Top 10 Lowest Team Scores of All Time in World Cup

Image Credit: TOI

The pressure of performing on cricket’s grandest stage, the World Cup, can overwhelm even the best batsmen, leading to spectacular batting collapses. In the history of ODI World Cups, Canada holds the unenviable record for the lowest team total, bowled out for just 36 runs by Sri Lanka in 2003. 

Similarly, the T20 World Cup has witnessed its own dramatic moments, with Uganda’s dismal 39 against the West Indies in 2024 standing as the lowest score. These records highlight the unpredictable nature of cricket, where even a single innings can become a historic low point.

On that note, check out a list of the lowest score in World Cup matches in both ODI and T20 format. 

List of 10 Team with Lowest Total in ODI World Cup 

Canada – 36 vs Sri Lanka, 2003

Canada’s match against Sri Lanka in the 2003 World Cup at Boland Park, Paarl, saw the lowest score in ODI World Cup history. Sri Lanka, led by Prabath Nissanka’s devastating spell of 4/12, bundled out Canada for a mere 36 runs in 18.4 overs. None of Canada’s batsmen managed to reach double figures. Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 4.4 overs. 

Canada – 45 vs England, 1979

In the 1979 World Cup at Old Trafford, Manchester, Canada faced England in a lopsided encounter which has made it to the second spot in the list of lowest score in ICC World Cup ODI. Electing to bat first, Canada endured a batting collapse against England’s bowling attack, with Bob Willis and Chris Old sharing eight wickets between them. Canada was bowled out for a paltry 45 runs in 40.3 overs, with only one batsman reaching double figures. England chased down the target comfortably in 13.5 overs, securing an 8-wicket victory.

Namibia – 45 vs Australia, 2003

Namibia’s encounter against Australia in the 2003 World Cup at North West Cricket Stadium, Potchefstroom, turned into a one-sided affair. Opting to bat first, Australia scored a big total of 301, after which their pace battery, led by Glenn McGrath and Andy Bichel, dismantled Namibia’s batting lineup. They skittled Namibia out for a meagre 45 runs in just 14 overs, with McGrath taking 7/15, the best figures by an Australian in World Cup history. Australia cruised to a massive 256-run victory.

Sri Lanka – 55 vs India, 2023

The 2023 World Cup match between Sri Lanka and India at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, witnessed a stunning collapse by Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. India’s formidable pace attack, spearheaded by Mohammad Siraj and Mohammad Shami, tore through Sri Lanka’s batting order. Sri Lanka was bowled out for just 55 runs in 19.4 overs, with only three batsmen reaching double figures. Earlier, India scored 357 batting first. 

Bangladesh – 58 vs West Indies, 2011

Bangladesh’s clash against West Indies in the 2011 World Cup at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, saw their batting lineup collapse against a fiery West Indian pace attack. Sulieman Benn led the charge with a sensational spell of 4/18, supported by Darren Sammy’s 3/21. Bangladesh crumbled to 58 all out in 18.5 overs. West Indies chased down the target in 12.2 overs, sealing a comprehensive 9-wicket victory.

Scotland – 68 vs West Indies, 1999

Scotland’s encounter with West Indies in the 1999 World Cup at Grace Road, Leicester, highlighted the gulf in class between the two teams. Opting to bat first, Scotland struggled against West Indies’ pace duo of Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose. They were bowled out for a mere 68 runs in 31.3 overs, with only two batsmen managing to reach double figures. West Indies chased down the target in 10.1 overs with eight wickets in hand. 

Kenya – 69 vs New Zealand, 2011

Kenya’s match against New Zealand in the 2011 World Cup at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, was a one-sided affair dominated by New Zealand’s bowlers. Tim Southee and Hamish Bennett wreaked havoc on Kenya’s batting lineup, sharing seven wickets between them. Kenya collapsed to 69 all out in 23.5 overs, failing to handle New Zealand’s disciplined bowling. New Zealand chased down the target in 8 overs without losing a wicket.

Pakistan – 74 vs England, 1992

Pakistan’s encounter with England in the 1992 World Cup at Adelaide Oval turned into a nightmare for their batting order. Opting to bat first, Pakistan struggled against England’s bowling attack, particularly Derek Pringle and Ian Botham. They were bowled out for a paltry 74 runs in 40.2 overs. England chased down the target in only 8 overs. 

Ireland – 77 vs Sri Lanka, 2007

Ireland’s match against Sri Lanka in the 2007 World Cup at Queen’s Park, St George’s, saw them falter against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. Farveez Maharoof and Muttiah Muralitharan picked up 8 wickets between them.  Sri Lanka chased down the target in 10 overs with eight wickets in hand.

