Lowest totals in Asia Cup history have a way of etching themselves into cricket folklore, capturing the raw drama of the game where even the mightiest teams can crumble under pressure. Imagine a packed stadium, fans buzzing with anticipation, only to witness a batting lineup collapse like a house of cards. From Sri Lanka’s jaw-dropping 50 in the 2023 ODI final to Hong Kong’s record-shattering 38 in the 2022 T20 Asia Cup, these moments define the unpredictability of cricket. Hosted by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) since 1984, the Asia Cup has seen both ODI and T20 formats produce unforgettable lows that shape tournament narratives.
On your blog, IPL Star, we’re diving deep into these epic batting collapses to bring cricket fans a detailed, engaging guide. Whether you’re searching for the lowest score in Asia Cup or curious about cricket batting collapses, this article unpacks the stats, stories, and strategies behind these dramatic moments. Have you ever seen a team implode so spectacularly? Let’s relive the shocks and explore what makes these lows so memorable. With the 2025 T20 Asia Cup behind us (no new lowest totals recorded), here’s your ultimate guide to the Asia Cup lowest totals up to September 2025.
Article Overview
This comprehensive guide covers:
- Why Low Totals Matter: Understand the causes and impacts of batting collapses.
- Lowest Totals in Asia Cup ODI History: Detailed analysis of the top 15 ODI lows, with in-depth stories for the top 5.
- Lowest Totals in Asia Cup T20 History: A look at the top 15 T20 collapses, focusing on the top 5.
- Combined Lowest Totals: A top 10 list across formats with comparative insights.
- Notable Records and Future Outlook: Key stats and what’s next for Asia Cup 2027.
- Conclusion and FAQs: Summarizing lessons and answering fan questions.
Related Reads on IPL Star: Check out our articles on Highest Scores in Asia Cup and Asia Cup Winners List for more cricket insights!
Understanding Lowest Totals in Asia Cup: Why They Matter
Why do Asia Cup lowest totals captivate fans? A batting collapse isn’t just a low score—it’s a story of pressure, skill, and sometimes sheer bad luck. In the Asia Cup, where giants like India and Pakistan face emerging teams like Nepal, these moments highlight the game’s unpredictability. From seaming pitches in Colombo to spin-friendly tracks in Mirpur, conditions often conspire with lethal bowling to create history.
Factors Behind Low Totals
- Pitch Conditions: Seam movement (e.g., Colombo 2023) or spin (e.g., Mirpur 2016) can wreak havoc.
- Bowling Brilliance: Spells like Mohammed Siraj’s 6/21 in 2023 show how one bowler can dominate.
- Batting Pressure: Chasing big totals or playing in high-stakes finals (e.g., 2023) leads to collapses.
- Team Disparity: Early Asia Cups saw associates like Bangladesh struggle against Test nations.
What role does psychology play in these cricket batting collapses? A single wicket can spark panic, turning a steady innings into a nightmare. The T20 format, with its frenetic pace, often sees lower totals than ODIs due to aggressive play. For example, the average Asia Cup ODI total is ~230, while T20 averages ~140.
| Format | Average Total | Lowest Recorded Total |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | ~230 runs | 50 (Sri Lanka, 2023) |
| T20 | ~140 runs | 38 (Hong Kong, 2022) |
As we head into the Asia Cup records 2025 discussion, these lows remind teams to adapt. Let’s dive into the ODI collapses first!
Lowest Totals in Asia Cup ODI History
The Asia Cup ODI format, running from 1984 to 2023, has seen 16 editions filled with dramatic lows. Emerging teams like Bangladesh and associates like Hong Kong often feature due to early mismatches, but even giants like Sri Lanka have faltered. Below is a table of the top 15 lowest totals in Asia Cup ODI history, followed by detailed stories for the top 5.
