In a record-breaking opening to India’s campaign ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026The Wankhede Stadium – traditionally a highway for batters – has become a graveyard for the chasing side. India’s stout defense against the United States of America (USA) changed the history books, recording the lowest total ever successfully defended at this iconic venue in T20Is.
5 lowest totals defended at Wankhede Stadium in T20I history
1. India vs USA (2026)
Score: India 161/9 | Result: India won by 29 runs
On February 7, 2026, India began their title defense with a thriller. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav played a one-handed game after a strong USA bowling attack led by Shadley van Schalkwyk made them 77/6 with a 4-wicket haul. His unbeaten 84 off 49 balls Takes India to 161/9.
In response, the Indian bowlers proved why they are world class. Mohammed Siraj, who returned after a long break, took 3/29 and Arshdeep Singh smothered the US top order. Despite a valiant 58-run stand between Milind Kumar and Sanjay Krishnamurthi, USA finished on 132/8, handing India a historic win by 29 runs and their lowest T20I defense at the Wankhede.
2. India vs Sri Lanka (2023)
Score: India 162/5 | Result: India won by 2 runs
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener, it was the benchmark for low-scoring victories 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 to the last ball. Debutant Shivam Mavi dismissed Lanka’s top order with 4/22. Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka almost stole the show with 45, but Axar Patel got upset in the final over to restrict Sri Lanka to 160 for a 2-run victory.
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 total” in defense, but that’s often the case at the Wankhede. Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers powered the Proteas to 209 during the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan did not back down, reaching 100 runs in just 8 runs. However, the experience of Chris Morris (4/27) was spoken for when the Afghan chase was run out on 172. At the time, it was one of the few occasions when a team survived the Wankhede dew.
Also READ: Fans go crazy as Suryakumar Yadav orchestrates India’s dominant win over USA in T20 World Cup 2026.
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 massive attack. Rohit Sharma (71), KL Rahul (91) and Virat Kohli (70 not out) combined for a historic 240/3.
Although West Indies are known for chasing monster totals, the pressure was on the scoreboard. Despite Kieron Pollard’s 68, Windies were restricted to 173/8. It remains one of India’s most dominant defensive displays at the venue.
5. India v England (2025)
Score: India 247/9 | Result: India won by 150 runs
At the start of 2025, India posted a mammoth 247/9 at the Wankhede to set their highest T20I total. On a night where every Indian went for the fences, England’s world-class squad collapsed completely under the lights.
The visitors were bundled out for just 97 – the lowest ever recorded against India at this venue. This match highlighted that even the biggest totals can be easily defended when the Wankhede pitch offers some zip under the lights.
