In a record-breaking start to India’s campaign in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026The Wankhede Stadium – traditionally a highway for batsmen – turned into a graveyard for the chasing team. India’s strong defense against the United States of America (USA) has rewritten the history books, becoming the lowest ever successful defense at this prestigious venue in T20Is.
5 lowest scores defended at Wankhede Stadium in T20I history
1. India vs USA (2026)
Score: India 161/9 | Result: India won by 29 runs
India begin their title defense with a thrilling encounter on February 7, 2026. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav played solo after being reduced to a troublesome score of 77/6 due to a spirited USA bowling attack led by Shadley Van Schalkwyk’s 4 wickets. He scored unbeaten 84 runs on 49 balls. India reached 161/9.
In reply, Indian bowlers proved why they are world class. Mohammed Siraj, returning after a long gap, took 3 wickets for 29 runs, while Arshdeep Singh shook the USA top order. Despite a strong 58-run partnership between Milind Kumar and Sanjay Krishnamurthy, USA finished at 132/8, handing India a historic 29-run win and setting a record for the lowest T20I defense at the Wankhede.
2. India vs Sri Lanka (2023)
Score: India 162/5 | Result: India won by 2 runs
Before the inauguration of the 2026 World Cup, this was the norm for low-scoring wins in Mumbai. In January 2023, India struggled to 162/5, thanks to late fireworks from Deepak Hooda (41 not out) and Axar Patel.
The chase went till the last ball. Debutant Shivam Mavi dismantled the Sri Lankan top order with 4/22. Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka almost ended the match by playing a stormy inning of 45 runs, but Axar Patel remained patient in the last over and restricted Sri Lanka to 160 runs and won by 2 runs.
3. South Africa vs Afghanistan (2016)
Score: South Africa 209/5 | Result: South Africa won by 37 runs
It sounds strange to call 209 a “low score” for a defence, but that happens often at Wankhede. During the 2016 T20 World Cup, Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers led the Proteas to 209.
Afghanistan did not back down, reaching 100 runs in just 8 overs. However, the experience of Chris Morris (4/27) ultimately told as the Afghan team was bowled out for 172 runs. At the time, this was one of the few instances where the team batting first escaped the Wankhede dew.
4. India vs West Indies (2019)
Score: India 240/3 | Result: India won by 67 runs
In 2019, India proved that the best defense is a great attack. Rohit Sharma (71), KL Rahul (91) and Virat Kohli (70 not out) together scored a historic 240/3.
While West Indies are known for chasing huge scores, the scoreboard pressure was immense. Despite Kieron Pollard’s 68 runs, West Indies were reduced to 173/8. This is one of India’s most impressive defensive performances on this ground.
5. India vs England (2025)
Score: India 247/9 | Result: India won by 150 runs
In early 2025, India made their highest ever T20I score by scoring a mammoth 247/9 at Wankhede. On a night when every Indian batsman went for the fence, England’s world-class lineup completely collapsed under the lights.
The visitors were all out for just 97 runs – the lowest ever score against India at this ground. This match highlighted that when the Wankhede pitch offers a bit of zip under lights, even the biggest scores can be easily defended.
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