3 lowest scores by Sri Lanka in ODI format

In the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, teams and players set a huge number of records. These records not only shaped the history of the tournament but also helped teams understand their strengths and weaknesses ahead of the prestigious ODI World Cup.

From batting to bowling, this Asia Cup has been phenomenal in all aspects. One of the most entertaining tournaments of recent times ended with a very special bowling performance from Mohammed Siraj. He dismantled defending champion Sri Lanka and led India to a convincing victory. However, Sri Lanka named a record, which they wouldn’t want to. They registered their second-lowest total in ODIs. However, in today’s article, we will discuss Sri Lanka’s top 3 lowest scores in one-day internationals.

3. 55 runs vs. the West Indies in 1986 at Sharjah

In the fifth match of the 1986 Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka faced the West Indies in Sharjah. Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Sri Lanka made one of the biggest mistakes. The West Indies got off to a flying start, with their openers forming a formidable partnership of 132 runs. This laid the foundation for a commanding total of 248/5, with Richie Richardson scoring 109 and Gordon Greenidge contributing 67.

Facing a challenging target, Sri Lanka struggled against the potent West Indian bowling attack. Their innings crumbled, and they were eventually bowled out for a mere 55 runs. The standout performance came from Courtney Walsh, who was exceptional, taking five wickets while conceding just one run. This crushing defeat resulted in Sri Lanka losing the match by a staggering margin of 193 runs, marking it as their third-lowest One Day International (ODI) total in history.

2. 50 runs vs. India in 2022 at Colombo

In the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka’s cricket team faced a devastating blow when they were bundled out for a mere 50 runs in the final match against India. This dismal performance marked their second-lowest ODI total in history. The hero of the match for India was Mohammad Siraj, who delivered a spell of bowling that will be etched in cricketing history. At one point, Sri Lanka found themselves in a dire situation, losing six wickets for just 12 runs on the scoreboard.

Mohammad Siraj’s remarkable performance saw him claim five crucial wickets during this disastrous phase. The Sri Lankan team’s batting lineup struggled to counter Siraj’s relentless pace and precision. This match will be remembered as one where Sri Lanka faced a formidable challenge and succumbed to India’s bowling might, resulting in their astonishingly low total of 50 runs.

1. 43 runs vs. South Africa in 2012 at Paarl

In a day-night encounter at Paarl, Sri Lanka’s lowest ODI total of 43/10 was recorded against South Africa. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Proteas faced an early setback with the dismissal of Greame Smith. However, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis formed a formidable partnership, amassing 144 runs for the second wicket. Amla’s outstanding century (112), along with Kallis (72) and AB de Villiers (52) contributing half-centuries, propelled South Africa to a commanding total of 301/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Noteworthy, Lasith Malinga played a crucial role, securing five wickets.

The Sri Lankan chase turned disastrous as both openers departed without scoring a run. Their innings spiraled downward, losing five wickets for a mere nine runs. Eventually, Sri Lanka was bowled out for a paltry 43 runs in 20.1 overs, marking the fifth-lowest ever ODI score. They suffered a crushing defeat, losing the match by a staggering margin of 258 runs.

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