In the history of cricket, the World Cup has witnessed many remarkable performances, but it has also seen teams falter under pressure. The Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup are a reflection of how brutal the tournament can be for both experienced and emerging teams. Whether due to excellent bowling, difficult pitch conditions, or sheer batting collapses, these moments remain memorable for all the wrong reasons. Let’s explore the top 10 instances of the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup history, counting down from number 10 to the all-time lowest score.
List of 10 Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup History
10. Bangladesh
Bangladesh had a difficult day at the office when they faced South Africa in the 2011 edition of the World Cup. The Bangladesh batting lineup could not withstand the aggressive pace and spin of the South African bowlers. They crumbled for just 78 runs in 28 overs at Mirpur. This performance by Bangladesh is still remembered as one of the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Bangladesh |
| Score | 78 |
| Overs | 28.0 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 78 |
| Opposition | South Africa |
| Ground | Mirpur |
| Result | Lost |
| Match Date | 19 March 2011 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Most Iconic Bowler vs Batter Battles in ODI History
9. Ireland
Ireland, an emerging side at the time, faced a stern challenge against Sri Lanka in the 2007 World Cup at St George’s. Ireland struggled immensely, managing only 77 runs in 27.4 overs. The Sri Lankan bowlers showcased their expertise, leaving Ireland completely outplayed. This low score rightfully earns a spot among the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup, highlighting the gap between the cricketing elites and the newcomers.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Ireland |
| Score | 77 |
| Overs | 27.4 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 77 |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Ground | St George’s |
| Result | Lost |
| Match Date | 18 April 2007 |
8. Pakistan
Pakistan, known for their unpredictable nature in cricket, faced a major batting collapse against England in the 1992 World Cup. Pakistan managed only 74 runs in 40.2 overs at Adelaide. Although the match ended as a no-result due to rain, this score is still recorded as one of the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup. Interestingly, despite this dismal display, Pakistan went on to win the World Cup that year, demonstrating resilience.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Pakistan |
| Score | 74 |
| Overs | 40.2 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 74 |
| Opposition | England |
| Ground | Adelaide |
| Result | No Result |
| Match Date | 1 March 1992 |
7. Kenya
Kenya faced a formidable New Zealand team during the 2011 World Cup in Chennai. The Kenyan batting lineup was completely dismantled, managing to score just 69 runs in 23.5 overs. The New Zealand bowlers exploited every weakness of the Kenyan side, underlining why this match is listed among the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup. This also marked Kenya’s struggles in maintaining their competitiveness in global cricket.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Kenya |
| Score | 69 |
| Overs | 23.5 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 69 |
| Opposition | New Zealand |
| Ground | Chennai |
| Result | Lost |
| Match Date | 20 February 2011 |
6. Scotland
In the 1999 World Cup, Scotland faced West Indies at Leicester and suffered a crushing defeat. They were bowled out for just 68 runs in 31.3 overs, as the West Indies bowlers dominated throughout the innings. This humiliating display by Scotland finds its place among the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup, representing the difficulties faced by Associate teams against full-member nations.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Scotland |
| Score | 68 |
| Overs | 31.3 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 68 |
| Opposition | West Indies |
| Ground | Leicester |
| Result | Lost |
| Match Date | 27 May 1999 |
5. Bangladesh
Bangladesh reappears in this unfortunate list for their performance against West Indies in the 2011 World Cup at Mirpur. The home team collapsed dramatically, getting all out for just 58 runs in only 18.5 overs. The West Indian bowlers gave Bangladesh no room to recover. This catastrophic batting effort remains one of the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup, highlighting how pressure can overwhelm even experienced teams.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Bangladesh |
| Score | 58 |
| Overs | 18.5 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 58 |
| Opposition | West Indies |
| Ground | Mirpur |
| Result | Lost |
| Match Date | 4 March 2011 |
4. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka had one of their worst outings in World Cup history against India in 2023 at Wankhede Stadium. Batting second, they were bowled out for a mere 55 runs in 19.4 overs. The Indian bowlers were relentless, not allowing any Sri Lankan batter to settle. This total is the lowest for Sri Lanka in any World Cup and undoubtedly ranks among the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup history.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Sri Lanka |
| Score | 55 |
| Overs | 19.4 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 55 |
| Opposition | India |
| Ground | Wankhede |
| Result | Lost |
| Match Date | 2 November 2023 |
3. Namibia
Namibia, with little World Cup experience, was completely outclassed by Australia in the 2003 World Cup in Potchefstroom. Namibia’s innings ended with just 45 runs on the board in 14 overs, thanks to Australia’s world-class bowling attack. This crushing defeat clearly ranks among the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup, showcasing the stark contrast in skills between the two teams.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Namibia |
| Score | 45 |
| Overs | 14.0 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 45 |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Ground | Potchefstroom |
| Result | Lost |
| Match Date | 27 February 2003 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Highest Team Totals in ODI World Cup History
2. Canada
In the 1979 World Cup, Canada faced a powerful England side at Manchester. The Canadian team was dismissed for just 45 runs in 40.3 overs, recording a run rate of only 1.11. The English bowlers thoroughly dominated, making it impossible for Canada to build any momentum. This match is still cited when discussing the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup, marking the early struggles of emerging cricket nations.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Canada |
| Score | 45 |
| Overs | 40.3 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 45 |
| Opposition | England |
| Ground | Manchester |
| Result | Lost |
| Match Date | 13 June 1979 |
1. Canada
Holding the record for the Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup, Canada was bowled out for just 36 runs by Sri Lanka in the 2003 World Cup. The match took place in Paarl, where the Sri Lankan bowlers decimated Canada’s lineup in only 18.4 overs. Canada’s batting effort is still the worst in World Cup history, symbolizing a day where everything went wrong for the North American side.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Canada |
| Score | 36 |
| Overs | 18.4 |
| Matches | 1 |
| Runs | 36 |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
| Ground | Paarl |
| Result | Lost |
| Match Date | 19 February 2003 |
The Lowest Team Totals in Cricket World Cup remind us how unpredictable and competitive the tournament can be. These matches underline the importance of adapting to conditions, handling pressure, and having a solid game plan. Whether it’s a top-ranked team or an associate nation, no side is immune to such collapses, making the World Cup an exciting spectacle of cricket’s highs and lows.