Bangladesh – 78 vs South Africa, 2011

Bangladesh’s encounter with South Africa in the 2011 World Cup at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, saw them being bowled out for only 78 runs. This is the 10th lowest score in World Cup 50 overs. Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Robin Peterson wreaked havoc on Bangladesh’s batting lineup, sharing seven wickets between them. 

Lowest team totals in T20 World Cup – top 10 

Uganda – 39 vs West Indies, 2024

In the on-going 2024 T20 World Cup at Providence, Uganda faced the West Indies. Chasing a modest target of 174 runs, Uganda’s batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pace and spin attack of the West Indies. They were bowled out for just 39 runs in 12 overs, with Alzarri Joseph and Akeal Hosein leading the charge. 39 is the lowest score in Cricket World Cup T20I format. 

Netherlands – 39 vs Sri Lanka, 2014

The 2014 T20 World Cup match in Chattogram saw the Netherlands succumbing to 39 all out, with Ajantha Mendis and Angelo Mathews dismantling their batting order. Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 5 overs, recording a resounding 9-wicket victory.

Uganda – 40 vs New Zealand, 2024

In another disappointing outing for Uganda in the 2024 T20 World Cup, they faced New Zealand at Tarouba. Batting first, Uganda was bowled out for 40 runs in 18.4 overs. Trent Boult and Tim Southee were the chief destroyers and New Zealand chased down the target in 5.2 overs, sealing a comprehensive 9-wicket win.

Netherlands – 44 vs Sri Lanka, 2021

The 2021 T20 World Cup match at Sharjah featured another batting collapse by the Netherlands against Sri Lanka. Batting first, the Netherlands were bowled out for 44 runs in 10 overs, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana starring with the ball. Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 7.1 overs, winning by 8 wickets.

Oman – 47 vs England, 2024

Oman faced a daunting task against England in the 2024 T20 World Cup at North Sound. Batting first, Oman struggled against England’s potent bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood. They were bowled out for 47 runs in 13.2 overs. England chased down the target in 3.1 overs, securing an 8-wicket victory.

West Indies – 55 vs England, 2021

In a surprising turn of events, the West Indies were bowled out for 55 runs by England in the 2021 T20 World Cup at Dubai. Batting first, the West Indies could not handle the disciplined bowling of Adil Rashid and Tymal Mills, who picked up six wickets between them. England chased down the target in 8.2 overs, winning by 6 wickets.

Uganda – 58 vs Afghanistan, 2024

Uganda’s struggles continued in the 2024 T20 World Cup, facing Afghanistan at Providence. Chasing a target of 184 set by Afghanistan, Uganda was bowled out for 58 runs in 16 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up 5 wickets as Afghanistan won the match by 98 runs.

New Zealand – 60 vs Sri Lanka, 2014

In the 2014 T20 World Cup at Chattogram, New Zealand faced Sri Lanka in a low-scoring affair. Chasing a modest target of 120, New Zealand was bowled out for 60 runs in 15.3 overs. Rangana Herath delivered a magical spell, taking 5 wickets for just 3 runs. Sri Lanka’s stunning bowling performance led them to a 59-run victory.

Scotland – 60 vs Afghanistan, 2021

Scotland’s match against Afghanistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup at Sharjah ended quickly with Scotland being bowled out for 60 runs in 10.2 overs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan decimated the Scottish batting lineup, sharing nine wickets. Earlier, Afghanistan scored 190 batting first. 

Ireland – 68 vs West Indies, 2010

In the 2010 T20 World Cup at Providence, Ireland faced the West Indies and struggled to handle their bowling attack. Chasing a target of 139, Ireland was bowled out for 68 runs in 16.4 overs, with Ravi Rampaul and Darren Sammy causing the most damage. 

FAQs

Which team holds the record for the lowest team total in ODI World Cup history?

Canada holds the record for the lowest team total in ODI World Cup history, bowled out for 36 runs by Sri Lanka in 2003.

What is the lowest team total in T20 World Cup history?

The lowest team total in T20 World Cup history is Uganda’s 39 against the West Indies in 2024.

What is the lowest team total in T20 internationals?

The Isle of Man holds the record for the lowest total in T20 history, scoring just 10 runs against Spain at Cartagena in February 2023. The second-lowest total in T20 history was recorded by Mongolia, who managed to score only 12 runs against Japan at Sano in May 2024.