Lowest Innings Totals in ODI Cricket. (This image is AI-generated)
ODI format is typically recognized for high scores where teams frequently surpass 300 or even 400 runs. However, there are moments when batting lineups fall apart completely. These breakdowns occur when bowlers effectively exploit challenging conditions while batters find it hard to cope with the pressure. The record for the lowest innings total in ODI is 35 runs, jointly held by Zimbabwe (against Sri Lanka in 2004) and the USA (against Nepal in 2020).
Top 5 Teams with the Lowest Innings Totals in ODI Cricket
| Team | Opposition | Score | Overs | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka | 35 | 18.0 | 25 Apr 2004 |
| U.S.A. | Nepal | 35 | 12.0 | 12 Feb 2020 |
| Canada | Sri Lanka | 36 | 18.4 | 19 Feb 2003 |
| Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka | 38 | 15.4 | 8 Dec 2001 |
| Sri Lanka | South Africa | 43 | 20.1 | 11 Jan 2012 |
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka – 35 (2004)
On April 25, 2004, Sri Lanka bowled out Zimbabwe for only 35 in Harare and recorded Zimbabwe’s lowest ODI score. The Sri Lankan bowlers, Chaminda Vaas and debutant Farveez Maharoof were in complete control. While chasing a target of 36, Sri Lanka easily won the match in just 9.2 overs with Saman Jayantha finishing not out on 28.
U.S.A. vs Nepal – 35 (2020)
On February 12, 2020, Nepal dismissed the USA cricket team for just 35 runs, matching Zimbabwe’s record for the lowest ODI score. Spinners Sandeep Lamichhane and Sushan Bhari dominated the batting lineup. Nepal successfully chased down the target of 36 runs in just 5.2 overs, achieving victory in the shortest ODI match ever with 268 balls remaining.
Canada vs Sri Lanka – 36 (2003)
On February 19, 2003, Sri Lanka dismissed Canada for a mere 36 runs with Prabath Nissanka and Chaminda Vaas spearheading the bowling attack. Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target of 37 runs in just 4.4 overs, setting a record for the shortest match in World Cup history.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka – 38 (2001)
On December 8, 2001, Sri Lanka dismissed Zimbabwe for a mere 38 runs in Colombo. Chaminda Vaas delivered an incredible performance with figures of 8/19 including a hat-trick while Muralitharan took care of the lower order. Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target of 39 runs in just 4.2 overs.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa – 43 (2012)
On January 11, 2012, South Africa bowled out Sri Lanka for just 43 while defending their score of 301/8. Morne Morkel was the standout performer with figures of 4/10 and only Kulasekara managed to score 19 runs. South Africa secured a victory by 258 runs, marking Sri Lanka’s largest defeat in ODI history.
