In preparation for the 10th edition of the World ICC Men’s T20 World CupThe excitement is palpable as 20 teams get ready to battle it out in the shortest format, scheduled to kick off from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
While T20 cricket is often celebrated for its high-octane batting and mammoth totals, the history of the tournament is also littered with dramatic collapses in which batting lineups crumble under pressure. These instances serve as a stark reminder of how volatile the T20 format can be. Even as fans await the fireworks in 2026, a look through the record books reveals five shocking occasions when teams combined for almost unimaginable points.
5 lowest scores ever recorded in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history
5. Oman v England: 47 All (2024)
In a high-stakes group stage match during the 2024 edition, Oman faced with a rejuvenated fury England On the North Sound side. Led by the British speed battery Jofra Archer and Mark WoodHe used the extra bounce and speed of the surface to leave Oman’s top order in shambles. Adil Rashid then 4/11 expertly applied the finishing touches. Oman were eventually bowled out for just 47 in 13.2 overs, with England trailing in a record-breaking 3.1 overs to increase their net run rate.
4. Netherlands vs Sri Lanka: 44 All (2021)
The The Netherlands found themselves at the receiving end Sri Lanka The bowling clinic is for the second time in the history of the tournament during the 2021 World Cup in Sharjah. The Dutchman could not read the secret of the shots Mahesh Theekshana and leg rotation Wanindu Hasarangawhile Lahiru Kumara the other end gave off the heat. A clinical Lankan attack dismantled the Netherlands for 44 runs in 10 overs, with only one batter managing to reach double figures.
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3. Uganda vs New Zealand: 40 All Out (2024)
During the debut World Cup campaign in 2024, Uganda faced a tough test New Zealand in Taruba. the legendary duet Tim Southee and Trent Boult Southee proved too clinical for the Ugandan line-up, returning incredible figures of 3/4. Despite playing 18.4 overs, “Cranes” struggled to find the boundary and was eventually dismissed for 40. The Black Caps cruised to a comfortable 9-wicket victory in just over 5 overs.
2. Netherlands vs Sri Lanka: 39 All (2014)
In a decade, it was arguably the lowest total in T20 World Cup history. At the 2014 edition in Sri Lanka’s Chattogram Angelo Mathews and Ajantha Mendis with all three wickets broke the ranks of the Netherlands. Holland were bowled out for 39 in just 10.3 overs, with five runs falling for a duck. Sri Lanka chased down the target in 5 overs, making it one of the most lopsided encounters the tournament has ever seen.
1. Uganda vs West Indies: 39 All Out (2024)
In June 2024, Uganda achieved the unwanted record of the lowest total in the history of the tournament. Playing against co-hosts West Indies in Providence, the Ugandans were completely dominated by the left-arm spin. Akeal Hosein. Hosein claimed a historic 5/11, the best figures for the West Indies in a T20 World Cup, as Uganda slumped to 39 in 12 overs. The 134-run defeat highlighted the huge gap between developing nations and established powerhouses.
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