Lowest totals defended in T20I cricket

Low scores can often be tricky in T20I cricket and plenty of times, those games have gone right down to the wire. The captains feel the heat coming onto the field with a low score and field placements have to be spot on. The margin of error becomes slimmer and slimmer for the fielding team and the bowlers need to ensure they stick to their lines and lengths. Still, bowlers win matches and it is important to pick up early wickets. On that note, here are the lowest totals defended in T20I cricket.

Netherlands vs Ireland, 2016

In the 2016 T20 World Cup qualifier stages, the Netherlands managed to defend 59 in a six-over game against Ireland at the Dharamsala. Stephen Myburgh’s quickfire start with the bat took Netherlands to 59 and in reply, Ireland could manage just 47 to end up 12 runs short of the target. Paul van Meekeren did all the damage with the ball for Netherlands as he picked up four wickets for just 11 runs in his two overs.

Philippines vs Vanuatu, 2019

ICC World Twenty20 East Asia-Pacific Region Final was between the Philippines and Vanuatu in 2019 and it turned out to be a five-over game in Port Moresby. The Philippines posted 46 for the loss of three wickets in their five overs on the back of Daniel Smith’s 15-ball 22 at the top. In reply, Vanuatu could manage just 36 despite losing two wickets to suffer a ten-run loss. This is the second-lowest total ever defended in T2OIs.

Ireland vs Bermuda, 2008

Ireland defended the lowest-ever score in T20Is in the World T20 Qualifiers in 2008 against Bermuda side. Batting first, the Irish side got to just 43/7 in their nine overs due to a combined bowling excellence from the Bermuda side. In reply, Peter O’Connell turned the game around with a three-wicket spell upfront and Bermuda ended up two runs short despite having two wickets in hand.