| Rank | Team | Score | Overs | RR | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Result | Date | Scorecard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka | 50 | 15.2 | 3.26 | 1 | v India | Colombo (RPS) | Lost | 17 Sep 2023 | ODI #4649 |
| 2 | Bangladesh | 87 | 34.2 | 2.53 | 2 | v Pakistan | Dhaka | Lost | 2 Jun 2000 | ODI #1599 |
| 3 | Bangladesh | 94 | 35.3 | 2.64 | 1 | v Pakistan | Moratuwa | Lost | 31 Mar 1986 | ODI #375 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 96 | 41.0 | 2.34 | 1 | v India | Sharjah | Lost | 8 Apr 1984 | ODI #260 |
| 5 | Bangladesh | 99/8 | 45.0 | 2.20 | 1 | v India | Chattogram | Lost | 27 Oct 1988 | ODI #529 |
| 6 | Nepal | 104 | 23.4 | 4.39 | 2 | v Pakistan | Multan | Lost | 30 Aug 2023 | ODI #4628 |
| 7 | Hong Kong | 105 | 45.2 | 2.31 | 2 | v Bangladesh | Colombo (SSC) | Lost | 16 Jul 2004 | ODI #2143 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 111/6 | 45.0 | 2.46 | 2 | v Pakistan | Chattogram | Lost | 29 Oct 1988 | ODI #531 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 115 | 38.2 | 3.00 | 1 | v Pakistan | Karachi | Lost | 4 Jul 2008 | ODI #2733 |
| 10 | Hong Kong | 116 | 37.1 | 3.12 | 1 | v Pakistan | Dubai (DICS) | Lost | 16 Sep 2018 | ODI #4037 |
| 11 | Sri Lanka | 116 | 33.5 | 3.42 | 2 | v Pakistan | Colombo (PSS) | Lost | 30 Mar 1986 | ODI #374 |
| 12 | Bangladesh | 118/8 | 45.0 | 2.62 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Dhaka | Lost | 2 Nov 1988 | ODI #533 |
| 13 | Hong Kong | 118 | 36.5 | 3.20 | 2 | v India | Karachi | Lost | 25 Jun 2008 | ODI #2716 |
| 14 | Bangladesh | 119 | 42.1 | 2.82 | 2 | v Afghanistan | Abu Dhabi | Lost | 20 Sep 2018 | ODI #4041 |
| 15 | Pakistan | 122 | 39.5 | 3.06 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | Lost | 21 Jul 2004 | ODI #2148 |
1. Sri Lanka’s 50 vs India (2023, Colombo)
Imagine the shock in Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on 17 September 2023. Sri Lanka, opting to bat in the Asia Cup final, faced India’s pace attack on a seaming pitch. Mohammed Siraj delivered a spell for the ages, taking 6/21, including four wickets in one over. Hardik Pandya (3/3) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/23) mopped up, bundling Sri Lanka for 50 in 15.2 overs—the lowest score in Asia Cup ODI history. Only Kusal Mendis (17) resisted. India chased in 6.1 overs for a 10-wicket win, securing their 8th title. Was this the greatest bowling display in Asia Cup history?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Mohammed Siraj: 6/21 (7 overs)
- Hardik Pandya: 3/3 (2.2 overs)
- Impact: Siraj’s spell earned him Player of the Match and global headlines.
2. Bangladesh’s 87 vs Pakistan (2000, Dhaka)
In the 2000 Asia Cup, Pakistan set a daunting 320/9, powered by Imran Nazir’s 80. Bangladesh, chasing at home, crumbled to 87 in 34.2 overs. Abdul Razzaq (3/35) and Arshad Khan (2/14) led the demolition, with no Bangladeshi batter crossing 20. The 233-run loss highlighted Bangladesh’s early struggles as a Test nation. Did this match signal their long road to competitiveness?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Abdul Razzaq: 3/35
- Arshad Khan: 2/14
- Impact: Pakistan’s dominance underscored the gap between teams.
3. Bangladesh’s 94 vs Pakistan (1986, Moratuwa)
In the inaugural 1986 Asia Cup, Bangladesh batted first in Moratuwa but managed only 94 in 35.3 overs. Pakistan’s Wasim Akram (4/19) and Abdul Qadir (3/15) ran riot. Pakistan chased with ease, exposing Bangladesh’s inexperience. This collapse set the tone for their early Asia Cup struggles. How tough was it for Bangladesh back then?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Wasim Akram: 4/19
- Abdul Qadir: 3/15
- Impact: Early proof of Pakistan’s bowling prowess.
