Introduction
Cricket, with its captivating moments and soaring highs, can also witness some astonishing lows. One such category of records that cricketers and fans alike would rather forget is the lowest scores in One Day International (ODI) matches. In this blog, we will delve into the ignominious history of ODI cricket, exploring the instances when teams found themselves at the receiving end of paltry totals, often resulting in defeat and the raising of eyebrows.
1. Zimbabwe’s 35 All Out (vs. Sri Lanka, 2004):
- Score: 35
- Overs: 18.0
- Run Rate (RR): 1.94
- Date: 25 Apr 2004
It was a dark day for Zimbabwean cricket when they were bundled out for just 35 runs in 18 overs against Sri Lanka in Harare on April 25, 2004. The Sri Lankan bowlers wreaked havoc, with Chaminda Vaas taking four wickets, contributing to the humiliating defeat for Zimbabwe.
2. U.S.A.’s 35 All Out (vs. Nepal, 2020):
- Score: 35
- Overs: 12.0
- RR: 2.91
- Date: 12 Feb 2020
In a relatively recent occurrence, the United States cricket team found themselves on the wrong side of history. Playing against Nepal on February 12, 2020, in Kirtipur, the U.S.A. team managed to score only 35 runs in 12 overs, making it one of the lowest totals in ODI history.
3. Canada’s 36 All Out (vs. Sri Lanka, 2003):
- Score: 36
- Overs: 18.4
- RR: 1.92
- Date: 19 Feb 2003
Canada faced a formidable Sri Lankan side in Paarl on February 19, 2003, and could only muster a paltry 36 runs in 18.4 overs. It was a comprehensive victory for Sri Lanka, showcasing their bowling prowess.
4. Zimbabwe’s 38 All Out (vs. Sri Lanka, 2001):
- Score: 38
- Overs: 15.4
- RR: 2.42
- Date: 8 Dec 2001
Zimbabwe once again features in the list, having been dismissed for just 38 runs in 15.4 overs against Sri Lanka in Colombo (SSC) on December 8, 2001. The Sri Lankan bowlers proved to be a formidable force, securing a convincing win.
5. Sri Lanka’s 43 All Out (vs. South Africa, 2012):
- Score: 43
- Overs: 20.1
- RR: 2.13
- Date: 11 Jan 2012
In a rare instance of a team with a World Cup win to their name, Sri Lanka found themselves on the wrong end of a low score. Chasing South Africa’s target in Paarl on January 11, 2012, Sri Lanka managed only 43 runs in 20.1 overs, resulting in a crushing defeat.
6. Pakistan’s 43 All Out (vs. West Indies, 1993):
- Score: 43
- Overs: 19.5
- RR: 2.16
- Date: 25 Feb 1993
During a match against the West Indies in Cape Town on February 25, 1993, Pakistan could only muster 43 runs in 19.5 overs. The West Indian bowlers displayed their prowess, ensuring a dominant performance.
7. Zimbabwe’s 44 All Out (vs. Bangladesh, 2009):
- Score: 44
- Overs: 24.5
- RR: 1.77
- Date: 3 Nov 2009
Zimbabwe’s struggles continued when they faced Bangladesh in Chattogram on November 3, 2009. They were dismissed for just 44 runs in 24.5 overs, and the Bangladesh team sealed a convincing victory.
8. Canada’s 45 All Out (vs. England, 1979):
- Score: 45
- Overs: 40.3
- RR: 1.11
- Date: 13 Jun 1979
A match that dates back to June 13, 1979, saw Canada facing England in Manchester. The English bowlers restricted Canada to a meager 45 runs in 40.3 overs, marking one of the early entries in the list of low ODI scores.
9. Namibia’s 45 All Out (vs. Australia, 2003):
- Score: 45
- Overs: 14.0
- RR: 3.21
- Date: 27 Feb 2003
Namibia faced the mighty Australian team in Potchefstroom on February 27, 2003, and succumbed to a total of 45 runs in just 14 overs. The Australian bowlers proved their mettle, sealing a dominant win.
10. Sri Lanka’s 50 All Out (vs. India, 2023):
- Score: 50
- Overs: 15.2
- RR: 3.26
- Date: 17 Sep 2023
In a relatively recent match on September 17, 2023, Sri Lanka faced India in Colombo (RPS) and managed only 50 runs in 15.2 overs. The Indian bowlers delivered a clinical performance, securing a comfortable victory.
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Conclusion: Lowest Scores in ODI
Lowest scores in ODI cricket are not just footnotes in the history of the game; they represent challenging moments for the teams involved. While these records may not be celebrated, they serve as a reminder of the balance between bat and ball, where even the strongest teams can falter on a given day. Cricket, after all, is a game of glorious uncertainties, and these instances of low scores add a unique layer to its multifaceted history. They demonstrate that the sport is not solely about high-scoring affairs but also about the ability of bowlers to shine and teams to bounce back from adversity. These records, though undesirable, contribute to the rich tapestry of cricket’s history, reminding us that in this unpredictable game, anything can happen.
