The ODI World Cup has been a stage for some of the most thrilling performances in cricket history. However, it has also been a witness to some teams crumbling to the lowest scores in ODI World Cup history, leading to some of the most unforgettable defeats. 

The latest match between India and Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023 was one of the most amazing games in the history of the tournament. Before Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj’s Indian bowling attack went on the attack, Sri Lanka could only score 55 runs. This devastating performance by India not only secured their spot in the semifinals but also brought Sri Lanka into the list of the five lowest scores in World Cup history.

Top 10 Lowest Scores in ODI World Cup History

As of November 03, 2023, the following list has been updated to reflect the lowest scores in ODI World Cup history

Canada vs Sri Lanka – 36 Runs

In the 2003 World Cup, Canada faced Sri Lanka in a match that would become infamous for its record-low score. Canada batted first and was all out for just 36 runs in 18.4 overs. This score is one of the lowest ever in the history of the ODI World Cup. The Canadian batsmen struggled against the Sri Lankan bowlers, with Prabath Nissanka taking an impressive 4 wickets for just 12 runs. Sri Lanka easily reached the target, winning by 9 wickets with a massive 272 balls to spare. This game continues to serve as a stark illustration of the dominance that a strong team can exercise over a less skilled side in World Cup cricket.

Canada vs England – 45 Runs

During the 1979 World Cup, Canada again found themselves on the wrong side of history when they played against England. The Canadian team was bowled out for a mere 45 runs in 40.3 overs. This match took place in Manchester, and England’s bowler Chris Old was particularly devastating, claiming 4 wickets for only 8 runs. England chased down the small target with ease, winning by 8 wickets and with plenty of overs to spare. The match was a clear display of England’s bowling strength and Canada’s struggle at the crease, making it one of the lowest scores ever recorded in ODI World Cup history.

Namibia vs Australia– 45 Runs

On February 27, 2003, during the World Cup, Namibia faced a tough opponent, Australia, at the North West Cricket Stadium in Potchefstroom. Australia, batting first, set a towering score of 301 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 50 overs. The Australian batsmen showed their class, with Matthew Hayden scoring 88 runs and Darren Lehmann contributing a quick 50 not out.

In response, Namibia was unable to withstand the Australian bowling attack and was dismissed for just 45 runs in 14 overs. Glenn McGrath was the star with the ball, taking a remarkable 7 wickets for only 15 runs. This performance by McGrath is noted as one of the best in World Cup history. Namibia’s struggle was evident as they faced one of the strongest teams in the world, and this match ended with Australia winning by a massive 256 runs.

Sri Lanka vs India– 55 Runs

In a match of the Cricket World Cup 2023/24, India played against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India, batting first, put up a huge score of 357 runs for 8 wickets in their 50 overs. The Indian batsmen showed great skill, with Shubman Gill scoring 92 runs and Virat Kohli contributing 88 runs.

Sri Lanka, chasing a big target, was all out for just 55 runs in 19.4 overs. Mohammed Shami from India bowled exceptionally well, taking 5 wickets for only 18 runs. This match ended with India winning by a large margin of 302 runs, marking it as one of the lowest scores by a team in the history of the ODI World Cup.

Bangladesh vs West Indies– 58 Runs

On March 4, 2011, in the Cricket World Cup, Bangladesh played against West Indies at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Bangladesh chose to bat first but could not handle the West Indies’ bowling. They were all out for only 58 runs in 18.5 overs. Kemar Roach, the bowler from West Indies, played very well. He took 3 wickets for just 19 runs. West Indies got to the small target very fast. They won the game by 9 wickets with many balls left. This game is known because Bangladesh’s score was one of the lowest in the history of the ODI World Cup.

Scotland vs West Indies– 68 Runs

In the 1999 World Cup, Scotland played against the West Indies. Scotland batted first but could not score many runs. They made only 68 runs before all players were out. West Indies’ bowler Courtney Walsh did very well; he took 3 wickets and gave away only 7 runs. Then, West Indies batted and made 70 runs in just over 10 overs. They won the match by 8 wickets. This game is remembered because Scotland’s score was very low, one of the smallest in World Cup history.

