List of least: Lowest innings totals in ODIs

While highest team totals in ODIs have swelled well beyond 400 runs in the recent years, the record for lowest innings total had remained untouched for the last 16 years. On 12th February 2020, Nepal conceded only 35 runs against the USA in Kirtipur to get their name on top of the list. The USA have now joined Zimbabwe for the record of lowest team total in ODIs (completed innings). Here are the instances of teams posting the lowest scores in ODIs.

35 runs – Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, Harare, 2004

Zimbabwe were a struggling side in 2004 after the exodus of senior players. Sri Lanka sliced through them in just 18 overs. The highest run-getters of the innings were Dion Ebrahim and extras (7). Chaminda Vaas took 4/11 while Farveez Maharoof claimed 3/3.

35 runs – USA vs Nepal, Kirtipur, 2020*

Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane started weaving his leg-spin magic from the second over itself as the USA had no answer to cricket’s most beautiful skill. The leggie finished with his career-best 6/16 in six overs. Sushan Bhari snared the remaining four while conceding only five runs. The USA were bowled out for 35 in just 12 overs.

36 runs – Canada vs Sri Lanka, Paarl, 2003

During the 2003 World Cup, Sri Lanka demonstrated their might of cleaning up the lesser sides in a jiffy. At Paarl, they skittled Canada for 36 runs. Prabath Nissanka (4/12) and Chaminda Vaas (3/15) were the major destroyers.

38 runs – Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2001

This Zimbabwean side included Flower brothers but even they did not have any answers for Chaminda Vass’ left-arm brilliance. He claimed the best-ever ODI figures which stand till date, 8-3-19-8. Muttiah Muralitharan picked up the remaining two wickets. Vaas also took a hat-trick. Sri Lanka completed the chase in 4.2 overs, making it the shortest completed ODI.

43 runs – Sri Lanka vs South Africa, Paarl, 2012

South Africa had posted 301/8 batting first. In reply, Sri Lanka lost their first wicket on the second ball of the chase. A collapse ensued and at 13/6, they were in trouble of recording the lowest score ever. Morne Morkel was the chief destroyer with 4/10. Lonwabo Tsotsobe aided with his 3/19.

43 runs – Pakistan vs West Indies, Cape Town, 1993

This was not a well-renowned West Indian pace battery but yet they ran through the Pakistan batting line-up. Zahid Fazal’s 21 saved Pakistan from an embarrassment of 26/9. Courteney Walsh (4/16), Anderson Cummins (3/11) and Patrick Patterson (2/14) were the major wicket-takers.