Top 5 lowest total defended in T20 World Cup history

2024.06.17

Bangladesh’s efficient defense of low-score against Nepal in the 2024 T20 World Cup exemplifies this trend.

In the fast-paced world of ICC T20 World Cup cricket, where headlines are frequently dominated by towering totals, defending a modest score is a sign of strategic genius and unyielding resolve. A number of incidents throughout the years have shed light on the skill of bowling and fielding under duress, converting respectable totals into memorable wins.

Throughout the ICC T20 World Cup‘s history, teams have successfully defended low totals on several occasions, shattering preconceptions and demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the competition. These games have emphasized the vital role of bowlers, who skillfully took advantage of the circumstances and carried out carefully thought-out strategies to thwart strong batting lineups.

In addition to praising the bowlers’ ability to generate opportunities, each case highlighted the value of collaboration, deft fielding, and tactical leadership in limiting small scores. These wins frequently depend on critical plays that turn the tide in the other team’s favor, such as a clutch over, a game-winning run-out, or an incredible grab.

Top five lowest totals successfully defended in the history of the T20 World Cup:

1. Bangladesh (2024) 106 vs. Nepal

Bangladesh made a record for the lowest defended total against Nepal by defending 106 runs in a must-win 2024 T20 World Cup match. Bangladesh’s bowlers Tanzim Hasan Sakib (4/7), Mustafizur Rahman (3/7) and Shakib Al Hasan (2/9) delivered excellent performances despite the team’s low total. Their methodical bowling kept Nepal to only 85 runs, giving them a vital 21-run victory and a spot in the tournament’s annals.

2. South Africa (2024) (113 vs Bangladesh)

In the same competition, South Africa showed that they could hold low scores as they held Bangladesh to 113 runs. Crucial 46-run hit by Heinrich Klaasen established the goal. With two wickets apiece, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje contributed, but Keshav Maharaj’s outstanding 3/27 performance made sure Bangladesh lost by 4 runs, demonstrating South Africa’s depth of bowling under duress.

3. South Africa (2024) (115 vs. Nepal)

In a low-scoring thriller versus Nepal in the 2024 T20 World Cup, South Africa managed to hold on for 115 runs. Although Reeza Hendricks led all scorers with 43 runs, Tabraiz Shamsi’s outstanding 4/19 bowling stats were the deciding factor. South Africa emerged victorious by a slim margin of one run, demonstrating their tenacity in containing low totals and recording their second-closest

4. Sri Lanka (119 against 2014 New Zealand)

In a thrilling match at Chattogram during the 2014 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka held off New Zealand by a margin of 119 runs. Rangana Herath, who took 3/5, was the hero because to his fantastic bowling effort. With their dominant bowling performance, Sri Lanka’s bowlers cemented their position in history by destroying New Zealand’s batting lineup for a mere 60 runs, the lowest run scored in a chase in a T20 World Cup match.

5. India (2024) 119 versus Pakistan

When India set a goal of 119 runs against their bitter rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024, they entered the group of teams defending low totals. The core of India’s innings was given by Rishabh Pant’s tenacious 42 runs. With statistics of 3/14, Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded the bowling assault, ably aided by Hardik Pandya’s 2/24. Their methodical bowling effort held Pakistan to 113 runs, giving them a thrilling six-run victory and demonstrating their ability to perform well under duress.

@charith