T20 cricket is synonymous with big-hitting and high scores. However, even in this fast-paced format, there have been instances where teams have been skittled out for embarrassingly low totals. Let’s revisit some of the lowest scores recorded in the T20 World Cup
Netherlands’ Double Dose of Woe (2014 & 2021)
The Netherlands holds the unfortunate record of the lowest total in T20 World Cup history, not once, but twice! In the 2014 edition held in Bangladesh, they were bundled out for a mere 39 runs against Sri Lanka. A horrendous start saw them lose 4 wickets for just 9 runs, and they never recovered. Ajantha Mendis and Angelo Mathews ran riot with the ball, picking up 3 wickets each.
The Dutch team’s struggles against Sri Lanka continued in the 2021 World Cup held in UAE and Oman. This time, they were dismissed for 44 runs in Sharjah. Lahiru Kumara spearheaded the Sri Lankan bowling attack with 3 wickets, dismantling the Netherlands’ batting lineup. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana chipped in with 5 wickets between them, ensuring a dominant Sri Lankan victory.
West Indies’ Shocking Collapse (2021)
The 2021 World Cup wasn’t kind to the West Indies either. In their opening match against England, a star-studded batting lineup featuring Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, and Dwayne Bravo crumbled for a paltry 55 runs. England’s bowling attack, led by Adil Rashid’s exceptional spell of 4 wickets for just 2 runs, choked the Windies’ batting, restricting them to a mere 14.2 overs.
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Sri Lanka’s Stellar Bowling Performances (2014 & 2021)
Sri Lanka has been on the other side of the coin as well, showcasing exceptional bowling displays to restrict their opponents. In the 2014 World Cup, they dismissed New Zealand for just 60 runs while chasing a low target. Rangana Herath’s magical bowling spell of 5 wickets for just 3 runs, along with a couple of crucial runouts, secured a hard-fought victory for Sri Lanka.
The 2021 World Cup saw another dominant Sri Lankan bowling performance. Facing Scotland, their spin duo of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan wreaked havoc, claiming a combined 9 wickets. Scotland, chasing a target of 191, were bundled out for a meager 60 runs, handing Afghanistan a comfortable 130-run win.
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Conclusion
These instances highlight the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. Even the most well-established batting lineups can crumble under pressure, while exceptional bowling performances can turn the tide of a match completely.
