Top five lowest totals in ICC World Test Championship history

The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) in 2019 to give test cricket, which was allegedly "dying," more context.

Originally created to determine the world's top test team, the WTC format now assigns a heavy price tag to every game, including dead rubbers. Every game is now more important because points are given for wins and draws. The ICC WTC has produced some thrilling matches by escalating the level of competition between the teams.

The ICC WTC has not been an exception to the long-standing test history of batting collapses. WTC has seen a number of spectacular batting collapses since its start, with teams crumbling against top-class bowling attacks under testing conditions.

In this article, let’s take a look at the five lowest totals registered in the ICC World Test Championship history.

5. South Africa – 55 vs India, 2024, Cape Town

The second test of India’s tour of South Africa in 2024 was historic for many reasons. At just 107 overs (642 balls), the match is the shortest test match ever played in cricket history.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, South Africa was dismissed for a mere 55 runs. Siraj was India’s brightest star, picking up six wickets for just 15 runs. 

India scored 153 in the first innings of the match, and South Africa responded with 176 in the second. India won the test on its second day after easily chasing down the 80-run target. Because of his heroics in the first innings, Siraj was named Player of the Match. 

4. Bangladesh – 53 vs South Africa, 2022, Durban

In the first test of the two-match series, Bangladesh was completely destroyed while chasing the target of 274 against South Africa in Durban. 

The Bangladesh batting collapse saw them getting outclassed by South African spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. By holding South Africa to 350 and then responding with 298 runs, the Bangla Tigers got the game off to a strong start. 

Bangladesh, however, never really got going in the chase as Keshav Maharaj swept through their batting order, taking seven wickets for just 32 runs. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Player of the Match.

3. India – 46 vs New Zealand, 2024, Bengaluru

In 2024, India collapsed horribly for just 46 runs against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The Indian batting lineup was ripped apart by the Kiwi pace attack after they won the toss and chose to bat first on a wet Bengaluru pitch in overcast conditions.

All 10 Indian wickets were taken by the New Zealand pacers Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and William O'Rourke, with Henry recording his fourth career fifer. Henry was well supported by O’Rourke, who chipped in with four wickets. The Black Caps eventually won the test by eight wickets.

2. Sri Lanka – 42 vs South Africa, 2024, Durban

In the first test of Sri Lanka’s 2024 tour of South Africa, they were bundled for only 42 runs in their first innings in Durban. 

Sri Lanka did a good job of holding South Africa to 191 in their first innings, but their batters were unable to support the bowlers' efforts. Marco Jansen took seven wickets in just 6.3 overs, destroying the Lankan batting order. Coetzee and Rabada claimed the remaining three wickets as Sri Lanka collapsed to their lowest-ever test total.

1. India – 36 vs Australia, 2020, Adelaide

India's 36 against Australia in Adelaide in 2020 stands as the lowest total in the history of the ICC World Test Championship. After taking a slight lead in the first innings, the Indian team was in complete control of the test match by the middle of it. 

Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, however, destroyed India's batting order with seam and swing movement in the second innings. With their combined nine Indian wickets, the pair bowled India out for just 36 runs (one batsman got injured during this barrage and retired hurt), displaying remarkable discipline with line and length.

Tim Paine was named Player of the Match for his seven catches and 73 runs in the first innings as Australia won the test in Adelaide by eight wickets.