ZimbabweThe history of ODI cricket took a major hit on Thursday in the second ODI match against Afghanistan in a three-match series at Harare Sports Club. Afghanistan, in a spectacular all-round performance, bowled out Zimbabwe by 232 runs, making the hosts one of the lowest totals in ODI history. This defeat added another chapter to Zimbabwe's campaign, as they joined the list of lowest scores.
Zimbabwe's lowest number 5 in ODIs
5. 54 vs Afghanistan (2017) – A pick to forget
In February 2017, during Afghanistan's fifth ODI tour to Zimbabwe, the team suffered a devastating collapse. Chasing 254 runs (converted to 161 through the DLS method) in Harare, Zimbabwe were restricted to just 54 runs. Afghanistan's bowlers excelled at his pace, which exposed the lack of resilience of the Zimbabwean bowlers. Although the bowlers put in a good effort in the first innings, reducing Afghanistan to 253/9, the batsmen failed. This poor performance gave the visitors a 3-2 victory, leaving the hosts with one of their lowest points in ODI cricket.
4. 54 vs Afghanistan (2024) – History repeats itself
In a moment of déjà vu during the second ODI of Afghanistan's tour of Zimbabwe in 2024-25Zimbabwe also fell by 54 runs in Harare. Afghanistan set a tough target of 287 after posting 286/6, with their batting in good stead. Zimbabwe's run has never slowed down as no one has managed to score even 20 runs. This massive defeat of 232 runs not only marked Zimbabwe's 4th lowest total in ODIs but also their third margin of defeat. The respectable bowling of the visitors left the audience reeling and the lineup was well chosen.
Also READ: Afghanistan thrash Zimbabwe in second ODI
3. 44 vs Bangladesh (2009) – Fall in Chattogram
In November 2009, during Zimbabwe's fourth ODI tour of Bangladesh in Chattogram, Zimbabwe registered their lowest ODI score of 44 runs. Bangladesh's bowlers were in fine form, demolishing Zimbabwe's line-up in just 24.5 overs. Chasing a target of 49, the batsman took six wickets with 229 balls to spare. This humiliating defeat not only highlighted Zimbabwe's batting woes but also sealed the series 4-1 in favor of Bangladesh. At the time, Zimbabwe's 44 was the seventh lowest ODI score ever recorded.
2. 38 vs Sri Lanka (2001) – Chaminda Vaas runs riot
In December 2001, Zimbabwe faced Sri Lanka in the inaugural LG Abans Triangular Series in Colombo, and the result was very low. Zimbabwe managed just 38 runs, the fourth lowest in ODI history, as Chaminda Vaas gave bowling lessons. Vaas took 8 wickets for just 19 runs, the best in ODI history so far. Sri Lanka chased down the low score with ease, reaching 40/1 in just 4.2 overs with 274 balls remaining. The match marked Zimbabwe's success against the top flight teams at the time.
1. 35 vs Sri Lanka (2004) – Lowest ODI total
Zimbabwe's lowest point in ODI cricket came in April 2004 during their tour of Sri Lanka. In the third ODI in Harare, Zimbabwe fell to an all-time low of 35 runs, a dubious margin that remains the lowest in ODI history. No Zimbabwean batsman reached double figures as the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by their pace and pace, reduced the series. The visitors chased down the target, finishing at 40/1 in just 9.2 overs with 244 balls remaining. The match remains a stark reminder of Zimbabwe's deafness against top bowling teams.