Lowest Score: India, one of the most successful and prominent teams in the history of cricket, has consistently been a powerhouse in all formats, including T20. The country has produced several high-scoring games and thrilling performances in the shortest format, with explosive batting from players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni. However, like every cricketing nation, India has also experienced moments where things didn’t go according to plan, resulting in disappointing scores. This article will delve into India’s lowest score in T20 international cricket, examine the match’s key moments, and analyze the factors that led to such a performance.
1. India’s Lowest T20 Score
India’s lowest score in T20 International (T20I) cricket came on December 22, 2017, during the T20 series against Sri Lanka in Indore. India managed to score just 101 runs in 19.4 overs, which was a huge disappointment for the team, given their usual dominance in the format.
Details of the Match
- Date: December 22, 2017
- Opponent: Sri Lanka
- Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, India
- Total Runs Scored by India: 101 all out (19.4 overs)
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets
India, batting first, was bundled out for just 101 runs, and Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably, scoring 102/5 in 17.2 overs, securing a 5-wicket victory. The match was particularly noteworthy because India, which typically posts scores above 150-160 in T20s, struggled against Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
2. Breakdown of India’s Innings in the 101 All-Out Score
India’s batting performance on that day was underwhelming, with several top-order batsmen falling cheaply. Let’s analyze the individual contributions to this dismal total:
| Batsman | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shikhar Dhawan | 8 | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| Rohit Sharma | 5 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Virat Kohli (c) | 4 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| MS Dhoni | 39 | 31 | 3 | 0 |
| Manish Pandey | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Hardik Pandya | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Kedar Jadhav | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
3. Key Moments of India’s Disastrous Innings
Several crucial factors contributed to India’s abysmal total in this match:
1. Early Collapse
India’s top order, which included in-form players like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli, struggled against the Sri Lankan bowlers. Rohit Sharma (5) and Shikhar Dhawan (8) were dismissed early, and Virat Kohli (4) followed soon after. The early collapse of key players put the team under significant pressure.
2. Sri Lanka’s Tight Bowling
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Angelo Mathews and Lakshan Sandakan, were exceptional in this match. They bowled in disciplined lines, forcing Indian batsmen to make mistakes. Mathews took 2 wickets for just 10 runs, and Sandakan’s spin proved effective in limiting India’s progress.
3. MS Dhoni’s Lone Fight
While the other Indian batsmen faltered, MS Dhoni was the only one to provide any resistance. His 39 runs from 31 balls were the highest score in India’s innings, but his efforts were not enough to steady the ship. After Dhoni’s dismissal, the Indian team was quickly wrapped up, and the innings ended with 101 all out.
4. Lack of Partnerships
Throughout the innings, India was unable to build any significant partnerships. Apart from a brief stand between Dhoni and Manish Pandey, no other batsman could contribute meaningfully. The inability to rotate strike and find boundaries put the team under immense pressure throughout the innings.
4. Impact of the Lowest Score on India’s T20I Record
This match remains one of the most significant low points in India’s T20I history. A total of 101 all out was the lowest ever total for India in T20 cricket at the time. The performance sparked criticism, as India had been consistent in scoring higher totals in the T20 format. The loss to Sri Lanka was also particularly concerning as it was a home match and Sri Lanka was not considered a dominant force in T20 cricket at the time.
5. India’s Response to the Setback
Despite this poor performance, India’s cricket team responded positively in the following games, bouncing back strongly. The loss to Sri Lanka did not significantly impact their standing in global T20 rankings, as the team continued to perform well in subsequent series.
India managed to rectify their approach in the next match, scoring 184/3 in 20 overs, which was a far better performance compared to their disastrous outing in the first game.
6. Factors That Led to India’s Lowest Score
Several factors combined to contribute to India’s lowest-ever score in T20 cricket:
1. Pressure and Nerves
Being a high-profile team, India often faces immense pressure, especially in high-stakes matches. The pressure to perform in front of home crowds could have affected the players’ performance on that day.
2. Lack of Proper Batting Conditions
The pitch conditions in Indore were somewhat difficult for batting, with the ball gripping and turning a bit more than expected. This could have caught the Indian batsmen off guard, leading to the early wickets.
3. Exceptional Sri Lankan Bowling
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were exceptionally disciplined on the day. They kept the Indian batsmen under check and made the most of the conditions. Sri Lanka’s captain at the time, Angelo Mathews, was instrumental in leading his team’s bowling attack, which bowled India out cheaply.
4. Unusual Top-Order Failures
The failure of key players like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli to get going was unusual and a significant factor in India’s low total. These batsmen had been in good form leading up to the match, but on this day, they were dismissed cheaply.
7. India’s Lowest T20 Scores: A Historical Perspective
India has had some low scores in T20 cricket, though this one against Sri Lanka is the most memorable. Here is a table showcasing India’s lowest T20I scores:
| Rank | Score | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 101 all out | Sri Lanka | December 22, 2017 | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore |
| 2 | 126 all out | South Africa | May 30, 2009 | The Wanderers, Johannesburg |
| 3 | 130/4 | Australia | December 10, 2020 | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
| 4 | 135/5 | New Zealand | November 18, 2020 | Eden Park, Auckland |
| 5 | 139/6 | Pakistan | April 1, 2016 | Kolkata, India |
8. Conclusion
India’s lowest T20 score of 101 all out against Sri Lanka on December 22, 2017, remains a stark reminder of how cricket, even for top teams, can sometimes result in unexpected performances. The match stands as one of the rare instances where India’s typically strong batting line-up failed to deliver, largely due to early wickets, exceptional bowling from Sri Lanka, and a lack of partnerships.
However, this defeat did not define India’s T20I capabilities. The team quickly regained form and continued to perform strongly in subsequent series. The match is now part of cricketing history, serving as a reminder that in the fast-paced, unpredictable world of T20 cricket, anything can happen on the day.