The T20 World Cup 2024‘s first semi-final saw South Africa demolish Afghanistan to reach the final with a nine-wicket victory. After losing the toss, the Proteas were asked to bowl first and grabbed that opportunity with both hands. Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi produced brilliant spells to bundle out Afghanistan at 56.
South Africa comfortably chased down this total and sealed their spot in the final. With this performance, here are some of the lowest totals in Men’s T20 World Cup knockouts.
Lowest totals in Men’s T20 World Cup knockouts
56 (Afghanistan v South Africa, Tarouba, 2024 semi-final)
As mentioned earlier, Afghanistan holds the record for the lowest total (56) in the T20 World Cup knockouts. After a dream T20 World Cup campaign the Afghans reached a historic final-four appearance but were up against a firey South African pace attack on a green track. The Proteas bundled out the Atalan Lions at 56 in 11.5 overs and chased down the total in 8.5 overs.
101 (West Indies v Sri Lanka, The Oval, 2009 semi-final)
After a decent batting effort, Sri Lanka posted a 159-run total for West Indies in the semi-final of the 2009 T20 World Cup. Chasing this score, the Windies saw Angelo Mathews tear through their top order by picking up three wickets in six balls. Then spin bowling greats Muttiah Muralidaran (3-29) and Ajantha Mendis (2-9) dismantled the remainder of the batting and bundled them out at 101.
101 (Sri Lanka v West Indies, Premadasa, 2012 final)
In the final of the 2012 T20 World Cup, the West Indies took revenge for their 2009 semi-final loss against Sri Lanka by bundling the Lankans at 101 to lift their first T20 World Cup trophy. Batting first, the Windies scored 137 on the back of Marlon Samuels’ brilliant knock. Then with the ball, Sunil Narine picked up figures of 3-9 and helped West Indies win and take on the World Cup.
123-7 (Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Premadasa, 2012 semi-final)
Continuing in the 2012 T20 World Cup, Pakistan were all out at 123 against Sri Lanka in the semi-final. Starting with the bat, the Lankans posted a competitive total of 140 on the back of Mahela Jaywerdane’s 42. Defending this total, Sri Lanka’s experienced spinners Rangana Herath and Ajanta Mendis combined to pick up five wickets and helped seal a 16-run win.
128-6 (Sri Lanka v England, Gros Islet, 2010 semi-final)
For the last entry, we travel back to the semi-final of the 2010 T20 World Cup where England restricted Sri Lanka at 128-6. Stuart Broad was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up 2-21 in his fours overs. Chasing this total, Kevin Pietersen smashed a brilliant 42 and sealed the win in 16 overs.