Image Source: Social Media
The Asia Cup has always been a stage where cricketing powerhouses showcase their dominance, while emerging nations test their skills against the very best. Over the years, the tournament has witnessed thrilling encounters, remarkable upsets, and some dramatic batting collapses. Particularly in the T20I format, associate nations have often struggled against world-class bowling line-ups, resulting in some of the lowest scores in the competition’s history.
Top 5 Lowest Totals in Asia Cup T20I History
1. Hong Kong – 38 runs vs Pakistan (September 2, 2022, Sharjah)
Image Source: Social Media
Hong Kong's innings of just 38 runs against Pakistan is the lowest total recorded in Asia Cup T20I history. Chasing a formidable target of 193, Hong Kong was bowled out in 10.4 overs. Pakistan’s leg-spinner Shadab Khan led the charge with four wickets for just eight runs, while spinner Mohammad Nawaz added three wickets for five runs. The disciplined bowling and tight fielding completely dismantled the Hong Kong batting lineup, resulting in a 155-run defeat that emphasized the skill gap between associate and full member teams.
2. UAE – 57 runs vs India (September 10, 2025, Dubai)
Image Source: Social Media
The UAE’s recent total of 57 runs against India in Dubai is the second-lowest in Asia Cup T20I history. Although the innings started well at 26 without loss, the side collapsed under the combined spin threat of Kuldeep Yadav (4 wickets for 7 runs) and the pace brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah. Captain Muhammad Waseem top-scored with 19 runs, with no other batter reaching double figures. This collapse exposed the ongoing challenges faced by UAE when facing world-class opponents, even at home.
Also Read: India Asia Cup 2025: Complete Schedule, Squad, Date, Match Details
3. UAE – 81/9 vs India (March 3, 2016, Mirpur)
Image Source: Social Media
Scoring only 81 for nine wickets, UAE showed resilience but was ultimately outplayed by India’s comprehensive bowling. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s disciplined swing bowling yielded two wickets cheaply in his spell. Shaiman Anwar’s top score of 43 demonstrated fight, but the rest of the lineup struggled to build partnerships. India chased down the target with nine wickets remaining and ample overs to spare, highlighting the gulf in experience and quality between the sides.
4. Pakistan – 83 runs vs India (February 27, 2016, Mirpur)
Image Source: Social Media
Pakistan’s total of 83 all out against India ranks as the lowest by a full ICC member in Asia Cup T20I cricket. The innings was marred by two run-outs and poor shot selection under pressure. Hardik Pandya led India’s bowling attack with three wickets for eight runs, supported by tight spin from Ravindra Jadeja. Only two Pakistani batsmen passed 10 runs as India secured a five-wicket victory, signaling an unexpected batting collapse from a top team.
5. UAE – 82 runs vs Bangladesh (February 26, 2016, Mirpur)
Image Source: Social Media
Just a day before the India match, UAE were bowled out for 82 against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mahmudullah and Mashrafe Mortaza, relentlessly applied pressure, forcing errors. Muhammad Usman’s 30 runs were the lone bright spot in an otherwise fragile batting performance. Bangladesh won comfortably by 51 runs, underscoring UAE’s continued struggle with batting consistency in sub-continental conditions.
Conclusion
These innings underline the challenges associate nations face in competing against top cricketing nations. UAE’s frequent presence on the list points to areas needing further development in batting skills and mental toughness. Despite these batting collapses, continued investment in global cricket infrastructure promises a narrowing gap in future Asia Cup contests.
Also Read: BAN vs HK Asia Cup 2025: Pitch Report, Head-to-Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction
Give Your Feedback