Lowest Totals: T20 International cricket is often a high-scoring affair with explosive batting and aggressive stroke play. However, there have been times when even the best teams struggle to find their rhythm, and Bangladesh, like any other team, has had moments where their batting faltered. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the lowest totals posted by Bangladesh in T20I cricket, analyzing the key factors behind these struggles and the lessons learned from those matches.
Overview of Bangladesh’s T20I Cricket Journey
Bangladesh has come a long way since its debut in T20I cricket in 2006. Over the years, they have been able to build a competitive side, often punching above their weight in global tournaments. However, like many cricket teams, Bangladesh has had its share of difficulties, particularly in the shortest format.
While their batting has often been characterized by aggression and adaptability, there have been instances when they were bowled out cheaply or failed to get going. These low scores are often a result of early wickets, pressure situations, or an inability to counteract quality opposition bowling.
Bangladesh’s Record Low T20I Totals
Here is a list of Bangladesh’s lowest totals in T20I cricket, which highlights some of their tough moments:
| Date | Opponent | Score | Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 April 2019 | West Indies | 70/10 | Bangladesh lost by 7 wickets | Shakib Al Hasan (19) |
| 29 October 2021 | New Zealand | 60/10 | Bangladesh lost by 28 runs | Mahedi Hasan (1) |
| 4 March 2016 | Afghanistan | 72/10 | Bangladesh lost by 45 runs | Sabbir Rahman (19) |
| 24 May 2022 | Sri Lanka | 123/9 | Bangladesh lost by 1 run | Afif Hossain (20) |
| 18 March 2014 | Hong Kong | 108/10 | Bangladesh won by 66 runs | Shamsur Rahman (28) |
1. Bangladesh vs West Indies (2019): The 70-All Out Debacle
On April 1, 2019, Bangladesh posted their lowest total in T20I history—70 all out—against the West Indies during the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup in Dhaka.
This match was a complete collapse, with Bangladesh losing their last eight wickets for just 31 runs. The West Indies bowlers, led by Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, dominated the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Key Stats:
- Total Score: 70/10 (16.4 overs)
- Top Scorer: Shakib Al Hasan (19 runs)
- Key Bowler for West Indies: Andre Russell (2/14), Sunil Narine (2/11)
Reasons for Collapse:
- Early wickets were lost due to excellent bowling by the West Indies’ pacers.
- Pressure from the strong West Indies bowling line-up created an environment where Bangladesh failed to build partnerships.
- Bangladesh’s batting line-up couldn’t handle the pace and spin combination, leading to an embarrassing defeat.
2. Bangladesh vs New Zealand (2021): Struggling to Reach 60
On October 29, 2021, Bangladesh recorded their second-lowest total in T20Is, managing only 60 all out in a match against New Zealand during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This match was played in Sharjah, where conditions were tough for batting.
Key Stats:
- Total Score: 60/10 (16.5 overs)
- Top Scorer: Mahedi Hasan (1 run)
- Key Bowler for New Zealand: Ish Sodhi (4/16)
Reasons for Collapse:
- The spin bowling of Ish Sodhi caused major problems for Bangladesh’s top order.
- The pitch conditions, which were slow and low, suited the New Zealand spinners, who exploited the conditions effectively.
- Bangladesh struggled against quality spin bowling, failing to rotate strike and hitting boundaries.
3. Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (2016): A Night of Struggles
In an Asia Cup T20 match on March 4, 2016, Bangladesh posted a meager 72 all out against Afghanistan. This match was part of the Asia Cup 2016 held in Dhaka, and the performance remains one of Bangladesh’s most disappointing in T20Is.
Key Stats:
- Total Score: 72/10 (15.4 overs)
- Top Scorer: Sabbir Rahman (19 runs)
- Key Bowler for Afghanistan: Mohammad Nabi (3/19)
Reasons for Collapse:
- Early breakthroughs by Afghanistan’s bowlers, including the key contribution from Mohammad Nabi.
- The Bangladeshi batsmen failed to read Afghanistan’s spinners, which led to their downfall.
- No significant partnerships were formed, and Bangladesh’s lower order could not fight back.
4. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (2022): A Close Call
In a T20I series against Sri Lanka on May 24, 2022, Bangladesh managed to score only 123/9 in their 20 overs, which remains one of their lowest totals. Despite the relatively low score, the match ended in a close contest, with Bangladesh losing by 1 run.
Key Stats:
- Total Score: 123/9 (20 overs)
- Top Scorer: Afif Hossain (20 runs)
- Key Bowler for Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga (3/17)
Reasons for Struggling to Post a Big Total:
- Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, choked the Bangladeshi batting with tight lines and good variation.
- Bangladesh could not accelerate during the middle overs and failed to capitalize in the last few overs.
- Batting against Sri Lanka’s spin attack, Bangladesh couldn’t find a way to turn the game around.
5. Bangladesh vs Hong Kong (2014): A Narrow Escape
On March 18, 2014, during the ICC T20 World Cup, Bangladesh managed a modest 108 all out in their match against Hong Kong. Despite the low total, Bangladesh won the match by 66 runs, thanks to their bowlers who defended the small total.
Key Stats:
- Total Score: 108/10 (18.5 overs)
- Top Scorer: Shamsur Rahman (28 runs)
- Key Bowler for Bangladesh: Mohammad Mahmudullah (2/19)
Reasons for the Low Total:
- The Bangladesh batsmen struggled to get going against Hong Kong’s spin bowling.
- The pitch at Mirpur was not conducive to high-scoring, with the ball turning and keeping low.
- Early wickets led to Bangladesh’s collapse, but fortunately, their bowlers did well to defend the total.
Lessons from These Low Totals
1. The Importance of Partnerships
In many of Bangladesh’s low totals, there was a failure to build partnerships. A team’s ability to string together partnerships is crucial in T20 cricket, where the game can change in a matter of overs. In several of these matches, Bangladesh’s batting order was dismantled quickly, leaving no room for recovery.
2. Struggles Against Quality Spin and Pace
Bangladesh has faced difficulties against both quality spin and pace bowlers. Teams like New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the West Indies have exploited weaknesses in the Bangladeshi batting line-up, and these matches underscore the need for improvement in handling both spin and pace bowling under challenging conditions.
3. Batting Under Pressure
T20 cricket is often about performing under pressure. On several occasions, Bangladesh has been unable to cope with the pressure of big matches, such as in the 2016 Asia Cup or the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup. The ability to perform in high-pressure situations is a key attribute of successful teams, and this is an area Bangladesh must work on.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s cricketing journey has been marked by both triumphs and struggles. While they have had several low totals in T20I cricket, these moments have served as learning experiences for the team. From the 70 all out against West Indies in 2019 to the 123/9 against Sri Lanka in 2022, Bangladesh has faced challenges that have tested their resilience.
These low scores highlight the importance of solid batting foundations, partnerships, and adaptability in different playing conditions. Moving forward, Bangladesh will look to overcome these setbacks and continue to improve as a T20I team, with the hope that their future performances will be built on these lessons.