T20 cricket is known for its high-scoring thrillers, but even strong teams like South Africa have faced shocking moments. The Lowest All Out Totals for South Africa in T20Is showcase the unpredictability of this format and the pressure batsmen face in crucial situations. These innings reflect unexpected collapses, brilliant bowling, and moments that challenge even the most experienced cricketers. Let’s explore the top 5 lowest totals for South Africa, their details, and match outcomes.
List of Top 5 Lowest All Out Totals for South Africa in T20Is
5. 96 All-Out vs Australia – Cape Town, 2020
South Africa’s innings of 96 against Australia in Cape Town in 2020 is among the Lowest All Out Totals for South Africa in T20Is. The team struggled to handle disciplined Australian bowling, losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite having experienced batsmen, South Africa could not build partnerships, and scoring momentum disappeared quickly. Australia’s bowlers used line, length, and variations perfectly to create pressure. This match reminded fans that even favorites can falter in high-pressure T20 situations.
| Opponent | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 96 | Australia won |
4. 95 All-Out vs India – Johannesburg, 2023
In Johannesburg, 2023, South Africa scored just 95 against India, marking one of the Lowest All Out Totals for South Africa in T20Is. The innings collapsed under accurate pace and swing bowling, leaving South African batsmen unable to form meaningful partnerships. The Indian attack exploited early movement and applied relentless pressure. Despite home support and favorable conditions, South Africa struggled to chase a modest total. This match emphasized how crucial patience, shot selection, and adapting to conditions are in T20 cricket.
| Opponent | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India | 95 | India won |
3. 89 All-Out vs Australia – Johannesburg, 2020
South Africa’s 89 all-out against Australia in Johannesburg, 2020, is a notable example in the Lowest All Out Totals for South Africa in T20Is. The innings started poorly with early wickets, and the middle order failed to stabilize the score. Australian bowlers were relentless with line and length, exploiting gaps and generating pressure. The South African batsmen were unable to rotate the strike or find boundaries consistently. Matches like this demonstrate that even at home, T20 cricket can produce unexpected collapses.
| Opponent | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 89 | Australia won |
2. 87 All-Out vs India – Rajkot, 2022
South Africa’s 87 against India in Rajkot in 2022 is one of the Lowest All Out Totals for South Africa in T20Is. Playing in subcontinental conditions, the team struggled against spin and disciplined field placements. Frequent wickets prevented partnerships from forming, and the required run rate increased pressure on the lower order. Indian bowlers applied perfect variations and exploited every mistake. This innings highlighted how crucial technique and adaptability are, especially when facing strong bowling attacks in T20 cricket.
| Opponent | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India | 87 | India won |
1. 74 All-Out vs India – Cuttack, 2025
The lowest total in South Africa’s T20I history came against India in Cuttack, 2025, where they were all out for just 74 runs. This match is a defining entry in the Lowest All Out Totals for South Africa in T20Is. South African batsmen failed to handle India’s fast and spin bowling, losing wickets at crucial moments. Despite attempts to stabilize, no partnership lasted long enough to build momentum. This innings is a reminder that T20 cricket is unpredictable, and even elite teams can experience dramatic collapses.
| Opponent | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India | 74 | India won |
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FAQ
What is South Africa’s lowest T20I total?
South Africa’s lowest T20I total is 74 runs against India in Cuttack, 2025.
How many times has South Africa been all out under 100 in T20Is?
At least 5 times, including low scores against India and Australia.
Which opposition has troubled South Africa the most in T20I collapses?
India and Australia have contributed to most of South Africa’s low totals in T20Is.
Are these totals common in T20 cricket?
No, scores under 100 are rare in modern T20 cricket due to aggressive batting strategies.
What lessons do these low totals teach?
They highlight the importance of partnerships, shot selection, and handling pressure in T20 matches.
