T20 cricket is often associated with towering sixes, explosive batting, and massive team totals. Yet, even a powerhouse like India has experienced days when nothing seemed to go right with the bat. From unexpected collapses against quality bowling attacks to pressure-filled matches on challenging pitches, India lowest score in T20 cricket history tell a fascinating story of the format’s unpredictability.
In this article, we take a closer look at India’s lowest T20 totals, breaking down the matches, circumstances, and key moments behind each collapse, along with a complete updated list as of 2026.
Complete List of India Lowest Score in T20 Cricket
This list highlights the lowest team totals recorded by India in T20 international cricket over the years. From the infamous 74 against Australia in 2008 to more recent low-scoring outings in World Cups and bilateral series, these matches reflect moments when India’s batting struggled against quality bowling, tough pitch conditions, or intense match pressure.
While such scores are rare for a team known for its batting depth, each entry on this list tells a unique story of how unpredictable T20 cricket can be, even for the strongest sides.
| Rank | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Innings | Against | Venue | Date |
| 1 | 74 | 17.3 | 4.22 | 1st | Australia | Melbourne | 01 Feb 2008 |
| 2 | 79 | 18.1 | 4.34 | 2nd | New Zealand | Nagpur | 15 Mar 2016 |
| 3 | 81/8 | 20.0 | 4.05 | 1st | Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | 29 Jul 2021 |
| 4 | 92 | 17.2 | 5.30 | 1st | South Africa | Cuttack | 05 Oct 2015 |
| 5 | 101 | 18.5 | 5.36 | 1st | Sri Lanka | Pune | 09 Feb 2016 |
| 6 | 102 | 19.5 | 5.14 | 2nd | Zimbabwe | Harare | 06 Jul 2024 |
| 7 | 110/7 | 20.0 | 5.50 | 1st | New Zealand | Dubai (DICS) | 31 Oct 2021 |
| 8 | 118/8 | 20.0 | 5.90 | 2nd | South Africa | Nottingham | 16 Jun 2009 |
| 9 | 118 | 20.0 | 5.90 | 1st | Australia | Guwahati | 10 Oct 2017 |
| 10 | 119 | 19.0 | 6.26 | 1st | Pakistan | New York | 09 Jun 2024 |
| 11 | 120/9 | 20.0 | 6.00 | 1st | England | Eden Gardens | 29 Oct 2011 |
| 12 | 124/7 | 20.0 | 6.20 | 1st | England | Ahmedabad | 12 Mar 2021 |
| 13 | 124/6 | 20.0 | 6.20 | 1st | South Africa | Gqeberha | 10 Nov 2024 |
| 14 | 126/7 | 20.0 | 6.30 | 1st | Australia | Visakhapatnam | 24 Feb 2019 |
| 15 | 130/4 | 20.0 | 6.50 | 1st | Sri Lanka | Mirpur | 06 Apr 2014 |
| 16 | 132/5 | 20.0 | 6.60 | 1st | Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | 28 Jul 2021 |
| 17 | 133/9 | 20.0 | 6.65 | 1st | Pakistan | Bengaluru | 25 Dec 2012 |
| 18 | 133/9 | 20.0 | 6.65 | 1st | South Africa | Perth | 30 Oct 2022 |
| 19 | 134/9 | 20.0 | 6.70 | 1st | South Africa | Bengaluru | 22 Sep 2019 |
| 20 | 135/9 | 20.0 | 6.75 | 2nd | Zimbabwe | Harare | 19 Jul 2015 |
| 21 | 135 | 17.4 | 7.64 | 2nd | Australia | Bridgetown | 07 May 2010 |
| 22 | 137/9 | 20.0 | 6.85 | 1st | Sri Lanka | Pallekele | 30 Jul 2024 |
| 23 | 138/6 | 20.0 | 6.90 | 1st | Zimbabwe | Harare | 22 Jun 2016 |
| 24 | 138 | 19.4 | 7.01 | 1st | West Indies | Basseterre | 01 Aug 2022 |
| 25 | 139 | 19.2 | 7.18 | 2nd | New Zealand | Wellington | 06 Feb 2019 |
| 26 | 140/6 | 20.0 | 7.00 | 2nd | Australia | Sydney | 01 Feb 2012 |
| 27 | 140/7 | 20.0 | 7.00 | 1st | Australia | Colombo (RPS) | 28 Sep 2012 |
| 28 | 141/9 | 20.0 | 7.05 | 1st | Pakistan | Durban | 14 Sep 2007 |
| 29 | 144/8 | 20.0 | 7.20 | 1st | England | Nagpur | 29 Jan 2017 |
| 30 | 145/9 | 20.0 | 7.25 | 2nd | West Indies | Tarouba | 03 Aug 2023 |
Final Words
India lowest score in T20 cricket are rare moments that stand out precisely because of how consistent the team has been in the shortest format. These matches remind us that T20 cricket is unforgiving—one sharp spell, a tricky pitch, or a brief loss of momentum can turn even the strongest batting lineup upside down.
While these low totals may look shocking on paper, each of them played a role in shaping India’s approach to modern T20 cricket, pushing the team to adapt, evolve, and become more resilient. For fans, these games remain unforgettable chapters in India’s T20 journey, proving that in cricket, no day is ever truly predictable.
FAQs:
Q1. What is India’s lowest score in T20 international cricket?
India’s lowest score in T20 internationals is 74 runs, scored against Australia in Melbourne on 1 February 2008. This remains India’s worst batting performance in the format to date.
Q2. Has India ever been bowled out for less than 80 runs in T20 cricket?
Yes, India has been bowled out for under 80 runs twice in T20 internationals — 74 against Australia in 2008 and 79 against New Zealand in 2016.
Q3. When did India record its lowest T20 score at home?
India’s lowest T20 score on home soil is 79 against New Zealand in Nagpur during the 2016 T20 World Cup, a match remembered for a dramatic batting collapse.
Q4. Which team has dismissed India for the lowest totals most often in T20 cricket?
Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and South Africa are among the teams that have dismissed India for some of their lowest totals in T20 internationals, often through disciplined bowling and early breakthroughs.
Q5. Has India ever won a T20 match after scoring a low total?
Yes, India famously defended a low total of 119 against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, winning the match through an exceptional bowling performance.
Q6. Why do low scores happen in T20 cricket despite strong batting lineups?
Low scores usually occur due to a combination of factors such as early wickets, pressure situations, difficult pitch conditions, quality bowling attacks, and the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket, where recovery time is limited.
Q7. Are India’s low T20 scores common?
No, such low scores are relatively rare. India has consistently been one of the stronger batting teams in T20 cricket, which is why these collapses stand out and remain memorable.