Kenya vs New Zealand– 69 Runs

On February 20, 2011, in the Cricket World Cup, Kenya played against New Zealand in Chennai. Kenya chose to bat first but had a tough time. They made only 69 runs before all their players were out. New Zealand’s bowler Hamish Bennett did a great job. He took 4 wickets and gave away only 16 runs. Then, New Zealand batted and reached 72 runs without losing any wickets. They won the match by 10 wickets with lots of balls left. This game is remembered because Kenya’s score was very low, one of the smallest in World Cup history.

Pakistan vs England– 74 Runs

In the 1992 World Cup, Pakistan played against England in Adelaide. Pakistan batted first but had a very hard time. They made only 74 runs before all their players were out. England’s bowlers did a great job. Derek Pringle took 3 wickets and gave away only 8 runs. Then, England started to bat, but the game stopped because of rain. They had made 24 runs for 1 wicket in 8 overs. The match ended with no result because the rain did not stop. This game is remembered because Pakistan’s score was very low, one of the smallest in World Cup history.

Ireland vs Sri Lanka– 77 Runs

On April 18, 2007, in the World Cup Super Eights, Ireland faced Sri Lanka. Ireland batted first but they had a very hard time. They made only 77 runs before all their players were out. Sri Lanka’s bowler Farveez Maharoof did a great job. He took 4 wickets and gave away only 25 runs. Then, Sri Lanka batted and made 81 runs in just 10 overs. They won the match by 8 wickets with lots of balls left. This game is remembered because Ireland’s score was very low, one of the smallest in World Cup history.

South Africa vs Bangladesh– 78 Runs

On March 19, 2011, during the Cricket World Cup, South Africa faced Bangladesh in Mirpur. South Africa batted first and scored 284 runs for 8 wickets in their 50 overs. They played well, with Hashim Amla making 51 runs and Jacques Kallis scoring 69 runs.

Bangladesh, trying to chase this big score, was all out for only 78 runs in 28 overs. Lonwabo Tsotsobe from South Africa bowled very well, taking 3 wickets for just 14 runs. South Africa won the match by a big margin of 206 runs. This match is known because Bangladesh’s score was one of the lowest in the history of the ODI World Cup.

Read: Mohammed Shami becoming the highest wicket-taker for India in ODI World Cup history.

Top 26 Lowest Score in ODI World Cup History

As of November 03, 2023, the following table has been updated to reflect the lowest scores in ODI World Cup history

Check the Full Table

Cricket is a game full of surprises. Sometimes, teams score a lot of runs and sometimes, they don’t score many. This list of the lowest scores in the World Cup shows us that any team can have a tough day. The lowest score is 36 runs by Canada against Sri Lanka. Recently, Sri Lanka made only 55 runs against India. This score is now the fourth lowest in World Cup history. It reminds us that cricket can be very hard. Every team, big or small, can face difficulties.

Check: Biggest Victory by Runs in ODI World Cup History

FAQs:

What is Australia’s lowest score in the ODI World Cup?

Australia’s lowest score in the ODI World Cup is 129 runs against India in 1983. They were ranked 49th for this score.

What is Pakistan’s lowest score in the ODI World Cup?

Pakistan’s lowest score in the ODI World Cup is 74 runs against England in 1992.

What is Sri Lanka’s lowest score in the ODI World Cup?

Sri Lanka’s lowest score in the ODI World Cup is 55 runs, which happened in a recent match against India on 2 November 2023

What is India’s lowest score in a World Cup match?

India’s lowest score in a World Cup match is 125 all out against Australia in 2003. Australia won the game by wickets.

Gamesys11 Team

At Gamesys11, our team includes dedicated blog writers, who bring a wealth of cricket knowledge and experience to our content. From early cricket careers at divisional and district levels to deep dives into statistics and player insights, our writers are passionate about the sport. They specialize in crafting engaging blogs that explore team lineups, player statistics, and strategic predictions for upcoming contests, enhancing the experience for every cricket fan.