In One Day International (ODI) cricket, teams usually aim for scores above 250. But cricket has always proved one thing runs alone do not win matches. On rare occasions, teams have defended extremely low totals through disciplined bowling, smart fielding, and pressure cricket.
These matches are remembered as true bowling masterclasses, where even totals around 120–140 runs were enough to win. Below is a complete and updated list of the top 10 lowest totals ever defended in full ODI matches (no rain-reduced games), updated 2026.
Top 10 Lowest Totals Defended in ODI History
| Rank | Team | Total Defended | Opponent | Opponent Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 122 | Oman | 65 | 2025 |
| 2 | India | 125 | Pakistan | 87 | 1985 |
| 3 | West Indies | 127 | England | 125 | 1981 |
| 4 | Zimbabwe | 129 | Afghanistan | 126 | 2017 |
| 5 | South Africa | 129 | England | 115 | 1996 |
| 6 | Afghanistan | 131 | Zimbabwe | 82 | 2015 |
| 7 | Zimbabwe | 134 | England | 125 | 1992 |
| 8 | Kenya | 134 | Zimbabwe | 69 | 2006 |
| 9 | Zimbabwe | 138 | West Indies | 91 | 2001 |
| 10 | South Africa | 140 | West Indies | 136 | 1993 |
1. United States – 122 vs Oman (2025)
This is the lowest total ever defended in ODI history. The USA bowlers completely dominated Oman, bowling them out for just 65. Spin bowling played a major role, proving that discipline matters more than pace.
Also see: Top 10 Fastest to 50 Wickets in ODIs
2. India – 125 vs Pakistan (1985)
For many years, this was the world record. India were bowled out cheaply, but their bowlers exploited Sharjah’s conditions perfectly and dismissed Pakistan for just 87 runs.
3. West Indies – 127 vs England (1981)
A classic low-scoring thriller. West Indies defended the target by only 2 runs, showing nerves of steel in the final overs.
Also see: Top 10 Slowest Centuries in ODI Cricket
4. Zimbabwe – 129 vs Afghanistan (2017)
Zimbabwe held their nerve in a tight finish. Afghanistan came close but failed to handle pressure in the last overs.
5. South Africa – 129 vs England (1996)
South Africa used disciplined seam bowling to restrict England. The match showed how early wickets can change the course of a chase.
Also see: Top 10 Players with the Most Wickets in a Single ODI Match
6. Afghanistan – 131 vs Zimbabwe (2015)
Afghanistan’s spinners dominated from start to finish. Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 82, making this a one-sided low-score defense.
7. Zimbabwe – 134 vs England (1992)
One of the most famous upsets in World Cup history. Zimbabwe shocked England by defending a modest total with controlled bowling.
8. Kenya – 134 vs Zimbabwe (2006)
Kenya produced a stunning performance by bowling Zimbabwe out for 69. This match remains one of Kenya’s finest ODI moments.
9. Zimbabwe – 138 vs West Indies (2001)
Zimbabwe stunned a strong West Indies side by defending under 140, thanks to sharp spin bowling.
10. South Africa – 140 vs West Indies (1993)
A tight contest where South Africa held their nerve and won by just 4 runs, closing out the top 10 list.
Defending a low total in ODI cricket requires courage, control, and teamwork. These matches prove that cricket is not only about big scores, but also about handling pressure when the odds are against you.
