Cricket, often considered a gentleman’s game, has its fair share of moments that test the mettle of players and fans alike. One such aspect that can evoke a mix of disbelief and sympathy is witnessing a team struggle to put runs on the board, resulting in the shameful tag of recording the cricket’s lowest score in ODI. From the cricketing powerhouse of Sri Lanka to the unexpected underdogs like the USA, the list is as diverse as the sport itself.
Here are the top 15 Lowest ODI Scores in Cricket
Zimbabwe’s 35 All Out Against Sri Lanka
On a fateful day at Harare Sports Club in 2004, Zimbabwe found themselves in the record books for all the wrong reasons. Facing Sri Lanka, the Zimbabwean batters endured a nightmare, managing a meagre total of 35 runs in 18 overs. Captain Marvan Atapattu’s decision to field first paid off handsomely, as the Sri Lankan pace trio of Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, and Dilhara Fernando orchestrated the demolition.
This episode is even more extraordinary because none of the Zimbabwean batters could muster double digits. It was a collective failure, and Sri Lanka effortlessly secured victory by nine wickets within ten overs, underscoring their sheer dominance.
35 All Out Against Nepal
Fast forward to 2020, and the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur witnessed a history of a different kind. The USA cricket team found themselves in the unenviable position of equaling the lowest ODI score, mustering only 35 runs in 12 overs against Nepal. In a game where resistance seemed a distant dream, spinners Sandeep Lamichhane and Sushan Bhari wreaked havoc, claiming 6 and 4 wickets, respectively.
Opener Xavier Marshall’s modest contribution of 16 runs was a lone bright spot for the USA, but it was insufficient. Nepal quickly chased the target, winning the match by eight wickets inside six overs. This encounter highlighted the unpredictable nature of cricket, where even the underdogs can leave an indelible mark on the record books.
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Canada 36 All Out in 2003 World Cup
The 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup witnessed a swift and one-sided affair as Canada faced the wrath of the Sri Lankan bowling. Asked to bat first, Canada could only manage a paltry 36 runs in 18.4 overs. The trio of Chaminda Vaas, Prabath Nissanka, and Dilhara Fernando inflicted the damage, with none of the Canadian batters reaching double figures. It was the Lowest Total in ODI World Cup.
Sri Lanka wrapped up the match in just five overs, winning by nine wickets. The Canadian batters, including opener Desmond Chumney and skipper Joe Harris, struggled to make any impact. This episode is a stark reminder of the ruthless efficiency that top-tier teams can exhibit, leaving the underdogs with a harsh reality check. This match marked one of the lowest ODI totals.
Zimbabwe All Out at 38 in Colombo against Sri Lanka
Colombo became the backdrop for its low-scoring spectacle in 2001 as Zimbabwe faced Sri Lanka. The visitors were bundled out for a mere 38 runs in 15.4 overs, courtesy of an exceptional bowling performance by Chaminda Vaas, who claimed a career-best eight wickets for just 19 runs.
Captain Stuart Carlsile’s contribution of 16 runs was the highest for Zimbabwe, but it was a feeble attempt in the face of Sri Lanka’s dominance. Remarkably, Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 4.2 overs, registering the second-fastest ODI victory in terms of balls remaining (274).
Sri Lanka 43 All Out Against South Africa
In 2012, Sri Lanka received a formidable South African team. Opting to bat on a suitable surface, South Africa set a challenging target of 302 runs. Sri Lanka’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, losing both openers without a single run on the board and eventually being bowled out for a mere 43 runs in 20.1 overs. It marks the fifth cricket lowest in the ODI so far.
Hashim Amla’s century and contributions from Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers (his name also included in the Most Ducks in ODI World Cup) had set the stage for a comprehensive victory. Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe capitalised on the situation, taking 4 and 3 wickets respectively. Sri Lanka’s lone double-digit contributor was Kosala Kulasekara, but his efforts were in vain as South Africa sealed a convincing win.
Sri Lanka’s 55 All Out
In the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka faced the formidable Indian team and encountered a batting collapse of historic proportions. Chasing India’s total of 357, Sri Lanka crumbled to 55 in 19.4 overs. Mohammed Shami led the Indian bowling attack with five wickets, while Mohammed Siraj chipped in with three wickets.
This dismal performance by Sri Lanka secured a place in the annals of Cricket World Cup history, marking the fourth-lowest score in the tournament’s history. The match showcased the stark contrast between the two teams, with India’s formidable batting lineup and Sri Lanka’s batting woes coming to the forefront.
A Glimpse into World Cup History: Other Lowest Scores
While Sri Lanka’s 55 against India stands out in recent memory, the Cricket World Cup history is peppered with teams succumbing to low scores. Canada’s 36 against Sri Lanka in 2003, Namibia’s 45 against Australia in 2003, and Scotland’s 68 against West Indies in 1999 are just a few examples of the World Cup’s unforgiving nature.
These matches highlight the prowess of the bowling attacks and the challenges teams faced in the high-pressure environment of a World Cup tournament. Each low score is a testament to cricket’s unpredictable and competitive nature on the global stage.
