Top 5: Lowest Team Totals of India in T20I Cricket

T20 cricket, known for its explosive batting and high scores, sometimes yields surprising and humbling results.

The Indian cricket team, celebrated for its strong and often dominant batting lineup, has experienced a few low-scoring matches in T20 Internationals (T20Is).

These games, characterized by poor batting performances and strong opposition bowling, offer a different perspective on the challenges faced in this dynamic format.

This article explores the five lowest team totals recorded by India in T20Is, examining the circumstances and key moments that led to these underwhelming performances.

#1 74/10 vs Australia | Melbourne, 2008

The lowest team total in T20I history for India occurred on 1st February 2008, when they played against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). India, batting first, was dismissed for a mere 74 runs in 17.3 overs.

The Australian bowlers, spearheaded by Nathan Bracken and Adam Voges, exploited the conditions to their advantage, dismantling the Indian lineup with precision. The match is often remembered for the Australian bowlers’ clinical performance and the stark contrast in batting capabilities.

This game remains India’s lowest total in T20I history, reflecting a challenging day for the Indian batsmen against a formidable attack.

#2 79/10 vs New Zealand | Nagpur, 2016

On 15th March 2016, during the T20 World Cup held in India, the Men in Blue faced New Zealand in Nagpur. Chasing a modest target of 127 runs, India’s batting lineup faltered dramatically against the Kiwi spinners.

New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Nathan McCullum exploited the spin-friendly conditions at Nagpur, dismissing India for just 79 runs in 18.1 overs.

The match showcased the vulnerability of Indian batsmen against quality spin bowling on a turning pitch, resulting in a disappointing performance.

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#3 81/8 vs Sri Lanka | Colombo, 2021

Another low point for Indian cricket came on 29th July 2021, during a T20I against Sri Lanka in Colombo. India, batting first, managed to post only 81 runs, finishing with 81/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, displayed exceptional skills, maintaining tight lines and exploiting the conditions to restrict the Indian batting lineup. Despite a valiant effort from the Indian bowlers, the low total proved insufficient, and Sri Lanka secured a comfortable victory.

#4 92/10 vs South Africa | Cuttack, 2015

On 5th October 2015, India faced South Africa in Cuttack and endured another batting collapse. Opting to bat first, India was bowled out for just 92 runs in 17.2 overs.

South African bowlers Albie Morkel and Chris Morris were instrumental in dismissing the Indian batsmen with their disciplined and effective bowling.

The match underscored India’s vulnerability to quality fast bowling and the challenges of adapting to different conditions. The low total highlighted the need for resilience and adaptability in T20 cricket.

#5 101/10 vs Sri Lanka | Pune, 2016

India’s performance on 9th February 2016, against Sri Lanka in Pune, saw another disappointing low score. Batting first, India struggled to reach 101 runs, with the team being bowled out in 18.5 overs.

The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Dushmantha Chameera and Kasun Rajitha, kept the Indian batsmen in check throughout the innings.

This game was a testament to the challenges posed by disciplined and effective bowling attacks, as India failed to build any significant partnerships and fell well short of a competitive total.