What Are the Lowest Totals in Men’s T20 World Cup Semi-Finals?

The excitement and unpredictability of T20 cricket often deliver thrilling contests and remarkable performances. However, at times, teams suffer complete batting collapses, resulting in some of the lowest totals in T20 World Cup semi-final history. The recent 2024 match between Afghanistan and South Africa has added a new entry to this unfortunate list. Let’s explore the top five lowest team totals in the men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Afghanistan vs South Africa

Afghanistan vs South Africa (Image Source: Getty Image)

Afghanistan’s first-ever semi-final appearance in an ICC event turned into a nightmare when they faced South Africa at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. After winning the toss, Afghan captain Rashid Khan opted to bat first, hoping to set a competitive total. However, the decision backfired spectacularly.

The Afghan batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by the South African bowlers. Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi were the chief destroyers, taking three wickets each. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje chipped in with two wickets apiece, as Afghanistan were bowled out for a mere 56 runs in just 11.5 overs. This is now the lowest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup semi-final.

Sri Lanka vs England 

Sri Lanka vs England (Image Source: Getty Image)

Sri Lanka faced England in the first semi-final of the 2010 T20 World Cup at Gros Islet. Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka struggled to find any rhythm against a disciplined English bowling attack. Angelo Mathews was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a fighting 58 runs. Despite his efforts, Sri Lanka could only muster 128 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

England’s bowlers, spearheaded by Stuart Broad’s two wickets, maintained pressure throughout. They comfortably chased down the target, securing a seven-wicket victory with four overs remaining. 

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (Image Source: Getty Image)

The first semi-final of the 2012 T20 World Cup saw Sri Lanka take on Pakistan in Colombo. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a modest total of 139 runs on a slow, spinning track. Mahela Jayawardene top-scored with 42 runs, providing the backbone of the innings.

Pakistan struggled with their batting, losing wickets regularly despite Mohammad Hafeez’s 42 runs and Umar Akmal’s unbeaten 29. Rangana Herath took three crucial wickets for Sri Lanka, but their trophy dreams ended in the final against the West Indies.

New Zealand vs Pakistan

New Zealand vs Pakistan (Image Source: Getty Image)

In the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, the first semi-final at Cape Town featured New Zealand against Pakistan. New Zealand batted first and posted a total of 143 runs. Despite several batsmen getting starts, they struggled to convert them into substantial innings. 

Chasing 144 for victory, Pakistan’s Imran Nazir played a match-winning knock of 59 runs, guiding his team to a six-wicket win with seven balls remaining. This victory set up a final clash with India, where Pakistan fell short in a thrilling contest.

Pakistan vs South Africa

Pakistan vs South Africa (Image Source: Getty Image)

In the first semi-final of the 2009 T20 World Cup held in Nottingham, Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss. Despite losing Shahzaib Hasan early, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 149/4, thanks to a blazing 51 off 34 balls from Shahid Afridi.

South Africa’s chase, led by Jacques Kallis (64) and Jean-Paul Duminy (44), fell short as Pakistani bowlers secured a tense seven-run victory. Shahid Afridi’s all-round brilliance was pivotal in Pakistan’s journey to their first T20 World Cup title, clinching victory over Sri Lanka in the final.

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