4. Sri Lanka’s 96 vs India (1984, Sharjah)
The first-ever Asia Cup match in 1984 saw Sri Lanka post a paltry 96 in 41 overs against India. Ravi Shastri (3/19) and Roger Binny dismantled the Lankan lineup. India’s 10-wicket win marked their dominance in the tournament’s debut. Was this collapse a sign of things to come for Sri Lanka?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Ravi Shastri: 3/19
- Impact: Set India’s tone for their 1984 title.
5. Bangladesh’s 99/8 vs India (1988, Chattogram)
In 1988, Bangladesh crawled to 99/8 in 45 overs against India’s spinners. Arshad Ayub (3/20) stifled the innings, and India chased comfortably. This low reflected the gulf between Test nations and associates. Can you imagine batting 45 overs for under 100 runs?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Arshad Ayub: 3/20
- Impact: Another learning curve for Bangladesh.
Fan Question: Which ODI collapse shocked you the most? Share in the comments!
Lowest Totals in Asia Cup T20 History
The T20 Asia Cup, starting in 2016, has seen only three editions (2016, 2022, with 2025 producing no new lows). Its fast-paced nature amplifies cricket batting collapses. Below are the top 15 lowest totals in Asia Cup T20 history, with detailed analysis of the top 5.
| Rank | Team | Score | Overs | RR | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Result | Date | Scorecard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong | 38 | 10.4 | 3.56 | 2 | v Pakistan | Sharjah | Lost | 2 Sep 2022 | T20I #1756 |
| 2 | UAE | 81/9 | 20.0 | 4.05 | 1 | v India | Mirpur | Lost | 3 Mar 2016 | T20I #517 |
| 3 | UAE | 82 | 17.4 | 4.64 | 2 | v Bangladesh | Mirpur | Lost | 26 Feb 2016 | T20I #511 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 83 | 17.3 | 4.74 | 1 | v India | Mirpur | Lost | 27 Feb 2016 | T20I #512 |
| 5 | Oman | 101/8 | 20.0 | 5.05 | 2 | v UAE | Mirpur | Lost | 22 Feb 2016 | T20I #508 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 105 | 19.4 | 5.33 | 1 | v Afghanistan | Dubai (DICS) | Lost | 27 Aug 2022 | T20I #1748 |
| 7 | Afghanistan | 111/8 | 20.0 | 5.55 | 2 | v India | Dubai (DICS) | Lost | 8 Sep 2022 | T20I #1761 |
| 8 | Hong Kong | 112 | 17.1 | 6.52 | 2 | v Afghanistan | Mirpur | Lost | 22 Feb 2016 | T20I #507 |
| 9 | UAE | 115/9 | 20.0 | 5.75 | 2 | v Sri Lanka | Mirpur | Lost | 25 Feb 2016 | T20I #510 |
| 10 | Bangladesh | 121/7 | 20.0 | 6.05 | 2 | v India | Mirpur | Lost | 24 Feb 2016 | T20I #509 |
| 11 | Pakistan | 121 | 19.1 | 6.31 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Dubai (DICS) | Lost | 9 Sep 2022 | T20I #1764 |
| 12 | Sri Lanka | 124/8 | 20.0 | 6.20 | 2 | v Bangladesh | Mirpur | Lost | 28 Feb 2016 | T20I #513 |
| 13 | Bangladesh | 127/7 | 20.0 | 6.35 | 1 | v Afghanistan | Sharjah | Lost | 30 Aug 2022 | T20I #1753 |
| 14 | Sri Lanka | 129/8 | 20.0 | 6.45 | 1 | v UAE | Mirpur | Won | 25 Feb 2016 | T20I #510 |
| 15 | UAE | 129/6 | 20.0 | 6.45 | 1 | v Pakistan | Mirpur | Lost | 29 Feb 2016 | T20I #514 |
1. Hong Kong’s 38 vs Pakistan (2022, Sharjah)
In Sharjah on 2 September 2022, Pakistan posted 193/2, led by Mohammad Rizwan’s 78*. Hong Kong’s chase imploded to 38 in 10.4 overs—the lowest score in Asia Cup history. Shadab Khan’s 4/8 and Naseem Shah’s 2/7 triggered a 155-run loss, Hong Kong’s worst T20I defeat. Was this the most one-sided Asia Cup match ever?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Shadab Khan: 4/8
- Naseem Shah: 2/7
- Impact: Hong Kong exited; Pakistan advanced.
