Lowest totals defended in World Cup history

Over the years, a lot of huge totals have been scored and chased down in ODI World Cups. However, there have also been instances where teams have managed to defend totals that looked paltry at the end of the first innings. In this article, we will take a look at the lowest totals defended in the rich history of ODI World Cups.

3) Kenya vs West Indies – 166, 1996 World Cup

Minnows Kenya were bowled out for 166 in a 1996 World Cup clash against two-time champions West Indies in Pune. The West Indies were expected to have a walk in the park during their chase but they were all at sea against the Kenya bowlers. Only Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Roger Harper got to double figures as Richie Richardson’s team was bowled out for just 93. Rajab Ali and Maurice Odumbe picked up three wickets apiece. The latter was awarded Player of the Match after the 73-run win.

2) England vs Pakistan – 165, 1979 World Cup

In the second edition of the ODI World Cup in 1979, England were restricted to 165/9 in a 60-over contest against Pakistan in Leeds. The hosts were in danger of suffering a huge upset but their bowlers had other ideas. The English pacers tied the Pakistani batters down and picked up wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Asif Iqbal scored a fighting half-century and the tail also wagged but England held their nerves to eke out a 14-run win. Mike Hendrick was awarded Player of the Match for his splendid performance of 4/15.

1) Zimbabwe vs England – 134, 1992 World Cup

Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 134 in 46.1 overs in Albury in the 1992 World Cup fixture against England. The English team comprised stalwarts like captain Graham Gooch, Ian Botham, and Allan Lamb among others. However, Zimbabwe weren’t overawed as they bundled England out for 125, winning the low-scoring thriller by just nine runs. Eddo Brandes starred with figures of 4/21 and he also played a crucial knock of 14. He was eventually declared Player of the Match.