The record for the lowest score in T20 is held by Isle of Man, who were bowled out for merely 10 runs by Spain in 2023. Mohammad Kamran picked up four wickets for just four runs to play a key role in dismantling Isle of Man.
Most of the teams in the top 10 list have had very little exposure in international cricket against the top teams.
Check out a list of the top 10 lowest scores in T20 cricket
List of 10 Lowest Scores in T20 Cricket
| Team | Score | Overs | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
| Isle of Man | 10 | 8.4 | 1 | v Spain | Cartagena | 26 Feb 2023 |
| Mongolia | 12 | 8.2 | 2 | v Japan | Sano | 8 May 2024 |
| Turkey | 21 | 8.3 | 2 | v Czech Republic | Ilfov County | 30 Aug 2019 |
| China | 23 | 11.2 | 1 | v Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | 26 Jul 2023 |
| Rwanda | 24 | 6.1 | 1 | v Nigeria | Lagos | 14 Oct 2023 |
| Mongolia | 26 | 15.2 | 1 | v Japan | Sano | 9 May 2024 |
| Lesotho | 26 | 12.4 | 1 | v Uganda | Kigali | 19 Oct 2021 |
| China | 26 | 10.5 | 1 | v Thailand | Kuala Lumpur | 27 Jul 2023 |
| Turkey | 28 | 11.3 | 1 | v Luxembourg | Ilfov County | 29 Aug 2019 |
| Thailand | 30 | 13.1 | 1 | v Malaysia | Bangi | 4 Jul 2022 |
1. Isle of Man – 10
In one of the most astonishing collapses in T20 cricket history, the Isle of Man was bowled out for just 10 runs against Spain on 26th February 2023 in Cartagena. This match became infamous for its one-sided nature, as Spain’s bowlers completely dominated the Isle of Man’s batting lineup.
The Spanish bowlers, led by Mohammad Kamran, exploited the conditions perfectly, delivering disciplined line and length to create havoc. Kamran was particularly impressive, taking four wickets for just four runs. The rest of the bowling attack supported him well, ensuring that no Isle of Man batsman could settle at the crease. The total of 10 runs is the lowest score in T20 international cricket.
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2. Mongolia – 12
In a game that underscored the gulf between cricketing nations, Mongolia was skittled out for a mere 12 runs by Japan on 8th May 2024 in Sano. Japan’s bowlers were relentless, with the likes of Kazuma Kato-Stafford (5 wickets for 7 runs) wreaking havoc. Earlier, Japan scored 217 batting first, eventually winning the match by a big margin of 205 runs. This encounter served as a stark reminder of the developmental strides needed in some cricketing nations to compete at higher levels.
3. Turkey – 21
On 30th August 2019, Turkey experienced a humiliating defeat against the Czech Republic, being bowled out for just 21 runs in Ilfov County. Honey Gori and Sameera Wathhage were the chief destroyers, taking three wickets each, dismantling Turkey’s batting order. The Czech bowlers maintained a tight grip throughout the innings, not allowing any Turkish batsman to settle.
4. China – 23
China’s match against Malaysia on 26th July 2023 in Kuala Lumpur was another example of a team collapsing under pressure, as they were bowled out for just 23 runs. The Malaysian bowlers, particularly Syazrul Idrus, were in top form. Idrus’s figures of 7 for 8 were instrumental in dismantling the Chinese lineup. This game emphasized the importance of developing grassroots cricket to improve competitiveness on the international stage.
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5. Rwanda – 24
In Lagos on 14th October 2023, Rwanda faced the Nigerian side and were bowled out for 24 runs in just 6.1 overs. The Nigerian bowlers, led by Peter Aho, who took 4 wickets for 14 runs, were ruthless in their approach. The Rwandan batsmen had no answer to the pace and swing on offer, crumbling under the pressure. Nigeria won the match by 8 wickets.
6. Mongolia – 26
Just a day after their record low total, Mongolia again found themselves in trouble against Japan on 9th May 2024, being bowled out for 26 runs, registering yet another lowest team score in T20. This match saw Japan’s bowlers continuing their dominance over the Mongolian batsmen.
Despite a slightly better performance compared to their previous outing, Mongolia’s batting frailties were once again exposed. Japan’s disciplined bowling attack ensured that Mongolia’s batsmen had no respite.
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7. Lesotho – 26
On 19th October 2021, Lesotho’s batting lineup crumbled against Uganda in Kigali, being dismissed for just 26 runs. Uganda’s bowlers were exceptional, taking crucial wickets at regular intervals. Dinesh Nakrani’s figures of 6 for 7 were pivotal in dismantling Lesotho’s batting order.
8. China – 26
China’s struggles continued in their match against Thailand on 27th July 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, where they were bowled out for 26 runs. The Thai bowlers, led by Vopphon Senamontree, delivered a clinical performance, exploiting China’s vulnerabilities. Senamontree’s spell of 4 for 9 was instrumental in wrapping up the Chinese innings quickly.
9. Turkey – 28
Turkey faced another low-scoring debacle on 29th August 2019, when they were bowled out for 28 runs by Luxembourg in Ilfov County. Luxembourg’s bowlers, particularly Ankush Nanda, who took 5 wickets for 6 runs, were too hot to handle for the Turkish batsmen.
10. Thailand – 30
In Bangi on 4th July 2022, Thailand’s batting lineup faltered dramatically against Malaysia, being dismissed for 30 runs. The Malaysian bowlers, led by Syazrul Idrus, were in top form, with Idrus taking 4 wickets for 17 runs.
Further Read: Fastest 50 in T20 Cricket History
Conclusion
These record-low totals in T20 cricket emphasize the unpredictable nature of the shortest format and the significant disparities in skill and experience among emerging cricket nations. Each of these matches highlights the critical need for developing robust cricketing infrastructures, fostering talent, and providing adequate international exposure.
FAQs about Lowest Team Score in T20
Q) Which team has scored the lowest total in ODI cricket history?
A) The record for the lowest total in ODI cricket history is held by Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka’s Farveez Maharoof and Dilhara Fernando bowled brilliantly to bowl out Zimbabwe for only 35 runs, which the lowest ODI team score in history.
Q) What is the lowest score ever recorded in a T20 International match?
A) The lowest score in a T20 International match is 10 runs, recorded by the Isle of Man against Spain on 26th February 2023 in Cartagena. Spain’s Mohammad Kamran played a crucial role by taking four wickets for just four runs.
Q) What is the lowest total in Test cricket history?
A) The lowest total in Test cricket history is 26 runs, achieved by New Zealand against England on 25th March 1955 at Eden Park in Auckland. England’s bowlers, led by Bob Appleyard, Brian Statham and Frank Tyson, dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, resulting in this record low score.
Q) What is India’s lowest total in T20 internationals?
A) India’s lowest total in T20 internationals is 74 runs, which they scored against Australia on 1st February 2008 in Melbourne. The Australian bowlers, led by Nathan Bracken and Adam Voges, restricted India to this low score, leading to a comprehensive victory for Australia.
Q) What is India’s lowest total in ODI cricket?
A) India’s lowest total in ODI cricket is 54 runs, scored against Sri Lanka on 29th October 2000 in Sharjah. The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Chaminda Vaas, who took 5 wickets for 14 runs, bowled out India in just 26.3 overs.
