Lowest Score in ODI: Top 10 Embarrassing Collapses in Cricket

Cricket is a game of suspense. While high scores and record-breaking chases usually steal the spotlight, there have been moments when teams have turned under pressure, registering the lowest score in ODI history. These sudden failures leave fans stunned and usually spark heated discussions about what went wrong. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 lowest scores in ODI cricket and analyse the cases that led to these embarrassing results.

Top 10 lowest scores in ODI cricket:

Team	Score	Opponent	Year
Zimbabwe	35	Sri Lanka	2004
USA	35	Nepal	2020
Canada	36	Sri Lanka	2003
Zimbabwe	38	Sri Lanka	2001
Sri Lanka	43	South Africa	2012
Pakistan	43	West Indies	1993
Zimbabwe	44	Bangladesh	2009
Canada	45	England	1979
Namibia	45	Australia	2003
Sri Lanka	50	India	2023

1. Zimbabwe: 35 All Out vs Sri Lanka (2004)  

The record for the lowest score in ODI belongs to Zimbabwe, who were rushed out for 35 runs against Sri Lanka in Harare on April 25, 2004. Facing a strong Sri Lankan bowling attack led by Chaminda Vaas and Farveez Maharoof, Zimbabwe’s batting lineup fell apart in just 18 overs. Vaas took 4 wickets for 11 runs, leaving the Zimbabwean batters clueless.

2. USA: 35 All Out vs Nepal (2020)  

The United States recorded one of the lowest scores in ODI history when they were bowled out for 35 runs against Nepal on February 12, 2020, in Kirtipur. This score ties with Zimbabwe’s 35 all-out against Sri Lanka in 2004.

3. Canada: 36 All Out vs Sri Lanka (2003 World Cup)  

During the 2003 ICC World Cup, Canada registered one of the lowest scores in ICC World Cup ODI history. Their innings lasted only 18.4 overs against Sri Lanka in Boland Park, Paarl. Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas caused serious trouble by taking a remarkable hat-trick in the very first over, leading to Canada being bowled out for 36 runs.

4. Zimbabwe: 38 All Out vs Sri Lanka (2001)

Zimbabwe features again in this list after scoring just 38 runs against Sri Lanka in Colombo on December 8, 2001. Chaminda Vaas was again the chief destroyer, claiming 8 wickets for just 19 runs, the best bowling figures in an ODI at that time.

5. Sri Lanka: 43 All Out vs South Africa (2012)  

Even experienced cricketing nations have faced embarrassing defeats. Sri Lanka, a team known for its strong batting lineup, recorded their lowest score in ODI of 43 runs against South Africa in 2012. The match in Boland Park saw South Africa’s pace battery, led by Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn, bowled out the Sri Lankan side in 20.1 overs.

6. Pakistan: 43 All Out vs West Indies (1993)  

In 1993, Pakistan was bowled out for 43 runs against the West Indies in Cape Town. Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose ran riot, leaving the Pakistani batting lineup helpless. Having a strong squad, Pakistan’s poor shot selection resulted in one of the lowest scores in cricket history.

7. Zimbabwe: 44 All Out vs Bangladesh (2009)

Another failure for Zimbabwe happened against Bangladesh on November 3, 2009, in Chattogram. Zimbabwe’s 44 all-out came after an exceptional bowling display by Bangladesh, with Shafiul Islam and Abdur Razzak taking down their batting line-up. Zimbabwe’s innings lasted only 24.5 overs, adding another low score in cricket history to their list of ODI disappointments.

8. Canada: 45 All Out vs England (1979 World Cup)

Canada reappears in the list of lowest scores in ICC World Cup ODI history with their 45-run collapse against England at Old Trafford in 1979. England’s Chris Old and Bob Willis did the damage, all out Canada in just 40.3 overs.

9. Namibia: 45 All Out vs Australia (2003 World Cup)

Australia’s strong pace attack, led by Glenn McGrath, dismissed Namibia for just 45 runs in the 2003 ICC World Cup match at Potchefstroom. McGrath’s record-breaking 7 wickets for 15 runs made it impossible for Namibia to cross the 50-run mark.

10. Sri Lanka: 50 All Out vs India (2023)

On September 17, 2023, Sri Lanka suffered a major batting collapse, getting bowled out for just 50 runs against India in the Asia Cup final at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This was their second-lowest total in ODI history. Mohammed Siraj was the star of the show, dismantling the Sri Lankan lineup with exceptional figures of 6 for 21. India chased the target effortlessly, securing a dominant 10-wicket win.

Why Do Such Low Scores Happen in ODIs?

Several factors contribute to these shocking failures in ODI cricket:

• Seam and Swing Conditions: Early swing and seam movement usually trouble batters, making it difficult to score runs.
• Panic Under Pressure: In high-pressure matches, batters sometimes panic, leading to poor shot selection and collapses.
• Spin Magic: On spin-friendly pitches, spinners overpower and make life difficult for batters.
• Poor Application: Lack of patience and wrong application by batters leads to unwanted results.

Lowest Score in ICC World Cup ODI History   

The record for the lowest score in ICC World Cup ODI belongs to Canada, who managed only 36 runs against Sri Lanka in 2003. Such performances highlight how unexpected and challenging World Cup conditions can be.

India Lowest Score in ODI Cricket   

India lowest score in ODI was 54 runs against Sri Lanka in 2000. This collapse remains an unforgettable low point despite India’s strong cricketing history.

Conclusion   

These lowest scores in ODI cricket serve as reminders that even the best teams can fall on difficult days. While cricket is a game of skills and strategy, poor performance can lead to an unforgettable defeat. Fans may love big wins and record chases, but these examples of cricketing embarrassment continue to hold their place in the history of ODI cricket records. Stay tuned to Spin and Swing for more thrilling cricket stories and updates!

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