ODI Records: Top 10 matches with lowest runs scored

Often ODI cricket is dominated by the batters. The new rules of two new balls and one less fielder during the 11-40 over phase have allowed batters to play more high-risk shots. These shots often clear the boundary making the ODI format batter dominant recently. Seldom do the bowlers make the batters dance to their line and lengths and when they do that it creates a great spectacle. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 matches where the lowest aggregate runs were scored.

ODI matches with the lowest runs scored

Match	Total runs	1st innings (Score)	2nd innings (Score)	Total overs	Run-rate	Date
Nepal vs USA	71	35	36	17.2	4.09	12th February, 2020
Canada vs Sri Lanka	73	36	37	23.2	3.12	19th February, 2003
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka	75	35	40	27.2	2.74	25th April, 2004
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe	78	38	40	20	3.9	8th December, 2001
Pakistan vs West Indies	88	43	45	32.2	2.72	25th February, 1993
England vs Canada	91	45	46	54.2	1.67	13th June, 1979
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe	93	44	49	36.4	2.53	3rd November, 2009
Sri Lanka vs India	101	50	51	21.3	4.69	17th September, 2023
West Indies vs New Zealand	106	51	55	39	2.71	27th March, 1985
Bangladesh vs West Indies	117	58	59	31.1	3.75	4th March, 2011

Nepal vs USA, 71 runs

In February 2020, Nepal and USA clashed in an ODI match, where Nepal won the toss and decided to bowl first. Nepal then bowled out the USA for just 35 runs in the first innings. Nepal then chased down the total with the loss of just two wickets. The total runs scored in the match was 71 runs which is the lowest runs scored ever in an ODI match.

Canada vs Sri Lanka, 73 runs

In the 2003 World Cup, Canada faced Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka bowled out Canada for just 36 runs. Canada’s total of 36 runs is the lowest total in an innings in the ODI World Cup. Sri Lanka then chased down the target without losing any wickets.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 75 runs

The Sri Lankan fast bowlers ran through the Zimbabwean batting order picking up four wickets in his nine overs. Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 35 runs. Sri Lanka then chased down the total losing just one wicket.

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 78 runs

Chaminda Vaas produced the best figures in ODI cricket. Vaas picked up eight wickets and picked up the first wicket on the very first delivery of the innings. Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 38 runs. Once again, Sri Lanka chased down the target for the loss of just one wicket.

Pakistan vs West Indies, 88 runs

Six of the Pakistani batters were dismissed for ducks and were bowled out for just 43 runs. West Indies were put in some early trouble with Waqar Younis picking up a wicket on the first ball of the chase. Wasim Akram picked up two more wickets but Brian Lara along with Richie Richardson chased down the total in 12.3 overs.

Conclusion

In the world of ODI cricket, where batsmen usually take center stage, these ten matches stand out as remarkable exceptions. These encounters showcased the extraordinary prowess of bowlers, demonstrating their ability to make even the best batters struggle. Nepal vs. USA in 2020 recorded the lowest-ever aggregate runs in ODI history, with only 71 runs scored. Similarly, the Canada vs. Sri Lanka match in the 2003 World Cup, and encounters like Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe and Pakistan vs. West Indies, highlighted the bowlers’ dominance in these unforgettable contests. These matches remind us that in cricket, it’s not just the batters who can create spectacular moments on the field.