ODI cricket usually favors big scores, but sometimes it’s the smallest totals that create the biggest drama. The Top 10 Lowest Total Defended in ODI Cricket History highlight incredible bowling efforts, sharp fielding, and nerves of steel under pressure. These matches proved that even modest targets can be match-winning when teams execute their plans
In this blog, we revisit the lowest totals ever defended in ODIs and break down how these unlikely victories happened. Continue to the next section to explore the matches where bowlers turned the tables against all odds.
Top Lowest Total Defended in ODI Cricket History
| Rank | Match | Total Defended | Chasing Team Score | Result |
| 1 | United States vs Oman | 123 | 65 | USA won by 57 runs |
| 2 | India vs Pakistan | 126 | 87 | India won by 38 runs |
| 3 | West Indies vs England | 128 | 125 | WI won by 2 runs |
| 4 | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | 130 | 126 | Zimbabwe won by 3 runs |
| 5 | South Africa vs England | 130 | 115 | SA won by 14 runs |
| 6 | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | 132 | 82 | Afghanistan won by 49 runs |
| 7 | Zimbabwe vs England | 135 | 125 | Zimbabwe won by 9 runs |
| 8 | Kenya vs Zimbabwe | 135 | 69 | Kenya won by 65 runs |
| 9 | Zimbabwe vs West Indies | 139 | 91 | Zimbabwe won by 47 runs |
| 10 | South Africa vs West Indies | 141 | 136 | SA won by 4 runs |
1. United States vs Oman – 123 Runs Defended (2025)
The United States created history by defending just 123 runs at Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Ministry Turf 1. The surface offered movement early, and the USA bowlers took full advantage with disciplined lines and sharp fielding. Oman never found momentum and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Despite chasing a small target, Oman collapsed for only 65. The American attack stayed patient, attacked the stumps, and applied constant pressure. This match now stands as the lowest total ever defended in ODI cricket, proving how belief and execution can overcome any scoreboard disadvantage.
Match details:
- Total defended: 123
- Opponent score: 65
- Result: United States won by 57 runs
Why it matters:
This match proved that associate nations can produce world-class bowling performances on the biggest stage.
2. India vs Pakistan – 126 Runs Defended (1985)
In this classic rivalry clash at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, India were bowled out for just 126. However, their bowlers responded with intensity, keeping Pakistan under pressure through tight spells and aggressive field placements.
Pakistan struggled to rotate strike and lost key wickets early. Eventually dismissed for 87, they handed India a famous low-score victory. This match remains one of the most iconic examples of defending a small total under high pressure in international cricket.
Match details:
- Total defended: 126
- Opponent score: 87
- Result: India won by 38 runs
Why it matters:
It remains one of the lowest totals ever defended in high-pressure subcontinental rivalry matches.
3. West Indies vs England – 128 Runs Defended (1981)
West Indies defended 128 runs at Arnos Vale Ground by relying on pace, bounce, and smart bowling changes. England appeared comfortable initially, but consistent breakthroughs disrupted their chase.
England were bowled out for 125, losing by just two runs. The narrow margin made this match unforgettable, highlighting how even powerhouse teams can falter when bowlers maintain relentless discipline.
Match details:
- Total defended: 128
- Opponent score: 125
- Result: West Indies won by 2 runs
Why it matters:
This match highlighted how even a dominant batting era team could win through pure bowling grit.
4. Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan – 130 Runs Defended (2017)
Zimbabwe posted only 130 at Harare Sports Club but defended it with remarkable control. Their bowlers used variations and fielding pressure to prevent Afghanistan from building partnerships.
Afghanistan fought hard but were dismissed for 126 in a tense finish. Zimbabwe’s calm under pressure turned a modest total into a thrilling three-run victory.
Match details:
- Total defended: 130
- Opponent score: 126
- Result: Zimbabwe won by 3 runs
Why it matters:
It demonstrated Zimbabwe’s ability to control games through experience and clever bowling tactics.
5. South Africa vs England – 130 Runs Defended (1996)
South Africa showcased classic fast-bowling discipline while defending 130 at Buffalo Park. England struggled against swing and bounce, losing wickets during crucial phases.
Bowled out for 115, England failed to control the chase. South Africa’s organized bowling effort proved that structure and patience can overpower even experienced batting lineups.