2. UAE’s 81/9 vs India (2016, Mirpur)
UAE’s 81/9 in 20 overs against India in 2016 was a qualifier mismatch. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/8) and Hardik Pandya (3/8) dominated. India chased in 10.1 overs. Did UAE’s inexperience show?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Hardik Pandya: 3/8
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2/8
- Impact: India’s pace attack shone.
3. UAE’s 82 vs Bangladesh (2016, Mirpur)
Bangladesh’s 133/8 seemed modest, but UAE collapsed to 82 in 17.4 overs. Mahmudullah’s 36* and 2/5 earned him Player of the Match in a 51-run win. Another associate struggle?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Mahmudullah: 2/5
- Impact: Bangladesh’s home dominance.
4. Pakistan’s 83 vs India (2016, Mirpur)
Pakistan’s 83 in 17.3 overs is the lowest by a full member in T20 Asia Cup. Hardik Pandya (3/8) and Arshdeep Singh dismantled them. India chased with Virat Kohli’s 49. A rare low for Pakistan—thoughts?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Hardik Pandya: 3/8
- Impact: India’s psychological edge grew.
5. Oman’s 101/8 vs UAE (2016, Mirpur)
Chasing UAE’s 172/6, Oman reached 101/8. Amjad Javed’s 3/25 sealed a qualifier win. Did this show the grit of associate battles?
- Key Bowling Figures:
- Amjad Javed: 3/25
- Impact: UAE’s rare triumph.
Fan Question: Which T20 collapse was most unexpected? Drop your thoughts below!
Overall Lowest Totals in Asia Cup History (ODI & T20 Combined)
When combining formats, the lowest totals in Asia Cup history reveal T20’s volatility and ODI’s dramatic collapses. Here’s the top 10 across both formats:
| Rank | Team | Score | Overs | Format | Opposition | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong | 38 | 10.4 | T20 | v Pakistan | Sharjah | 2 Sep 2022 |
| 2 | Sri Lanka | 50 | 15.2 | ODI | v India | Colombo (RPS) | 17 Sep 2023 |
| 3 | UAE | 81/9 | 20.0 | T20 | v India | Mirpur | 3 Mar 2016 |
| 4 | UAE | 82 | 17.4 | T20 | v Bangladesh | Mirpur | 26 Feb 2016 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 83 | 17.3 | T20 | v India | Mirpur | 27 Feb 2016 |
| 6 | Bangladesh | 87 | 34.2 | ODI | v Pakistan | Dhaka | 2 Jun 2000 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 94 | 35.3 | ODI | v Pakistan | Moratuwa | 31 Mar 1986 |
| 8 | Sri Lanka | 96 | 41.0 | ODI | v India | Sharjah | 8 Apr 1984 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 99/8 | 45.0 | ODI | v India | Chattogram | 27 Oct 1988 |
| 10 | Oman | 101/8 | 20.0 | T20 | v UAE | Mirpur | 22 Feb 2016 |
Comparative Insights
- T20 vs ODI: T20 lows dominate below 100 due to shorter formats, but ODI collapses (e.g., Sri Lanka’s 50) are more dramatic due to longer exposure.
- Team Patterns: Bangladesh (7 ODI entries), UAE (4 T20 entries) lead due to early inexperience or associate status.
- Venues: Mirpur hosts most T20 lows; Colombo for ODIs.
- Evolution: Early Asia Cups (1980s) saw more lows due to team disparities; qualifiers in 2016–2022 kept the trend alive.
How do ODI and T20 collapses differ? T20’s pace demands aggression, often leading to quick wickets, while ODI lows stem from sustained pressure.
Notable Records and Insights from Lowest Totals in Asia Cup
The Asia Cup lowest totals records offer fascinating insights for IPL Star readers. Here are key takeaways:
- Most Frequent Teams: Bangladesh (7 ODI lows), UAE (4 T20 lows) dominate due to early struggles or associate status.
- Top Bowling Figures: Mohammed Siraj’s 6/21 (2023) is the best in a low-total match, followed by Shadab Khan’s 4/8 (2022).
- Biggest Margins: Hong Kong’s 38 (155-run loss) and Bangladesh’s 87 (233-run loss) are among the heaviest defeats.
