Crumbling Under Pressure: Lowest Totals By Sri Lanka In T20Is

Soumyajit Dutta

Sri Lanka collapsed against Zimbabwe [Source: @ZimCricketv/X.com]Sri Lanka collapsed against Zimbabwe [Source: @ZimCricketv/X.com]

Sri Lanka and its choking is nothing new, yet their recent downfall speaks of their Asia Cup 2025 preparation. While the squad boasts a balanced unit featuring solid all-rounders with good spin and batting attacks, failing in front of Zimbabwe does not put up a good show for them.

Sri Lanka collapsed in front of a weak Zimbabwe, adding to the instances where the six-time Asia Cup-winning team failed with the bat in front of other brutal bowling and attacking teams. Here's a look at the top five of them.

5) 87/10 vs India

To start off the list, on December 20, 2017, at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium, India outplayed Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of the series. Riding on a solid batting display led by KL Rahul’s 61 off 48 balls and late fireworks from MS Dhoni and Manish Pandey, the hosts posted a competitive 180/3 in 20 overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic collapse, choking under pressure as they were bundled out for just 87 in 16 overs. Yuzvendra Chahal starred with 4/23, while Hardik Pandya (3/29) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/18) ripped through the visitors, with only Upul Thurunga top scoring with 23 runs. Needless to say, India clinched victory by 93 runs.

4) 87/10 vs Australia

The second one on the list is another occasion where Lankans were outclassed with just 87 runs on the board. In the 2010 ICC World T20 Group clash, Australia posted a competitive 168/5, powered by a brilliant 85 off 49 balls from Cameron White, well supported by Michael Hussey’s 39 off 26 balls. Suraj Randiv stood out for Sri Lanka with 3/20. 

In reply, Sri Lanka crumbled under relentless pressure, folding for just 87 in 16.2 overs. Only Tillakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal showed some fight, while Mitchell Johnson (3/15), Steven Smith (2/12), and Dirk Nannes (2/19) ran through the batting order.

3) 82/10 vs India

India crushed Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in the 3rd T20I at Visakhapatnam on February 14, 2016, sealing the series in style. Ravichandran Ashwin produced a magical spell of 4/8 in 4 overs, dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order and restricting them to a paltry 82 in 18 overs. Only Dasun Shanaka (19) and Thisara Perera (12) offered brief resistance. 

Ashwin was well supported by Jadeja (1/11), Bumrah (1/10), and Raina (2/6). In reply, India chased down the modest target in just 13.5 overs, with Shikhar Dhawan unbeaten on 46 and Ajinkya Rahane steady on 22*. Rohit Sharma contributed 13 before falling early. Ashwin was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his all-round impact.

2) 80/10 vs Zimbabwe*

In the ongoing series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in September 2025, Sri Lanka's batting side saw an unexpected collapse. In the 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe at Harare, SL folded for just 80 runs in 17.4 overs. The innings never settled after early blows, with Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka departing inside the first four overs. 

Kamil Mishara and skipper Charith Asalanka tried to hold the innings, but regular wickets kept pegging Sri Lanka back. Zimbabwe’s bowlers were ruthless, with Sikandar Raza (3/11) and Brad Evans (3/15) tearing through the middle and lower order, while Blessing Muzarabani (2/14) added crucial breakthroughs.

1) 77/10 vs South Africa

To top off the list of shame for Sri Lanka, South Africa dominated the Lankans in the T20 World Cup 2024. The Proteas’ bowlers, led by Anrich Nortje’s fiery spell of 4/7, dismantled Sri Lanka for just 77 in 19.1 overs, their lowest-ever T20 World Cup total. 

Nortje received strong support from Kagiso Rabada (2/21), Keshav Maharaj (2/22), and Ottneil Baartman (1/9), leaving Sri Lanka’s batting in tatters. Angelo Mathews (16) was the only one to cross double figures comfortably. In reply, South Africa chased down the modest target in 16.2 overs, finishing at 80/4. Quinton de Kock (20), Heinrich Klaasen (19*), and David Miller (6*) guided the team home.