Match details:
- Total defended: 130
- Opponent score: 115
- Result: South Africa won by 14 runs
Why it matters:
It reinforced South Africa’s reputation as one of the best bowling units in ODI history.
6. Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe – 132 Runs Defended (2015)
Afghanistan defended 132 runs at Sharjah through spin dominance and sharp fielding. Zimbabwe looked unsettled from the start, unable to read the turn or pace variations.
They collapsed for just 82, giving Afghanistan a massive 49-run victory. This match highlighted Afghanistan’s growing confidence and their ability to dominate ODI games with bowling alone.
Match details:
- Total defended: 132
- Opponent score: 82
- Result: Afghanistan won by 49 runs
Why it matters:
This performance showcased Afghanistan’s growing confidence and world-class spin attack.
7. Zimbabwe vs England – 135 Runs Defended (1992)
During the 1992 World Cup at Lavington Sports Oval, Zimbabwe shocked England by defending only 135. Tight lines and attacking fields forced England into risky shots.
England managed just 125, and Zimbabwe registered one of the greatest World Cup upsets ever. This match marked Zimbabwe’s arrival as a serious international team.
Match details:
- Total defended: 135
- Opponent score: 125
- Result: Zimbabwe won by 9 runs
Why it matters:
This match announced Zimbabwe as a competitive force in international cricket.
8. Kenya vs Zimbabwe – 135 Runs Defended (2006)
Kenya delivered a stunning bowling performance at Harare, defending 135 with relentless accuracy. Zimbabwe struggled badly against early movement and pressure.
They were bowled out for 69, giving Kenya a commanding 65-run win. It remains one of Kenya’s most dominant ODI victories and a proud moment for associate cricket.
Match details:
- Total defended: 135
- Opponent score: 69
- Result: Kenya won by 65 runs
Why it matters:
It stands as one of Kenya’s most convincing ODI victories.
9. Zimbabwe vs West Indies – 139 Runs Defended (2001)
At the legendary Sydney Cricket Ground, Zimbabwe defended 139 against a powerful West Indies lineup. Their bowlers attacked the stumps and never allowed the Caribbean batters to settle.
West Indies collapsed for 91, handing Zimbabwe a famous victory on Australian soil. This match showcased Zimbabwe’s ability to compete against elite cricket nations.
Match details:
- Total defended: 139
- Opponent score: 91
- Result: Zimbabwe won by 47 runs
Why it matters:
Defeating a powerhouse like the West Indies made this victory truly special.
10. South Africa vs West Indies – 141 Runs Defended (1993)
South Africa defended 141 at Newlands by extracting swing and bounce from the surface. West Indies fought back but kept losing wickets at critical moments.
They were dismissed for 136, losing by just four runs. South Africa’s calm execution under pressure sealed a memorable low-total defense. West Indies fell just short, scoring 136.
Match details:
- Total defended: 141
- Opponent score: 136
- Result: South Africa won by 4 runs
Why it matters:
It showed how discipline and patience can overcome even the most potent batting lineups.
Which Low-Score Defense Is the Most Impressive?
Choosing the best depends on context and pressure:
- Lowest ever defended: United States vs Oman (123)
- Biggest rivalry: India vs Pakistan (126)
- World Cup shock: Zimbabwe vs England (1992)
- Associate dominance: Kenya vs Zimbabwe (2006)
Most importantly, these matches prove that ODI cricket is never predictable.
Final Thoughts
Low-scoring ODIs are some of the most intense matches the format has ever seen. They strip cricket down to its core: accuracy, patience, and mental strength. The teams on this list didn’t rely on big totals. Instead, they trusted their bowlers, fielding, and belief.
In ODI history, these matches remind fans and players alike that no total is too small if the pressure is applied correctly. Cricket isn’t always about scoring more; it’s about conceding less.
FAQ’s
1. What is the lowest total defended in ODIs?
The lowest successfully defended total in ODI cricket is 123, set by the USA against Oman, in which Oman were bowled out for 65.
2. Are most low-total defenses close matches?
Not always. Some were dominant, like USA vs Oman (57 runs) and Kenya vs Zimbabwe (65 runs), while others were nail-biters such as West Indies vs England (2 runs).
3. Can such low totals still be defended today?
Yes, but only with exceptional bowling, sharp fielding, and favorable pitch conditions, making these matches rare and memorable.
