As the world prepares for its 10th edition ICC Men’s T20 World Cup20 teams are set to contest in the shortest format in the competition starting from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
While T20 cricket is often celebrated for its high-octane hitting and huge scores, the history of the tournament is also littered with dramatic collapses where batting lineups collapsed under pressure. From allies finding their footing to established giants facing a bad day at the office, these examples are a reminder of how volatile the T20 format can be. Even though fans are expecting fireworks in 2026, a look at the record books reveals five shocking occasions where teams settled for almost unbelievable scores.
5 lowest totals ever recorded in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history
5. Oman vs England: 47 all out (2024)
In a high-risk group stage match during the 2024 edition, oman Faced with the wrath of a resurrected being England Towards North Sound. English speed battery, led jofra archer And mark woodUsing the extra bounce and pace of the surface, Oman’s top order collapsed. adil rashid Then finalized with the exquisite magic of 4/11. Oman were eventually bowled out for just 47 runs in 13.2 overs, with England reaching the target in a record-breaking 3.1 overs to increase their net run rate.
4. Netherlands vs Sri Lanka: 44 all out (2021)
Netherlands found myself on the receiving end of a Sri Lanka Bowling clinic during the 2021 World Cup in Sharjah for the second time in the history of the tournament. Dutch batsmen unable to read mystery spin Mahesh Theekshana and leg spin Wanindu HasarangaWhereas Lahiru Kumara Heat was provided from the other end. The Sri Lankan attack bowled out the Netherlands for 44 runs in 10 overs, with only one batsman managing to reach double figures.
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3. Uganda vs New Zealand: 40 all out (2024)
during their debut world cup campaign In 2024, uganda faced a tough test against new zealand In Taruba. great pair of Tim Southee And trent bolt Proving to be too clinical for the Ugandan lineup, Southee returned incredible figures of 3/4. Despite playing 18.4 overs ‘crane’ Had to struggle to find boundaries and was eventually out for 40 runs. The Black Caps won comfortably by 9 wickets in just five overs.
2. Netherlands vs Sri Lanka: 39 all out (2014)
For a decade, this was the undisputed lowest score in T20 World Cup history. At the 2014 edition in Chattogram, Sri Lanka angelo matthews And Ajanta Mendis Destroyed the Dutch lineup by taking three wickets each. Netherlands were all out for 39 runs in just 10.3 overs, with five batsmen out for ducks. Sri Lanka achieved the target in 5 overs, making it one of the most one-sided matches in the tournament so far.
1. Uganda vs West Indies: 39 all out (2024)
In June 2024, Uganda equaled the unwanted record of lowest score ever in the history of the tournament. Playing against co-hosts West Indies in Providence, the Ugandan batsmen were completely outclassed by left-arm spin. Akil Hossein. Hosein claimed a historic 5/11, the best figures for a West Indian in the T20 World Cup, as Uganda were bowled out for 39 in 12 overs. The 134-run defeat exposed the huge bridge between emerging nations and established powers.
Also read: From Virat Kohli to Babar Azam: Leading run-scorers in each edition of T20 World Cup