Unforgettable Lowest Team Totals in ODI World Cup History

Over the years, the ICC World Cup has witnessed some exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows scores. We’ll try to revisit some unforgettable low team totals that shook cricket fans. These matches are a reminder that even in the grandest of stages, the game can deliver moments of unpredictability.

Canada’s 36 All Out Against Sri Lanka (19-Feb-03)

Canada’s 36 All Out Against Sri Lanka

The 2003 Cricket World Cup witnessed one of the most astonishing collapses in ODI history. Canada, a cricketing minnow, found themselves facing a formidable Sri Lankan side. In a match that will forever be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts, Canada managed to muster a mere 36 runs before being bowled out in 18.4 overs. Chaminda Vaas, the Sri Lankan pacer, wreaked havoc with his devastating swing bowling, picking up 6 wickets for just 25 runs. Sri Lanka went on to win the game convincingly, highlighting the vast gulf in class between the two teams.

Canada’s 45 All Out Against England (13-Jun-79)

Canada’s 45 All Out Against England

Canada is not a strong team and does not participate in the WC very often. As a result, their woes were not limited to 2003. In the 1979 edition of the tournament, Canada faced England. Canada managed a paltry 45 runs in 40.3 overs. Only two batsmen reached double figures. England chased down the target with ease, underlining the vast disparity in skill levels.

Namibia’s 45 All Out Against Australia (27-Feb-03)

Namibia’s 45 All Out Against Australia

The 2003 World Cup seemed to be a magnet for low scores, and Namibia was no exception. In their match against the mighty Australians, Namibia was skittled out for just 45 runs in 14 overs. Glenn McGrath, a pace legend for Australia, led the charge with devastating figures of 7/15. Australia chased down the target with ease, emphasizing the sheer dominance they held over lesser-ranked teams during that era.

Bangladesh’s 58 All Out Against West Indies (04-Mar-11)

Bangladesh has come a long way since their early days in international cricket. But there was a time when they struggled to compete with the world’s best. In the 2011 World Cup, Bangladesh faced the West Indies. The result was a dismal batting performance. They managed to score only 58 runs on the board. Kemar Roach picked up 3 wickets for just 19 runs. The West Indies chased down the target comfortably, marking another instance of a low-scoring World Cup encounter.

Scotland’s 68 All Out Against West Indies (27-May-99)

Scotland’s 68 All Out Against West Indies

Scotland’s cricketing journey has been filled with ups and downs, and their encounter with the West Indies in the 1999 World Cup was certainly a down moment. Scotland managed to score a mere 68 runs in 31.3 overs, with Courtney Walsh leading the West Indies’ bowling attack with 3 wickets. The West Indies cruised to victory with minimal fuss, once again illustrating the gap in quality between the two sides.

These low team totals in ODI World Cup history serve as a reminder that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Even the most dominant teams can falter on their day, while the underdogs can produce moments of sheer brilliance.