Lowest Defended Scores in T20 World Cup Match

South Africa holds the record for the lowest score defended in T20 World Cup history. On June 10, 2024, they defended 113 runs against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, restricting Bangladesh to 109 runs.

The T20 World Cup has featured some remarkable matches where teams have successfully defended seemingly low scores, highlighting the skills of bowlers and fielders and adding to the format’s unpredictability. So, which other teams have defended the lowest totals in T20 World Cup history?

Lowest Defended Scores in T20 World Cup Match All Time in History

Also , Check – T20 Cricket Betting

Let’s explore the top 15 lowest scores defended in the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2024.

T20 World Cup Match – Top 10 Lowest Defended Scores by Teams

1. South Africa (113 vs Bangladesh, 2024)

South Africa holds the record for the lowest score defended in T20 World Cup history. In a low-scoring thriller in the 2024 T20 World Cup, South Africa managed to score 113 runs, thanks to Heinrich Klaasen’s 46. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje took two wickets each, while Keshav Maharaj bowled a brilliant spell of 3/27. South Africa won by 4 runs.

Read about- List of Lowest Team Scores in T20 World Cup Match

2. Sri Lanka (119 vs New Zealand, 2014)

Sri Lanka successfully defended 119 runs against New Zealand in the 2014 T20 World Cup at Chattogram. New Zealand struggled under pressure and was all-out for 60 runs. Rangana Herath’s exceptional 3/5 contributed significantly, marking it as one of the lowest scores defended in T20 World Cup history.

3. India (119 vs Pakistan, 2024)

India is tied for the lowest defended total in T20 World Cups. After being put into bat, India were dismissed for 119 runs in 19 overs, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 42 runs. Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) and Hardik Pandya (2/24) led a clinical bowling performance, restricting Pakistan to 113 runs and winning by 6 runs.

Also Read: Highest Score in T20 International By Teams (2007-2024)

4. Afghanistan (123 vs West Indies, 2016)

In the 2016 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan achieved a historic upset by defending 123 runs against the West Indies. The spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi made batting difficult, leading Afghanistan to a 6-run victory.

5. New Zealand (126 vs India, 2016)

New Zealand is third on the list of lowest-defended totals in T20 World Cups. After opting to bat first, New Zealand managed just 126 runs. However, the spin trio of Mitchell Santner (4/11), Ish Sodhi (3/18), and Nathan McCullum (2/15) delivered a superb performance, dismissing India for 76 runs and securing the win.

6. South Africa (128 vs New Zealand, 2009)

The 2009 T20 World Cup featured a low-scoring thriller between South Africa and New Zealand. South Africa, batting first, posted a modest total of 128 runs. Their bowlers, led by Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis, kept the New Zealand batters in check during the chase. Despite Brendon McCullum scoring a fifty, South Africa secured a hard-fought 1-run victory.

7. South Africa (130 vs India, 2009)

In another strong bowling display during the 2009 T20 World Cup, South Africa chose to bat first and scored 130/5 in their 20 overs, with AB de Villiers making 63 off 51 balls. Dale Steyn took two wickets, and Johan Botha claimed three, as the Indian batters struggled to score freely. India finished on 118/8, losing by 12 runs.

8. Zimbabwe (130 vs Pakistan, 2022)

Zimbabwe pulled off an upset victory over Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Batting first, Zimbabwe managed a modest 130 runs, with Sean Williams top-scoring with 31. Sikandar Raza and young pacer Brad Evans took five wickets between them, as Pakistan fell short by just 1 run.

Read About- Top 5 highest individual scores by Indian batsmen in T20 cricket

9. Netherlands (133 vs England, 2014)

The Netherlands ranks seventh for the lowest scores defended in T20 World Cup history. In the 2014 T20 World Cup, the Netherlands scored 133 runs against England at Chattogram, thanks to contributions from Myburgh (39) and Barresi (48). Logan van Beek and Mudassar Bukhari took three wickets each, dismissing England for just 88 runs.

10. New Zealand (133 vs Pakistan, 2010)

New Zealand defended a low score of 133 runs against Pakistan in a crucial Super 8 match during the 2010 T20 World Cup. New Zealand posted 133/7 in their innings, with captain Daniel Vettori top-scoring with 38 runs. Pacer Ian Butler produced a match-winning spell of 3/19, bowling the final over to restrict Pakistan to 1 run short of the target.

To keep track of the latest records and watch these historic moments unfold, cricket enthusiasts can use the indibet app login for real-time updates and comprehensive coverage.

FAQs

1. What is the lowest score defended in a T20 World Cup match?

The lowest score defended in a T20 World Cup match was 113 runs by South Africa against Bangladesh in 2024. South Africa restricted Bangladesh to 109 runs, winning the match by 4 runs.

2. Which teams have successfully defended the lowest totals in T20 World Cup history?

Several teams have defended low totals in T20 World Cup history. Some notable instances include Sri Lanka defending 119 runs against New Zealand in 2014, India defending 119 runs against Pakistan in 2024, and Afghanistan defending 123 runs against the West Indies in 2016.

3. What factors contribute to teams defending low scores successfully in T20 World Cup matches?

Teams defending low scores successfully often rely on exceptional bowling performances, where bowlers exploit pitch conditions and apply pressure on the opposition. Tight fielding and strategic captaincy also play crucial roles in defending low totals.

4. Why are matches with low defended scores significant in T20 World Cup history?

Matches with low defended scores showcase the intensity and unpredictability of T20 cricket. They highlight the capabilities of bowlers and fielders under pressure, often resulting in thrilling contests and unexpected outcomes that captivate fans worldwide.