T20 cricket is renowned for its lightning-fast innings, confetti-like boundaries, and spectacular batsmanship. However, the game’s shortest format can occasionally result in the exact opposite: total batting meltdowns. When teams falter under duress and fall short of even double-digit totals, these infrequent and frequently startling incidents provide a new kind of spectacle.
T20 cricket is renowned for its lightning-fast innings, confetti-like boundaries, and spectacular batsmanship. However, the game’s shortest format can occasionally result in the exact opposite: total batting meltdowns. When teams falter under duress and fall short of even double-digit totals, these infrequent and frequently startling incidents provide a new kind of spectacle.
| Team | Score | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
| Ivory Coast | 7 | v Nigeria | Abuja | 24 Nov 2024 |
| Mongolia | 10 | v Singapore | Bangi | 5 Sep 2024 |
| Isle of Man | 10 | v Spain | Cartagena | 26 Feb 2023 |
| Mongolia | 12 | v Japan | Sano | 8 May 2024 |
| Mongolia | 17 | v Hong Kong | Kuala Lumpur | 31 Aug 2024 |
| Mali | 18 | v Tanzania | Dar-es-Salaam | 21 Sep 2024 |
| Ivory Coast | 21 | v Sierra Leone | Abuja | 23 Nov 2024 |
| Turkey | 21 | v Czech Rep. | Ilfov County | 30 Aug 2019 |
| China | 23 | v Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | 26 Jul 2023 |
| Mali | 24 | v Ghana | Dar-es-Salaam | 26 Sep 2024 |
| Rwanda | 24 | v Nigeria | Lagos | 14 Oct 2023 |
1. Ivory Coast – 7 all out vs Nigeria (2024)
In a Twenty20 International match against Nigeria on November 24, 2024, Ivory Coast was bowled out for just seven runs, setting a new and unwelcome world record. This score is now the lowest in T20I history. Only one batter was able to score a run, and the club did not even make it through ten overs. With the rest falling like dominoes, Nigeria won easily and history was made for all the wrong reasons.
This game significantly surpassed a number of earlier records to establish a new standard for the lowest total in T20 cricket. A case study of how not to approach a T20 chase, the match took place in Abuja.
2. Mongolia – 10 all out vs Singapore (2024)
On September 5, 2024, Mongolia was bowled out for 10 runs against Singapore, just a few months prior to Ivory Coast’s collapse. Because Mongolia equalled the lowest T20I score at the time, this match made headlines throughout the cricket globe.
The bowlers from Singapore, especially Harsha Bharadwaj, were unstoppable. He demonstrated what disciplined bowling can accomplish even in the quickest format by taking six wickets for just three runs.
3. Isle of Man – 10 all out vs Spain (2023)
The Isle of Man had the regrettable distinction of having one of the lowest T20I scores ever before Mongolia came into the picture. In a game against Spain on February 26, 2023, they were bowled out for 10 runs.
This innings was noteworthy because of how quickly it collapsed—just nine overs were bowled. Spain won in record time after chasing the mark in less than an over.
4. Mongolia – 12 all out vs Japan (2024)
When Mongolia was dismissed for 12 runs against Japan in May 2024, they were once again on the list. Japan’s disciplined bowling proved too strong for the team, which had poor footwork, stroke selection, and resistance. Given that the innings lasted only a few overs, Mongolia’s position as the team with the lowest T20 total was further cemented.
5. Mongolia – 17 all out vs Hong Kong (2024)
Mongolia is featured once more, this time for their pitiful 17-run total versus Hong Kong. Even though Mongolia’s cricketing career is still young, it’s reasonable to say that they have already broken a number of records, just not the ones they would have liked.
The developing pains of a cricketing nation still figuring things out in international T20 competition are highlighted by such recurrent collapses.
6. Mali – 18 all out vs Tanzania (2024)
Ivory Coast had already faltered in 2024 with a 21-run innings against Sierra Leone before to setting the all-time record. The West African team has struggled to adapt to T20I play, particularly when facing more disciplined bowling units. Before they dropped even worse, this number was regarded as one of the lowest T20I scores.
7. Ivory Coast – 21 all out vs Sierra Leone (2024)
Prior to breaking the mark, Ivory Coast faltered in a 21-run innings against Sierra Leone earlier in 2024. In T20I play, the West African team has struggled, particularly when facing more disciplined bowling units. It was once thought to be among the lowest T20I scores, but then they dropped even further.
8. Turkey – 21 all out vs Czech Republic (2019)
In the Continental Cup in 2019, Turkey lost to the Czech Republic after being bowled out for 21 runs. One of the first times a T20I team failed to score even 25 was in this match. It demonstrated how, under pressure, particularly when playing more experienced opponents, minor cricketing nations can falter in international forms.
9. China – 23 all out vs Malaysia (2023)
In their match against Malaysia in July 2023, China collapsed, scoring just 23 runs. The swinging new ball and Malaysia’s tight lines were too much for the Chinese batters to handle while playing in Kuala Lumpur. They achieved one of the lowest totals in T20 history as a result of this performance.
10. Rwanda – 24 all out vs Nigeria (2023)
Rwanda scored 24 runs on October 14, 2023, before Nigeria bowled them out. Although it wasn’t the lowest total, it was certainly among the worst in T20I history, and it strengthened Nigeria’s standing as a squad that can cause collapses.
What These Records Tell Us
In T20 cricket, headlines are dominated by massive sixes and scores of 200 or more, but the format’s volatility is reciprocal. These games demonstrate that if teams are not diligent, they can just as quickly fall apart for under 25. In T20, the lowest score frequently relates to mental toughness, flexibility, and pressure management—skills that these up-and-coming teams are still honing.
It’s interesting to note that many of these lowest T20I scores come from more recent cricketing nations where match exposure, experience, and infrastructure are still developing. They should use these outcomes as stepping stones on their path to more competitive performances rather than as a reason to give up.
Why T20Is Are Unforgiving
T20 is a competitive format. A single error might have a cascading effect. There is no time for recovery or rebuilding like there is during ODIs or tests. These records are in place because the format incentivises accuracy and penalises hesitation. Additionally, a side that struggles from the first ball may wind up making headlines for having the lowest T20I score.
Final Thoughts
Although T20 cricket is frequently viewed as a game for batters, it can also be a cruel place, as evidenced by this list of the lowest totals in T20 matches. These matches demonstrate that every ball counts, from Mongolia’s persistent difficulties to Ivory Coast’s stunning 7-run innings. T20Is require quick thinking and perseverance, whether you’re chasing 200 or defending 10.
Remember that often the tiniest scores convey the largest narrative if you enjoy the big hits.
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