As the world gears up for the 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to ignite from February 7 to March 8, 2026, the excitement is palpable with 20 teams ready to battle in the shortest format.
While T20 cricket is often celebrated for its high-octane hitting and mammoth totals, the tournament’s history is also dotted with dramatic collapses where batting lineups crumbled under pressure. From associate nations finding their feet to established giants facing a bad day at the office, these instances serve as a stark reminder of how fickle the T20 format can be. Even as fans anticipate fireworks in 2026, a look back at the record books reveals five shocking occasions where teams were bundled out for nearly unbelievable scores.
5 lowest totals ever recorded in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history
5. Oman vs England: 47 All Out (2024)
In a high-stakes group stage match during the 2024 edition, Oman faced the wrath of a rejuvenated England side at North Sound. The English pace battery, led by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, utilized the extra bounce and pace of the surface to leave the Oman top order in tatters. Adil Rashid then applied the finishing touches with a masterful spell of 4/11. Oman eventually folded for just 47 in 13.2 overs, a total England chased down in a record-breaking 3.1 overs to boost their net run rate.
4. Netherlands vs Sri Lanka: 44 All Out (2021)
The Netherlands found themselves on the receiving end of a Sri Lankan bowling clinic for the second time in tournament history during the 2021 World Cup in Sharjah. The Dutch batters were unable to read the mystery spin of Maheesh Theekshana and the leg-spin of Wanindu Hasaranga, while Lahiru Kumara provided the heat from the other end. The clinical Lankan attack dismantled the Netherlands for 44 runs in 10 overs, with only one batter managing to reach double figures.
3. Uganda vs New Zealand: 40 All Out (2024)
During their debut World Cup campaign in 2024, Uganda faced a stern test against New Zealand in Tarouba. The legendary duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult proved too clinical for the Ugandan lineup, with Southee returning incredible figures of 3/4. Despite playing out 18.4 overs, the ‘Cranes’ struggled to find the boundary and were eventually dismissed for 40. The Black Caps secured a comfortable 9-wicket victory in just over five overs.
2. Netherlands vs Sri Lanka: 39 All Out (2014)
For a decade, this was the undisputed lowest total in T20 World Cup history. In the 2014 edition at Chattogram, Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and Ajantha Mendis tore through the Dutch lineup with three wickets apiece. The Netherlands were shot out for 39 in just 10.3 overs, with five batters departing for a duck. Sri Lanka chased the target in 5 overs, making it one of the most lopsided encounters the tournament has ever seen.
1. Uganda vs West Indies: 39 All Out (2024)
In June 2024, Uganda matched the unwanted record for the lowest-ever total in the tournament’s history. Playing against the co-hosts West Indies in Providence, the Ugandan batters were completely outclassed by the left-arm spin of Akeal Hosein. Hosein claimed a historic 5/11, the best figures for a West Indian in the T20 World Cup, as Uganda collapsed to 39 all out in 12 overs. The defeat by 134 runs highlighted the massive bridge between the emerging nations and the established powerhouses.
