Lowest Scores in the T20 World Cup: 5 Times Teams Crumbled Under Pressure
T20 cricket is known for explosive batting and massive scores, but not every match lives up to that expectation. Over the years, even the best teams have suffered shocking collapses, registering some of the lowest scores in the T20 World Cup. Here’s a look at five unforgettable instances where teams failed to even cross the 100-run mark in T20 World Cup history.
1. Netherlands – 39/10 vs Sri Lanka (2014 T20 World Cup)
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Venue: Chattogram, Bangladesh
The record for the lowest score in the T20 World Cup belongs to the Netherlands, who were bundled out for just 39 runs against Sri Lanka during the 2014 edition in Bangladesh. The Dutch had a nightmare outing, losing four wickets for just 9 runs, and never recovered. They were bowled out in just 10.3 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers ran riot with Ajantha Mendis and Angelo Mathews claiming three wickets each. Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara chipped in with two and one wickets respectively to dismantle the Netherlands’ batting lineup.
2. Netherlands – 44/10 vs Sri Lanka (2021 T20 World Cup)
Venue: Sharjah, UAE
The Dutch appear again on this list, this time for scoring the second lowest total in T20 World Cup history — just 44 runs against Sri Lanka in 2021. Déjà vu struck as Sri Lanka once again dominated the Netherlands.
Lahiru Kumara spearheaded the pace attack with three wickets, while the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana combined for five wickets. The Netherlands lasted only 10 overs, recording another dismal performance against the island nation.
3. West Indies – 55/10 vs England (2021 T20 World Cup)
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Venue: Dubai, UAE
The two-time T20 World Cup champions, West Indies, suffered a shocking collapse against England in their 2021 campaign opener. Batting first, the Windies were skittled out for 55 runs in 14.2 overs, despite boasting power hitters like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, and Dwayne Bravo.
Adil Rashid starred with the ball, taking four wickets for just two runs. England’s all-round bowling effort completely outclassed the West Indies and handed them one of their most humiliating defeats in the tournament’s history.
4. New Zealand – 60/10 vs Sri Lanka (2014 T20 World Cup)
Venue: Chattogram, Bangladesh
In a must-win encounter, New Zealand was bowled out for just 60 runs while chasing a modest target set by Sri Lanka in the 2014 edition. This game marked yet another dominant Sri Lankan bowling performance in T20 World Cup history.
Rangana Herath was the star of the match, delivering an unbelievable spell of 5 wickets for just 3 runs. He was also involved in two run-outs, making it a match to remember. New Zealand’s collapse helped Sri Lanka stay alive in the tournament and demonstrated the power of disciplined spin bowling.
5. Scotland – 60/10 vs Afghanistan (2021 T20 World Cup)
Venue: Sharjah, UAE
Scotland was bowled out for 60 runs in their chase of 191 against Afghanistan during the 2021 T20 World Cup. The match turned into a one-sided affair, thanks to Afghanistan’s potent spin duo.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan claimed nine wickets between them, with the former taking a five-wicket haul. Scotland had no answers to Afghanistan’s bowling and succumbed to a crushing 130-run defeat, one of the largest in T20 World Cup history.
While high scores and big hits often grab the spotlight in T20 cricket, these instances remind us that even in the shortest format, bowling can dominate. The lowest scores in the T20 World Cup not only highlight epic batting collapses but also showcase world-class bowling performances that have shaped tournament histories. As T20 cricket continues to evolve, such rare but memorable moments add a unique flavor to the game.
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