- Venue Trends: Mirpur (6 T20 lows) and Colombo (3 ODI lows) are collapse hotspots.
- Impact on Tournaments: Sri Lanka’s 50 handed India the 2023 title; Hong Kong’s 38 eliminated them in 2022.
What lessons do teams take into Asia Cup 2027? Strong bowling units and mental resilience are key. Predict the next big collapse—share your thoughts in the comments!
Conclusion: Lessons from Asia Cup’s Lowest Scores
The lowest totals in Asia Cup history are more than numbers—they’re stories of triumph for bowlers and cautionary tales for batters. From Hong Kong’s 38 to Sri Lanka’s 50, these collapses highlight cricket’s unpredictability. For IPL Star fans, they remind us why we love the game: no team is safe, and every match can turn. As we look to Asia Cup 2027, will new records tumble? Stay tuned to IPL Star for more cricket guides—subscribe now!
FAQs: Lowest Totals in Asia Cup History
1. What is the lowest score in Asia Cup history? The lowest score in Asia Cup history is Hong Kong’s 38 all out in 10.4 overs against Pakistan during the 2022 T20 Asia Cup in Sharjah. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shadab Khan’s 4/8, triggered this dramatic collapse, resulting in a 155-run defeat. This remains the benchmark for Asia Cup lowest totals across both ODI and T20 formats.
2. What is the lowest total in Asia Cup ODI history? Sri Lanka holds the record for the lowest score in Asia Cup ODI history with 50 all out in 15.2 overs against India in the 2023 final in Colombo. Mohammed Siraj’s sensational 6/21 dismantled the Lankan batting, making it one of the most shocking cricket batting collapses in a final.
3. Which team has the most low totals in Asia Cup history? Bangladesh appears most frequently in the lowest totals in Asia Cup history, with seven entries in the top 15 ODI lows, including 87 (2000 vs Pakistan) and 94 (1986 vs Pakistan). Their early struggles as a Test nation contributed to these Asia Cup lowest totals.
4. Why do teams record low totals in Asia Cup matches? Asia Cup lowest totals often result from challenging pitch conditions, exceptional bowling, and high-pressure situations. For example, seaming pitches in Colombo (e.g., Sri Lanka’s 50 in 2023) or spin-friendly tracks in Mirpur (e.g., UAE’s 81/9 in 2016) trigger cricket batting collapses. Psychological pressure also plays a role.
5. What is the lowest total in Asia Cup T20 history? Hong Kong’s 38 against Pakistan in 2022 is the lowest score in Asia Cup T20 history. This collapse in Sharjah highlighted the volatility of T20 cricket, where aggressive batting often leads to dramatic Asia Cup T20 lowest totals.
6. Which venues see the most Asia Cup lowest totals? Mirpur (Bangladesh) hosts the most Asia Cup T20 lowest totals, with six in the top 15 (e.g., UAE’s 81/9 in 2016). For ODIs, Colombo (Sri Lanka) is prominent, with lows like Sri Lanka’s 50 in 2023. These venues are known for bowler-friendly conditions.
7. Who has the best bowling figures in an Asia Cup low total match? Mohammed Siraj’s 6/21 against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI final is the best bowling performance in a match featuring lowest totals in Asia Cup history. His spell, including four wickets in an over, crushed Sri Lanka’s batting.
8. How do ODI and T20 lowest totals differ in Asia Cup? Asia Cup ODI lowest scores (e.g., Sri Lanka’s 50) often stem from sustained bowling pressure over 50 overs, while Asia Cup T20 lowest totals (e.g., Hong Kong’s 38) result from aggressive batting failures in a shorter format. T20 lows dominate below 100 due to the format’s pace.
9. Did the 2025 Asia Cup produce new lowest totals? No new lowest totals in Asia Cup history were recorded in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup, based on available data up to September 2025. Hong Kong’s 38 remains the record. Stay tuned to IPL Star for updates on future tournaments!
10. Will Asia Cup 2027 see new low total records? With the T20 format’s volatility, Asia Cup 2027 could witness new Asia Cup lowest totals. Teams like Nepal or emerging associates might face tough bowling attacks, potentially breaking records. What’s your prediction? Share in the comments on IPL Star!