Cricket is a game with big hits, like sixes and fours, and clever shots. Both batters and bowlers play important roles. Usually, batters get more attention, but bowlers shine when the conditions favor them. When bowlers do well, it’s big news.
If we check out the five lowest scores ever in One Day International cricket, we see how crucial bowlers are. Let’s take a look at some of those record-low scores.
5. Sri Lanka (43 Runs) vs South Africa (2012)
Sri Lanka played against South Africa in a cricket match. South Africa chose to bat first. The match happened on January 11, 2012, in Paarl. South Africa scored 301 runs, which was a good score. Sri Lanka didn’t do well. Both of their starting players got out without scoring any runs. After that, things didn’t get better for them, and they lost. They only managed to score 43 runs in 20.1 overs, with a slow run rate of 2.15.
4. Zimbabwe (38 runs) vs Sri Lanka (2001)
The first game of the LG Abans Triangular Series, which took place in Colombo on December 8, 2001, comes in at number four. Sri Lanka, who were facing Zimbabwe, chose to field first after winning the toss.
An intimidating Chaminda Vaas awaited Zimbabwe when they stepped out to play. He bowled 8 overs, gave up 19 runs and claimed 8 wickets. Zimbabwe scored 38 runs in 15.4 overs with a run rate of 2.4 despite hitting five fours but no sixes. Sri Lanka scored 40 runs for the loss of just one wicket to win the match in 4.2 overs. Vaas was named Man of the match for his excellence.
3. Canada (36) vs Sri Lanka (2003)
Canada got the third lowest score in a cricket match called ODI. This happened on February 19, 2003, when they played against Sri Lanka in the World Cup. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose Canada to bat first.
But Canada didn’t do well. They only scored 36 runs in almost 19 overs. They hit 5 fours but no sixes, and their run rate was 1.95. RAP Nissanka took 4 wickets for 12 runs in 7 overs, while Chaminda Vaas took 3 wickets for 15 runs in 7 overs for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka chased down Canada’s score in just 4.4 overs and won the match with 9 wickets left. Nissanka was awarded the title of the best player in the match.
2. U.S.A (35 Runs) vs Nepal (2004)
The American cricket team, also known as the U.S.A team, had a tough time playing against the spin bowlers from Nepal during an ICC T20 World Cup match. They ended up scoring the same low score as Zimbabwe, which was 35 runs. Nepal easily beat the USA team by 8 wickets, reaching the target in just 5.2 overs. This victory for Nepal is their third best in 50-over ODI matches. Because of some extra runs added to their total, the USA team only got to bat for 12 overs and scored 32 runs, with a slow run rate of 2.91.
1. Zimbabwe (35 runs) vs Sri Lanka (2004)
Zimbabwe did really bad in a cricket match. They got the lowest score ever in a type of cricket called One Day International (ODI). Sri Lanka’s player, Chaminda Vaas, did really well, taking 4 wickets and stopping Zimbabwe from scoring much. None of Zimbabwe’s players got many runs, with the most being just 7. In total, they only got 35 runs before all their players were out. Sri Lanka easily beat this low score, winning the game with 9 wickets still left to spare.
| Position | Team | Score | Overs | Opposition | Stadium | Date | Run Rate |
| 1. | Zimbabwe | 35 | 18 | Sri Lanka | Harare | 25 Apr 2004 | 1.94 |
| 2. | U.S.A | 35 | 12 | Nepal | Kirtipur | 12 Feb 2020 | 2.91 |
| 3. | Canada | 36 | 18.4 | Sri Lanka | Paarl | 19 Feb 2003 | 1.95 |
| 4. | Zimbabwe | 38 | 15.4 | Sri Lanka | Colombo (SSC) | 8 Dec 2001 | 2.46 |
| 5. | Sri Lanka | 43 | 20.1 | South Africa | Paarl | 11 Jan 2012 | 2.15 |
READ MORE: Top 5 KKR Lowest Scores in IPL History
