Cricket is more than a sport in India; it unites millions. With its rich history and passionate following, the Indian cricket team has consistently been a powerhouse in the cricket world. However, no team is immune to moments of vulnerability, and one such instance etched in the annals of cricket history is India lowest score in ODI. In this article, we will take a detailed look at that rare blemish, exploring the circumstances, emotions, and lessons that came from this memorable match.
India lowest score in ODI
Cricket is a sport that evokes emotions like no other. From exhilarating victories to crushing defeats, it keeps fans on the edge of their seats. For Indian cricket fans, one such day etched in memory is October 29, 2000, when the Men in Blue suffered their lowest score in ODI history, a mere 54 against Sri Lanka in the final of the Champions Trophy at Sharjah.
Here are the details of India lowest score in ODI.
| S.No. | Date | Runs | Against | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 29 Oct 2000 | 54 | Sri Lanka | Sharjah |
| 2. | 8 Jan 1981 | 63 | Australia | Sydney |
| 3. | 24 Dec 1986 | 78 | Sri Lanka | Kanpur |
| 4. | 13 Oct 1978 | 79 | Pakistan | Sialkot |
| 5. | 10 Aug 2010 | 88 | New Zealand | Dambulla |
| 6. | 22 Nov 2006 | 91 | South Africa | Durban |
| 7. | 31 Jan 2019 | 92 | New Zealand | Hamilton |
| 8. | 14 Jan 2000 | 100 | Australia | Sydney |
| 9. | 16 Nov 1993 | 100 | West Indies | Ahmedabad |
| 10. | 22 Aug 2010 | 103 | Sri Lanka | Dambulla |
| 11. | 29 Aug 2008 | 103 | Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| 12. | 17 Jun 2014 | 105 | Bangladesh | Mirpur |
| 13. | 1 Jan 2003 | 108 | New Zealand | Christchurch |
| 14. | 26 Dec 2002 | 108 | New Zealand | Auckland |
| 15. | 10 Dec 2017 | 112 | Sri Lanka | Dharamsala |
54 vs Sri Lanka, 29 October 2000, Sharjah
On a scorching October 29th, 2000, in Sharjah, cricket witnessed a historic low when India, chasing a formidable 300 set by Sri Lanka, crumbled to a mere 54. It was a day of contrasting fortunes, etched in both shame and awe. Sri Lanka, led by Jayasuriya’s blitzkrieg 189, amassed a near-impregnable target. Chasing, India’s batting imploded. Tendulkar, Dravid, and Ganguly fell cheaply, and the middle order offered no resistance.
Zaheer Khan’s 14 was the highest score as Vaas ripped through the lineup with 3 wickets for 10 runs. In just 26.3 overs, India found themselves dismissed, registering their lowest ODI score ever. Though humiliating, this nadir became a catalyst for change. Under Ganguly’s leadership, India learned resilience, emerging stronger and eventually washing away the sting of Sharjah. The score of 54 remains a stark reminder of a day to forget, but its legacy is a testament to Indian cricket’s rise from the ashes.
63 vs Australia, 8 January 1981, Sydney
The next match in the list of India lowest score in ODI is against Australia. In this match played in Sydney on 8 January 1981, India, batting first, was able to score only 63 runs. Australia’s bowlers were in their best form in this match, Greg Chappell took 5 wickets for Australia. Australia won this match by 9 wickets.
78 vs Sri Lanka, 24 December 1986, Kanpur
India made its 3rd lowest score in the match played against India and Sri Lanka on 24 December 1986. This match was interrupted due to rain due to which only 46-overs-a-side match was played. Batting first, Sri Lanka had scored 195 runs, in response to which India could score only 78 runs. In this match, Arjuna Ranatunga scored 31 runs for Sri Lanka and also took 4 wickets, for which he also received the Man of the Match award.
79 vs Pakistan, 13 October 1978, Sialkot
The next match in the list of India lowest score in ODI is against Pakistan. This match was played on 13 October 1978. This was the period when ODI cricket had just started, rather this was the 55th ODI match in the world of ODI cricket. India batted first and it was not good, India could only score 79. Pakistan won this match by 8 wickets.
88 vs New Zealand, 10 August 2010, Dambulla
India made its 5th lowest score in the match played in Dambulla on 10 August 2010. This match was played between India and New Zealand. New Zealand, batting first, scored 288 runs, in response to which India was able to score only 88 runs in 29.3 overs. For New Zealand, Ross Taylor scored 95 runs and Scott Styris scored 89 runs. Ross Taylor was the Man of the Match for his excellent performance.
Also read: lowest score in ODI by a team
FAQ on India lowest score in ODI
Question 1. What is the lowest score of India in ODI?
Answer: 54 against Srilanka
Question 2. What is the lowest score in ODI history?
Answer: Zimbabwe – 35 against Srilanka in 2004 at Harare.
Question 3. What is the highest ODI score?
Answer: England – 498/4 against Netherlands in 2022 at Amstelveen.
