Top 5: Lowest Team Totals in ODI Cricket

One-Day Internationals (ODIs) are typically synonymous with thrilling chases, explosive batting performances, and towering scores.

However, amidst the glory of high-scoring matches, there have been instances where teams have succumbed to extraordinary bowling performances, resulting in astonishingly low totals.

These rare occurrences highlight the unpredictability of cricket and the sheer dominance that bowlers can exert over even the most formidable batting line-ups.

In this article, we delve into the top five lowest team totals in ODI cricket, exploring the matches where teams struggled to surpass even the most modest of scores.

1. Zimbabwe: 35 Runs vs Sri Lanka (2004, Harare)

Zimbabwe holds the record for the lowest team total in ODI history, scoring just 35 runs against Sri Lanka in 2004 at Harare.

The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Chaminda Vaas, decimated the Zimbabwean batting lineup. Vaas took 4 wickets for 11 runs, and Muttiah Muralitharan chipped in with 3 wickets for 3 runs.

Zimbabwe’s batsmen had no answer to the Sri Lankan bowling attack, leading to a historic low in ODI cricket.

2. USA: 35 Runs vs Nepal (2020, Kirtipur)

In a shocking display, the USA cricket team was bowled out for 35 runs in just 12 overs against Nepal in 2020 at Kirtipur.

Nepal’s bowlers, led by Sandeep Lamichhane and Sushan Bhari, ran through the USA’s batting order. Lamichhane took 6 wickets for 16 runs, showcasing his prowess in limited-overs cricket.

This match underscored the challenges faced by associate nations in adapting to international cricket standards.

Also Read | Top 10: Highest Individual Scores in ODI Cricket

3. Canada: 36 Runs vs Sri Lanka (2003, Paarl)

Canada’s 36-run total against Sri Lanka in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup at Paarl ranks as the third lowest in ODI history.

Sri Lankan pacers Chaminda Vaas and Prabath Nissanka wreaked havoc on the Canadian batting lineup. Vaas took 3 wickets for 15 runs, and Nissanka took 4 wickets for 12 runs, leaving Canada reeling.

The Sri Lankan bowlers’ disciplined performance ensured a comprehensive victory.

4. Zimbabwe: 38 Runs vs Sri Lanka (2001, Colombo)

Zimbabwe appears again on this list with their 38-run total against Sri Lanka in 2001 at Colombo.

Once more, the Sri Lankan bowlers dominated, with Chaminda Vaas leading the charge. Vaas took 8 wickets for 19 runs, one of the best bowling performances in ODI history.

Zimbabwe’s batting lineup collapsed under the relentless pressure, marking another low point in their cricketing journey.

5. Sri Lanka: 43 Runs vs South Africa (2012, Paarl)

Even cricketing giants like Sri Lanka have faced disastrous innings. In 2012, Sri Lanka was bowled out for just 43 runs against South Africa at Paarl.

The South African pacers, led by Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order. Morkel took 4 wickets for 10 runs, while Tsotsobe took 3 wickets for 19 runs.

This match highlighted the unpredictable nature of cricket, where even top teams can falter.