Winning and losing are integral parts of cricket, as in any sport. However, some teams experience frequent defeats, turning losing into a pattern. This article explores teams with the highest number of losses in ODI cricket.
Every leading team has enjoyed winning streaks, but they’ve also faced periods of frequent defeats.
Since its debut in January 1971, ODI cricket has become widely followed, especially during World Cup events.
Asian teams top the list of those with the most losses, and India is among them.
Let’s look at the top 10 teams with the most ODI defeats.
10. South Africa – 235 defeats
Since rejoining international cricket in 1991 after a 21-year ban caused by apartheid, South Africa has played 672 matches. Out of these, they have lost just 235. The team has won 410 matches, boasting the second-best win/loss ratio at 1.744. Additionally, there have been six tied games and 21 with no result. Overall, the Proteas are among the most successful ODI teams.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Oldest Indian Olympian Medallists
9. Bangladesh – 269 defeats
Bangladesh began their ODI cricket journey in 1986. Out of the ten teams listed, they have participated in the fewest ODIs, having played 438 matches. They have lost 269 of these games and won 159. Most of their losses occurred in away series or against the top international teams. Additionally, there have been 10 games involving Bangladesh that were cancelled.
8. Australia – 348 defeats
Australia has excelled in One Day Internationals (ODIs) throughout their history. They participated in the inaugural official ODI match on January 5, 1971, against England. Even though they’ve played the second-highest number of ODIs, their loss rate is notably low.
With six ODI World Cup titles to their name, Australia has lost 348 of the 1000 ODIs they’ve played, while securing 609 victories, the highest number of wins in ODI history. Additionally, they’ve been part of nine tied matches and 34 games that ended without a result.
7. England – 357 defeats
England took part in the inaugural ODI match back in 1971. However, they primarily focused on Test cricket until 2015, which is why they have only played 797 ODIs since then. Of these, England have won 400 matches and lost 357, with nine games ending in ties and 31 without a result.
England’s cricket history includes notable defeats in three World Cup finals (1975, 1983, and 1987) and two Champions Trophy finals (2004 and 2013). Their sole ODI World Cup victory came in 2019.
6. New Zealand – 395 Defeats
Since 2000, New Zealand’s performance in ODIs has been well-balanced, but prior to that, their record was fairly average. They have been competing in ODI cricket since 1973, having played a total of 824 matches. Out of these, they have won 379 and lost 395, with seven games ending in ties and 43 games resulting in no result. Among their losses are three significant finals: the 2015 and 2019 World Cup finals and the 2009 Champions Trophy final.
5. Zimbabwe – 398 defeats
It’s no surprise to see Zimbabwe on this list. Since 1983, Zimbabwe has participated in 572 One Day Internationals (ODIs). With a win ratio of 0.379, they have the lowest winning percentage here. Out of these games, Zimbabwe has lost 398, won 151, and has 8 ties and 15 no-results.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Kabaddi Players with Most Instagram Followers in 2024
4. West Indies – 412 defeats
During their peak years, the West Indies cricket team was unstoppable, effortlessly defeating their opponents. They ruled world cricket for nearly twenty years and claimed victory in the Cricket World Cups of 1975 and 1979. However, since the year 2000, their performance has dropped, placing them in fourth position on this list. The West Indies have competed in 873 ODIs, securing 420 wins, 412 losses, with 11 matches ending in ties and 30 games with no result.
3. Pakistan – 428 defeats
The 1992 World Cup winners frequently play One Day Internationals (ODIs) and are the third-highest in terms of games played in this format. Pakistan started playing ODIs in 1973 and have since competed in 970 matches. Out of these, they have won 512 and lost 428, with nine games ending in ties and 21 having no result. Pakistan’s record in ODIs is balanced: they rank third for the most wins, but also have the third-highest number of losses.
2. India – 445 defeats
It might be surprising to some that India ranks second for the most ODI losses. However, the more matches a team plays, the higher the likelihood of accumulating defeats.
India has competed in the most ODI matches ever, totaling 1058 games. Out of these, they have lost 445 and won 559, which is the second-highest number of wins. Additionally, India has had 10 tied games and 44 no-results.
Notable ODI defeats for India include the World Cup finals in 2003 and 2023, and the Champions Trophy finals in 2000 and 2017.
1. Sri Lanka – 452 defeats
Sri Lanka holds an unfortunate record in ODI cricket. Since starting their ODI journey in 1975, they’ve achieved notable success, including winning the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
Out of 921 ODIs played, Sri Lanka has lost 452 and won 423. They’ve also experienced six tied matches and 40 no-results. Additionally, Sri Lanka finished as runners-up in the ODI World Cup twice, in 2007 and 2011.
Here’s the table with only the stats:
| Rank | Team | Total ODIs Played | Defeats | Wins | Ties | No Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka | 921 | 452 | 423 | 6 | 40 |
| 2 | India | 1058 | 445 | 559 | 10 | 44 |
| 3 | Pakistan | 970 | 428 | 512 | 9 | 21 |
| 4 | West Indies | 873 | 412 | 420 | 11 | 30 |
| 5 | Zimbabwe | 572 | 398 | 151 | 8 | 15 |
| 6 | New Zealand | 824 | 395 | 379 | 7 | 43 |
| 7 | England | 797 | 357 | 400 | 9 | 31 |
| 8 | Australia | 1000 | 348 | 609 | 9 | 34 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 438 | 269 | 159 | 0 | 10 |
| 10 | South Africa | 672 | 235 | 410 | 6 | 21 |
READ MORE:
