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Zimbabwe’s ODI cricket history witnessed a grim milestone on Thursday during the second ODI against Afghanistan in a three-match series at the Harare Sports Club. Afghanistan, with a spectacular all-round performance, outclassed Zimbabwe by a massive margin of 232 runs, consigning the hosts to one of their lowest totals in ODI history. This defeat added another chapter to Zimbabwe’s struggle in the format, as they joined their infamous list of lowest-ever totals.
Top 5 lowest totals for Zimbabwe in One Day Internationals
5. 54 vs Afghanistan (2017) – A decider to forget
In February 2017, during the 5th ODI of Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe, the hosts faced a devastating collapse. Chasing 254 runs (adjusted to 161 via the DLS method) at Harare, Zimbabwe were bundled out for just 54 runs. The Afghanistan bowlers capitalized on a deteriorating pitch, exposing Zimbabwe’s fragile batting lineup. Despite their bowlers putting up a spirited effort in the first innings, limiting Afghanistan to 253/9, the batters faltered. This dismal performance handed visitors a series-clinching 3-2 victory, leaving the host with one of their lowest totals in ODI cricket.
4. 54 vs Afghanistan (2024) – History repeats itself
In a déjà vu moment during the 2nd ODI of the Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe in 2024-25, Zimbabwe once again collapsed for 54 runs at Harare. Afghanistan had set a challenging target of 287 after posting 286/6, with their batters in fine form. Zimbabwe’s chase never got off the ground as none of their batters managed to score even 20 runs. This crushing 232-run defeat not only marked Zimbabwe’s fourth-lowest total in ODIs but also became their third-biggest margin of loss in the format. The visitors’ disciplined bowling left the hosts reeling and the series was effectively decided.
Also READ: Afghanistan records a thumping win over Zimbabwe in 2nd ODI
3. 44 vs Bangladesh (2009) – A collapse in Chattogram
In November 2009, during the 4th ODI of Zimbabwe’s tour of Bangladesh in Chattogram, Zimbabwe registered their third-lowest ODI total of 44 runs. Bangladesh’s bowlers were in sublime form, dismantling Zimbabwe’s lineup in just 24.5 overs. Chasing target of 49, the host cruised to a six-wicket victory with 229 balls to spare. This embarrassing defeat not only highlighted Zimbabwe’s batting woes but also sealed the series 4-1 in favor of Bangladesh. At the time, Zimbabwe’s 44 was the seventh-lowest ODI total ever recorded.
2. 38 vs Sri Lanka (2001) – Chaminda Vaas runs riot
In December 2001, Zimbabwe faced Sri Lanka in the LG Abans Triangular Series opener at Colombo, and the result was a historic low. Zimbabwe managed just 38 runs, the fourth-lowest ODI total in history, as Chaminda Vaas delivered a bowling masterclass. Vaas took 8 wickets for just 19 runs, the best bowling figures in ODI history to date. Sri Lanka chased down the paltry target with ease, reaching 40/1 in just 4.2 overs with 274 balls remaining. This match epitomized Zimbabwe’s struggles against world-class bowling attacks during that era.
1. 35 vs Sri Lanka (2004) – The lowest ODI total ever
Zimbabwe’s lowest point in ODI cricket came in April 2004 during their tour of Sri Lanka. In the 3rd ODI at Harare, Zimbabwe collapsed for an all-time record-low score of 35 runs, a dubious distinction that still stands as the lowest total in ODI history. None of the Zimbabwean batters reached double figures as Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by ferocious spells of fast and swing bowling, decimated the lineup. The visitors comfortably chased the target, finishing at 40/1 in just 9.2 overs with 244 balls to spare. This match remains a stark reminder of Zimbabwe’s batting frailties against top-tier bowling units.
