Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History

T20 cricket is often celebrated for its power-packed batting displays, but it has also witnessed dramatic collapses where teams have folded under pressure. Whether caused by extraordinary bowling spells or challenging pitch conditions, these low-scoring encounters have left a lasting mark on World Cup history.

Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History:

10. Afghanistan – 72 vs Bangladesh (2014)

Although Afghanistan is renowned for their aggressive style of T20 cricket, they faced a tough challenge against Bangladesh in the 2014 World Cup. The Afghan side was dismissed for a mere 72 runs in 17.1 overs, with Bangladesh’s bowlers dominating their batting order. This low score remains one of the Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History.

Team	Score	Opposition
Afghanistan	72	Bangladesh

9. Bangladesh – 70 vs New Zealand (2016)

In 2016, Bangladesh, typically a strong T20 team, endured an unusual collapse against New Zealand at Eden Gardens. They were dismissed for just 70 runs in 15.4 overs, with the Kiwi bowlers, both pacers and spinners, overwhelming them. This poor performance remains one of the Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History.

Team	Score	Opposition
Bangladesh	70	New Zealand

8. Hong Kong – 69 vs Nepal (2014)

During the 2014 T20 World Cup, Hong Kong suffered a heavy defeat as they were bowled out for just 69 runs in 17 overs by Nepal in Chattogram. The Nepalese bowlers capitalized on the conditions, limiting Hong Kong to one of the Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History.

Team	Score	Opposition
Hong Kong	69	Nepal

7. Ireland – 68 vs West Indies (2010)

In the 2010 T20 World Cup, Ireland, typically known for their resilience, faced a tough challenge against the West Indies. They were dismissed for just 68 runs in 16.4 overs, as the Caribbean bowlers applied consistent pressure throughout their innings. This total remains one of the Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History.

Team	Score	Opposition
Ireland	68	West Indies

6. Scotland – 60 vs Afghanistan (2021)

Afghanistan showcased their bowling prowess once more, bowling out Scotland for just 60 runs in 10.2 overs at Sharjah. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan tore through the Scottish batting lineup, contributing to one of the Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History.

Team	Score	Opposition
Scotland	60	Afghanistan

5. New Zealand – 60 vs Sri Lanka (2014)

New Zealand, typically strong in T20 cricket, experienced a stunning collapse in the 2014 World Cup against Sri Lanka. They were bowled out for just 60 runs in 15.3 overs, with Rangana Herath delivering a remarkable performance, taking 5 wickets for only 3 runs. One of the Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History.

Team	Score	Opposition
New Zealand	60	Sri Lanka

4. Uganda – 58 vs Afghanistan (2024)

On their T20 World Cup debut in 2024, Uganda found themselves overwhelmed by Afghanistan’s formidable bowling attack. They were dismissed for only 58 runs in 16 overs at Providence, as Afghanistan’s spinners dismantled the inexperienced batting order, marking a tough and record-low outing for Uganda.

Team	Score	Opposition
Uganda	58	Afghanistan

3. West Indies – 55 vs England (2021)

Even the powerful West Indies endured a humiliating collapse in the 2021 T20 World Cup, getting bowled out for just 55 runs against England in Dubai. England’s bowlers, spearheaded by Adil Rashid’s four-wicket burst, tore through the West Indian lineup in just 14.2 overs, recording one of the Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History.

Team	Score	Opposition
West Indies	55	England

2. Netherlands – 44 vs Sri Lanka (2021)

Sri Lanka once again tormented the Netherlands, skittling them out for just 44 runs in Sharjah during the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Dutch batters struggled to cope with Sri Lanka’s potent mix of spin and pace, resulting in yet another crushing batting collapse.

Team	Score	Opposition
Netherlands	44	Sri Lanka

1. Netherlands – 39 vs Sri Lanka (2014)

The Netherlands holds the unwanted distinction of recording for the Top 10 Lowest Scores in T20 World Cup History, Managing only 39 runs against Sri Lanka in Chattogram during the 2014 tournament. Up against a relentless Sri Lankan bowling unit led by Angelo Mathews and Ajantha Mendis, the Dutch side failed to build any rhythm and were dismissed in just 10.3 overs.

Team	Score	Opposition
Netherlands	39	Sri Lanka

Conclusion

While T20 cricket is often associated with big hits and high scores, these lowest totals in T20 World Cup history serve as a stark reminder of the game’s unpredictability. Whether due to relentless bowling, tricky pitch conditions, or pressure on the big stage, even the most experienced teams have crumbled. These matches highlight that in T20 cricket, momentum can shift in an instant—and no total is ever guaranteed.

FAQ`s

Q1: Which team holds the record for the lowest score in T20 World Cup history?

A: The Netherlands holds the record for the lowest score, being bowled out for just 39 runs against Sri Lanka in the 2014 T20 World Cup.

Q2: What is the common factor behind these low scores?

A: Most of these low scores are the result of exceptional bowling performances, pressure situations, and challenging pitch conditions.

Q3: Has any team appeared more than once in the list of lowest scores?

A: Yes, the Netherlands appears multiple times in the list, highlighting their struggles against top-tier bowling attacks.

Q4: What is the fastest collapse (by overs) among the lowest scores?

A: Scotland was bowled out in just 10.2 overs against Afghanistan in 2021, making it one of the quickest collapses in terms of overs.