Top 5 Lowest Totals Successfully Defended In T20 World Cup History

India defended 119 against Pakistan in T20 WC 2024 [AP]

The T20 format of cricket is often synonymous with high scores, explosive batting, and thrilling run chases. However, the reality is that T20 matches do not solely revolve around high scores and batting dominance; sometimes, bowlers take centre stage. 

In T20 World Cup history, there have been numerous instances where teams have been dismissed for surprisingly low totals. These matches highlight how even seemingly modest totals can be successfully defended, turning the tide of the game and creating unforgettable moments in cricket history. 

Let’s take a look at the top five such games.

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5) New Zealand beat India by 47 runs - T20 World Cup 2016

 New Zealand beat India by 47 runs [X.com]

In the 2016 edition of the World Cup, New Zealand shocked India in the opening match of the 2016 T20 World Cup in Nagpur. Chasing a modest target of 127 on a challenging pitch, the Indian team collapsed to 79 all out. Mitchell Santner was the star for New Zealand, taking four wickets, while Ish Sodhi played the role of support cast well by claiming three wickets. This remains New Zealand’s most impressive bowling performance while defending a total in a T20 World Cup match.

4) Afghanistan beat West Indies by 6 runs - T20 World Cup 2016

 Afghanistan beat West Indies by 6 runs [X.com]

In the 2016 edition of the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan, then an Associate nation, caused a major upset by defeating the mighty West Indies in Nagpur. Opting to bowl first, the West Indies allowed Afghanistan to post 123-7, thanks to an unbeaten 48 off 40 balls by Najibullah Zadran. Afghanistan's bowlers then delivered a match-winning performance, with off-spinner Mohammad Nabi and leg-spinner Rashid Khan each taking two wickets, leading their team to a six-run victory over the eventual champions.

3) Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 59 runs - T20 World Cup 2014

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 59 runs [X.com]

In a crucial Super 10 match, New Zealand's batters suffered a horrendous collapse in their chase of 120 runs. Despite a solid 42-run contribution from Kane Williamson, the Kiwis couldn’t really get going with the bat. Rangana Herath ran through the Kiwi batting lineup, taking an astounding 5 for 3, which led to New Zealand being bowled out for a paltry 60 runs in 15.3 overs. Off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake also made a significant impact in the game with two wickets on a spin-friendly wicket.

2) India beat Pakistan by 6 runs - T20 World Cup 2024

India beat Pakistan by 6 runs [AP]

In a Group A match of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in New York, Pakistan restricted India's formidable batting lineup to 119/10. India experienced a middle-order collapse after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. At the halfway mark, Pakistan appeared to have the upper hand. However, Jasprit Bumrah inspired a remarkable turnaround with a sensational spell of fast bowling, well supported by his fellow bowlers. Despite being well-placed at 80/3, Pakistan faltered and failed to score the remaining 40 runs off 35 balls, ultimately losing by six runs.

1) South Africa beat Bangladesh by 4 runs - T20 World Cup 2024

South Africa beat Bangladesh by 4 runs [AP]

South Africa set a record for the lowest total defended in T20 World Cup history by securing a four-run victory over Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Monday. The Proteas successfully defended a target of 114, winning the match by a narrow margin.

In their chase of 114, Bangladesh were restricted to 109/7. Keshav Maharaj returned with figures of 3/27, while Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje each took two wickets.

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