Namibia’s 45 All Out Against Australia (2003)
In the same 2003 Cricket World Cup that witnessed Canada’s 36, Namibia, too, found themselves on the wrong side of a ruthless bowling attack. This match marked one of the lowest ODI totals. Facing Australia, Namibia could only manage 45 runs in 14 overs. The Australian bowlers, led by Glenn McGrath and Brad Hogg, dismantled the Namibian batting lineup. Australia comfortably chased the target, winning the match by a convincing margin.
Canada All Out at 45 (1979)
Canada, familiar with low scores, faced a batting collapse in the 1979 ICC Cricket World Cup. Playing against England, Canada was bowled out for just 45 runs in 40.3 overs. England’s Chris Old wreaked havoc, taking four wickets for eight runs. The match ended with England winning by a massive margin of 8 wickets.
Bangladesh’s 58 All Out Against West Indies (2011)
Despite their progress in international cricket, Bangladesh faced a significant setback in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Playing against the West Indies, Bangladesh could only muster 58 runs in 18.5 overs. Kemar Roach led the West Indies bowling attack, taking three wickets for 19 runs. The West Indies comfortably chased the target, winning the match by nine wickets.
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Scotland’s 68 All Out Against West Indies (1999)
In the World Cup encounter against the West Indies in 1999, Scotland struggled to fight. Batting first, Scotland could only score 68 runs in 31.3 overs. West Indies’ Curtly Ambrose and Franklyn Rose took three wickets each. Unsurprisingly, the West Indies quickly chased the target, winning the match by six wickets.
Kenya’s 69 All Out Against New Zealand (2011)
In the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, Kenya faced a formidable New Zealand side. Kenya’s batting lineup collapsed, managing only 69 runs in 23.5 overs. Tim Southee was the wrecker-in-chief for New Zealand, taking three wickets for 13 runs. New Zealand chased the target effortlessly, winning the match by ten wickets.
Pakistan’s 74 All Out Against England (1992)
Even cricketing powerhouses like Pakistan have had their share of struggles. In the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup, Pakistan faced a tough challenge against England, marking this match one of the cricket’s lowest scores in ODI. Pakistan could only score 74 runs in 40.2 overs. Derek Pringle and Ian Botham played pivotal roles in England’s bowling performance. England secured a comfortable victory, winning by ten wickets.
Ireland’s 77 All Out Against Sri Lanka (2007)
Making their debut in the Cricket World Cup in 2007, Ireland faced a daunting task against Sri Lanka. Ireland’s batters found it challenging to cope with Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, posting 77 runs in 27.4 overs. Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga were the tormentors in chief for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka clinched the match with ease, winning by eight wickets.
Bangladesh’s 78 All Out Against South Africa (2011)
Bangladesh faced another challenging encounter in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, this time against South Africa. Bangladesh struggled to put runs on the board, managing only 78 runs in 28 overs. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Imran Tahir, wreaked havoc. South Africa comfortably chased down the target, winning the match by 206 runs.
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Conclusion
As we weave through the tapestry of cricketing history, the lowest ODI totals emerge as crucial threads, showcasing the diverse challenges teams face on the international stage. From Namibia’s struggles against Australia to Ireland’s debut disappointment, each low score contributes to the rich narrative of the sport.
These instances highlight the brilliance of the bowling attacks and underscore cricket’s unpredictable and competitive nature. Whether in World Cups or bilateral series, cricket’s lowest scores in ODI are reminders of the fine line between success and struggle in the ever-evolving game of cricket.
Cricket enthusiasts, while enamoured by high-scoring thrillers, understand that it’s the moments of adversity that add depth to the cricketing narrative. Though painful for the teams involved, the lowest scores in ODI cricket recorded underline the resilience required to navigate the unforgiving challenges of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is India’s lowest ODI score, and when did it occur?
India’s Lowest Score in ODI Cricket: India’s lowest ODI score remains 54 all out, a forgettable day against Sri Lanka in 2000 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka emerged victorious in that match by a whopping margin of 245 runs.
Against which team did Pakistan achieve their lowest ODI score in 1993, and where did the match take place?
Pakistan’s Lowest Score in ODI: Pakistan’s lowest ODI score is 43, a dismal performance against West Indies in 1993 at Newlands, Cape Town.
Which team holds the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI team rankings?
Current No. 1 ODI Team: As of 11 February 2024, India holds the coveted position of the No. 1-ranked ODI team according to the ICC team rankings, boasting 121 rating points. Australia and South Africa follow closely in the second and third positions.
What is Australia’s lowest ODI score?
Australia’s Lowest ODI Score: Australia’s lowest ODI score is 70, all out on a challenging day against New Zealand in 1986 at Adelaide Oval.
What is the lowest score ever recorded in the Women’s ODI? Lowest Score in Women’s ODI: The Netherlands women’s cricket team etched an unwanted record with the lowest score in women’s ODI, dismissed for 22 against West Indies women at Deventer on July 9, 2008.
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