In the thrilling and unpredictable world of T20 cricket, every run counts, and even the lowest scores can lead to dramatic victories. The T20 World Cup 2024 showcased some of the most gripping matches where teams successfully defended modest totals against all odds. From Bangladesh’s narrow escape against Nepal to South Africa’s tense win over Bangladesh, these matches highlight the resilience and strategic brilliance that define T20 cricket. Join us as we recount the top five lowest scores successfully defended in the T20 World Cup 2024, each game a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the sport.
Lowest Targets Defended In T20 World Cup 2024 History:
1. Bangladesh vs Nepal-106
Bangladesh set a record by defending a low total of 106 runs against Nepal. After being bowled out for 106, Tanzim Sakib led the bowling attack, reducing Nepal to 26/5 in seven overs. Nepal was eventually bowled out for 85, giving Bangladesh a 21-run victory and a spot in the Super Eights.
- Bangladesh Score: 106 all out
- Top Scorer: Mohammad Naim (34)
- Nepal Score: 85 all out
- Top Wicket-Taker: Tanzim Sakib (4/12)
- Victory Margin: 21 runs
2. South Africa vs Bangladesh-113
South Africa managed to defend 113 runs against Bangladesh in a thrilling encounter. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller helped South Africa reach 113/6 in 20 overs. Despite Bangladesh needing only 20 runs from the last three overs, they faltered, with Keshav Maharaj defending 11 runs in the final over to secure a narrow win.
- South Africa Score: 113/6
- Top Scorer: Heinrich Klaasen (37)
- Bangladesh Score: 109/7
- Top Wicket-Taker: Keshav Maharaj (3/27)
- Victory Margin: 4 runs
3. Afghanistan vs Bangladesh-114
At the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent, there was another intense game. The fact that this game determined the fate of all three sides made the situation much more stressful. Australia had high hopes for Bangladesh, who would have to chase this score in 12 overs to qualify, while Afghanistan’s task was quite simple: just win by whatever means.Afghanistan could only manage 115 while batting first, but the DLS approach allowed them to eventually reach 114. In the penultimate over, Bangladesh’s batting collapsed once more, folding for a mere 105. ranking third in the T20 World Cup 2024 rankings for the lowest score defended
- Afganistan Score: 115
- Top Scorer: Rahmanullah Gurbaz 43(55)
- Bangladesh Score: 105
- Top Wicket Taker: Naveen-ul-Haq (4/26)
- Victory Margin: 8 runs
4. South Africa vs Nepal-115
Once more, St. Vincent is being considered and South Africa is included in the list. Nepal was up against South Africa this time. The Proteas unable to muster anything and collapsed, earning a dismal score of 115 once more. Nepal pursued with great vigor, hoping to achieve their first win. Nepal lost the match by the narrowest of margins—one run—because they were unable to withstand the strain. ranking fourth in the T20 World Cup 2024 rankings for the lowest score defended.
- South Africa Score: 115
- Top Scorer: Reeza Hendricks 43(49)
- South Africa Score: 105
- Top Wicket Taker: Tabraiz Shamsi (4/19)
- Victory Margin: 1 run
5.India vs Pakistan-119 Runs
India successfully defended 119 runs against Pakistan in New York. After collapsing from 89/3 to 119 all out, Jasprit Bumrah’s spell of 3/14 turned the match around. Despite being well-placed at 80/3, Pakistan fell short by 6 runs, managing only 113/7 in their innings.
- India Score: 119 all out
- Top Scorer: Rishabh Pant (42)
- Pakistan Score: 113/7
- Top Wicket-Taker: Jasprit Bumrah (3/14)
- Victory Margin: 6 runs
