5 lowest totals in T20Is (updated) ft. Mongolia's 10 in 2024
T20 Internationals (T20Is) are typically associated with high-octane entertainment, boundary-laden innings, and massive totals. However, there have been moments in the sport where teams have experienced dramatic collapses, resulting in some of the lowest scores recorded in T20 International history. These rare instances offer a stark contrast to the usual explosive nature of the format.
On September 5, 2024, Mongolia were bowled out for just 10 runs against Singapore during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A. This performance matched the previous record for the lowest score in men's T20I history
This fixture, part of the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A, saw 17-year-old Singaporean wrist-spinner Harsha Bharadwaj wreck Mongolia’s batting lineup with an incredible spell of six wickets for just three runs. Mongolia, bowled out in 10 overs, played out three maidens, and saw five of their batters dismissed without scoring.
Singapore chased down the target of 11 runs in just five balls, sealing the match despite losing an early wicket. This defeat left Mongolia at the bottom of the table, having lost all four of their games so far in the tournament. Mongolia's struggles in 2024 are evident as they hold three of the four lowest totals in men's T20Is.
On that note, here are five of the lowest totals in T20I cricket.
5 lowest totals in T20Is (updated)
#5 Turkey - 21 all out vs Czech Republic (August 2019)
Turkey’s 21 all-out against the Czech Republic remains one of the lowest scores in men’s T20I cricket. Chasing an enormous target of 279, Turkey collapsed within 8.3 overs, as Honey Gori led the Czech attack with impressive bowling figures.
Turkey’s batting lineup was unable to cope, with three players dismissed for ducks. Mehmat Sert was the only batter to reach double digits, scoring 12 runs, as Turkey fell to a 257-run loss, which is one of the largest margins of victory in T20I history.
#4 Mongolia – 17 all out vs Hong Kong (August 2024)
In another dismal outing in the Asia Qualifier, Mongolia were dismissed for just 17 runs against Hong Kong. Ehsan Khan was the standout performer for Hong Kong, picking up four wickets for only five runs.
Mongolia's batting lineup faltered courtesy of his spell, and Hong Kong needed just 1.4 overs to chase down the total, marking another heavy defeat for the emerging cricket nation.
#3 Mongolia – 12 all out vs Japan (May 2024)
Mongolia make another appearance on this list with their 12 all-out against Japan. Chasing a mammoth target of 218, Mongolia could only manage 12 runs in 8.2 overs, succumbing to Japan’s bowlers.
Kazuma Kato-Stafford and Abdul Samad led the attack, ensuring that four Mongolian batters were dismissed for ducks. This match further exposed Mongolia's struggles in international cricket as they found it tough to handle a stronger opposition.
#2 Isle of Man – 10 all out vs Spain (February 2023)
Previously holding the unwanted record, the Isle of Man were bundled out for 10 runs in a bilateral T20I series against Spain. Spanish bowlers Mohammad Kamran and Atif Mehmood played starring roles, taking four wickets each.
Kamran’s 4/4 and Mehmood’s 4/6 decimated Isle of Man in just 8.4 overs. Spain's batters then chased down the total in just two balls, wrapping up the match with a dominant 10-wicket victory.
#1 Mongolia – 10 all out vs Singapore (September 2024)
In a shocking turn of events during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A, Mongolia were bowled out for just 10 runs by Singapore. This equalled the record for the lowest team score in men’s T20I history.
Singapore's 17-year-old wrist-spinner Harsha Bharadwaj wreaked havoc, taking six wickets for only three runs. Five Mongolian players were dismissed without scoring, as the team collapsed under pressure. Singapore chased down the target in just five balls, sealing one of the most comprehensive wins in T20I history.