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In the fast-paced arena of ICC T20 World Cup cricket, where towering totals often dominate headlines, defending a low score stands as a testament to strategic brilliance and unwavering determination. Over the years, several instances have illuminated the art of bowling and fielding under pressure, turning modest totals into memorable victories.
Instances of defending low totals
Throughout the history of the ICC T20 World Cup, there have been multiple occasions where teams have successfully defended low totals, defying expectations and showcasing the unpredictable nature of the format. These matches have highlighted the crucial role of bowlers, who adeptly exploited conditions and executed well-laid plans to stymie formidable batting line-ups.
Each instance not only celebrated the bowlers’ ability to create opportunities but also emphasized the importance of teamwork, sharp fielding, and strategic captaincy in defending modest scores. These victories often hinge on pivotal moments—be it a clutch over, a crucial run-out, or a spectacular catch—that swing the momentum in favor of the defending team.
These historic feats serve as reminders of cricket’s inherent unpredictability and the enduring allure of low-scoring thrillers in T20 cricket. They stand as testament to the fact that, in the T20 World Cup arena, the contest between bat and ball remains as riveting and unpredictable as ever, with defending low totals etching their place in cricketing folklore.
Also READ: Top 5 quickest run-chases in T20 World Cup history ft. England
T20 World Cup history: Top 5 lowest totals successfully defended:
1. Bangladesh (106 vs Nepal, 2024)
In a must-win game in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Bangladesh set the record for the lowest defended total by defending 106 runs against Nepal. Despite a modest score, Bangladesh’s bowlers Tanzim Hasan Sakib (4/7), Mustafizur Rahman (3/7) and Shakib Al Hasan (2/9) delivered a stellar performance. Their disciplined bowling restricted Nepal to just 85 runs, securing a crucial 21 runs victory and a place in the tournament’s history books.
2. South Africa (113 vs Bangladesh, 2024)
South Africa displayed their ability to defend low scores in the same tournament when they defended 113 runs against Bangladesh. Heinrich Klaasen’s crucial knock of 46 runs set up the target. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje contributed with 2 wickets each, while Keshav Maharaj’s impressive spell of 3/27 ensured Bangladesh fell short by 4 runs, highlighting South Africa’s bowling depth under pressure.
3. South Africa (115 vs Nepal, 2024)
In another low-scoring thriller in the 2024 T20 World Cup, South Africa defended 115 runs against Nepal. Reeza Hendricks top-scored with 43 runs, but it was Tabraiz Shamsi’s exceptional bowling figures of 4/19 that proved decisive. South Africa managed to secure a narrow one run victory, showcasing their resilience in defending modest totals, marking their second-closest win in T20 World Cup history.
4. Sri Lanka (119 vs New Zealand, 2014)
In the T20 World Cup 2014 at Chattogram, Sri Lanka successfully defended 119 runs against New Zealand in a memorable encounter. Rangana Herath emerged as the hero with his outstanding bowling performance, taking 3/5. Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated, dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup for just 60 runs, the lowest ever run scored in a chased in a T20 World Cup match, thereby cementing their place in history.
5. India (119 vs Pakistan, 2024)
India joined the ranks of teams defending low totals in the T20 World Cup 2024 when they set a target of 119 runs against arch-rivals Pakistan. Rishabh Pant’s resilient 42 runs provided the backbone of India’s innings. Jasprit Bumrah led the bowling attack with figures of 3/14, well-supported by Hardik Pandya’s 2/24. Their disciplined bowling effort restricted Pakistan to 113 runs, securing a tense six runs victory and reaffirming their prowess in pressure situations.
