Top 5 Lowest Scores In Asia Cup History

image-llevwqtqIndia won Asia Cup 2018 [Twitter]

While cricket is a game of opportunities it is equally a sport of uncertainties, where sometimes even the mightiest stumble. ICC Asia Cup, one of the cricketing world’s most exciting tournaments with fierce rivalries between the Asian Cup teams is no stranger to such unpredictable moments.

Lowest Scores in Asia Cup History

There have been moments in the Asia Cup cricket when giants have foundered, and underdogs have stalled. These aren’t just numbers on a scoreboard; they are narratives of pressure, of world-class bowling attacks meeting unprepared batting line-ups, and sometimes, of sheer bad luck.

While such innings in Asia Cup cricket might have been heart-wrenching for the players and their fans, they highlight the unpredictability of the Asia Cup cricket tournament and makes an Asia Cup match exciting. 

Ahead of the commencement of Asia Cup 2023, here’s a look at the cricket matches in Asia Cup where the bat failed to dominate the ball, resulting in some of the lowest scores ever posted.


1. Bangladesh vs Pakistan: 87 at Asia Cup 2000 in Dhaka

image-llevies6Asia Cup 2000 [Twitter]

In an unforgettable Asia Cup cricket tournament match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Bangladesh faced one of its most challenging moments in cricket. With Pakistan setting a colossal target of 321 riding on the back of half-centuries by Imran Nazir, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq, the hosts crumbled under pressure, managing to scrape together only 87 runs. 

Only two of their batters touched double digits Abdul Razzaq’s lethal spell of 3/5 in just 4 overs was the chief architect behind Bangladesh's downfall. Habibul Bashar top-scored for Bangladesh with 23, but sadly, it wasn't nearly enough.


2. Bangladesh vs Pakistan: 94 at Asia Cup 1986 in Moratuwa

image-llevjujrAsia Cup 1986 [Twitter]

Bangladesh's tryst with low scores didn't start in 2000. A decade prior, they had posted a mere 94 runs against Pakistan in Moratuwa during the an Asia Cup match in 1986. The menacing Wasim Akram, with his fiery pace, demolished the Bangladeshi batting lineup with figures of 4/19. Abdul Qadir and Imran Khan also nagged two and one wickets respectively. 

Shaheedur Rahman was the top-scorer for Bangladesh with 37 runs to his name. In response, Pakistan then effortlessly chased down the paltry total, losing just 3 wickets. Opener Mudassar Nazar stayed not out at 47 and guided Pakistan to a thumping seven-wicket win.


3. Sri Lanka vs India: 96 at Asia Cup 1984 in Sharjah

image-llevl2vl Asia Cup 1984 [Twitter]

Sri Lanka, known for their aggressive style of play, faced an unexpected setback against eventual Asia Cup winners India in Sharjah in 1984. Opting to bat first, the Lankan Lions were bowled out for a mere 96 out of which Ranjan Madugalle scored 38. Besides him, only two other batters could touch double digits. 

The Indian bowling duo of Madan Lal and Chetan Sharma ran riot, clinching 3 wickets apiece while Manoj Prabhakar grabbed two scalps. The eventual Asia Cricket Cup champions made short work of the target, achieving a thumping 10-wicket victory. Opener Surinder Khanna scored an unbeaten 51 off 69 balls and Ghulam Parka remained not out on 32 off 68 balls to help India cross the line with ease in this cricket match in Asia Cup.


4. Bangladesh vs India: 99 at Asia Cup 1988 in Chattogram

Yet another tough day for Bangladesh as they could only muster 99/8 in 45 overs against India in 1988 at the MA Aziz Stadium. Minhajul Abedin was the leading scorer for them in the game with 22. Arshad Ayub was the pick of the Indian bowlers with three wickets while the all other bowlers bagged a wicket each. 

 This below-par total was never going to challenge the Indian batting might, and they chased it down with nine wickets in hand, finishing the game in just 26 overs. Navjot Singh scored 50 off 71 balls in what turned out to be a cakewalk for India.


5. Hong Kong vs Bangladesh: 105 at Asia Cup 2004 in Colombo

The Asia Cup 2004 was significant for associate nation Hong Kong as they made their tournament debut. However, the fairy tale quickly turned somber when they were set a target of 222 by Bangladesh in the opening match. Notably, their No. 11 batter, Javed Omar scored 68 off 113 balls to help Bangladesh post a competitive total. 

In response, Hong Kong had a forgettable debut as they could only manage 105. Spinner Abdur Razzak shone for Bangladesh, bagging 3/19 in his 9-over spell, Khaled Mahmud, Mushfiqur Rahman, and Mohammad Rafique also picked two wickets apiece to gift Bangladesh its maiden win in the Asia Cup.