost against New Zealand at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on June 14, 2024. Uganda’s valiant efforts to extend their innings were stifled by Bowlers Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner, who, for New Zealand, put in a thrilling display and could limit Uganda to 40, sending a crushing blow in their already brutal World Cup campaign.

Netherlands vs. Sri Lanka (44 runs in 10 Overs)

At Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the Netherlands lost comprehensively to Sri Lanka in the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Sri Lankan bowlers, especially Wanindu Hasaranga and Lahiru Kumara, utterly smashed the Dutch team as they batted first with only 44 runs in 10 overs. Sri Lanka won handily as they cruised through the chase and quickly achieved the goal. The Netherlands’ difficulties in the competition and Sri Lanka’s more potent bowling were evident in this match.

Oman vs. England (47 runs in 13.2 Overs)

At Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Oman’s batting collapsed during the 2024 T20 World Cup, scoring 47 runs against England. Mark Wood led England’s fast bowling, exploiting conditions to destroy Oman’s batting order. The low target easily chaser underlined England’s superiority and the huge difference between the developed cricketing nations and the emerging nations. While this performance is a testimony to England’s professionalism, it also presents Oman with precious experience that will propel them to play at a higher level in subsequent competitions.

These lowest innings totals highlight the toughest time teams have in getting used to the pressure and intensity the T20 World Cup offers. These games serve as fresh reminders of how cruel the shortest format of cricket can be, either through exceptional bowling or batting collapse. At the same time, they throw into sharp focus the experience gaps between established teams and challengers on the rise.

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