South Africa are widely respected in international cricket for their powerful batting line-ups, fast bowlers, and competitive mindset. Over the years, the Proteas have produced legendary players who dominated world cricket across formats. However, T20 International cricket is unpredictable. One bad phase, a few early wickets, or sustained pressure from quality bowling can completely change a match.
Even a strong team like South Africa has experienced shocking batting collapses. These collapses have resulted in some of the lowest T20I totals of South Africa, leaving fans surprised and analysts searching for answers. Such matches show how quickly momentum can swing in the shortest format of the game.
In this article, we revisit the lowest T20I totals of South Africa. Each section explains what went wrong in and includes a clear stats table for easy understanding. These matches serve as tough lessons in South Africa’s T20I history.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Lowest T20I Totals of South Africa
5. 96 Runs vs Australia – 2020
The fifth entry among the lowest T20I totals of South Africa came against Australia in 2020. This match was played during Australia’s tour of South Africa, and it quickly turned into a nightmare for the home side. South Africa were chasing a big target of 194 runs, which required a strong and aggressive start.
Instead, the Australian bowlers dominated from the very first over. Mitchell Starc bowled with pace and accuracy, while Ashton Agar used spin cleverly to break partnerships. Adam Zampa controlled the middle overs and ensured there was no comeback. South Africa kept losing wickets at regular intervals, which increased pressure on new batters.
By the halfway stage, South Africa were already five wickets down and far behind the required run rate. Rassie van der Dussen tried to steady the innings, but there was no support from the other end. Eventually, the Proteas were bowled out for just 96 runs, marking one of the lowest T20I totals of South Africa at home.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Opponent | Australia |
| Year | 2020 |
| Venue | South Africa |
| Target | 194 |
| South Africa Score | 96 all out |
| Top Scorer (SA) | Rassie van der Dussen (24) |
| Best Bowlers (AUS) | Starc (3), Agar (3), Zampa (2) |
| Result | Australia won comfortably |
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4. 95 Runs vs India – 2023
At number four on the list of lowest T20I totals of South Africa is the 95-run collapse against India in 2023 at Johannesburg. India dominated this match from start to finish, especially with the bat. Batting first, India posted a massive total of 201 runs.
Suryakumar Yadav played an exceptional innings, scoring a century filled with innovative shots and fearless hitting. His knock put South Africa under huge pressure even before their chase began. When the Proteas started batting, their top order failed to handle India’s disciplined bowling.
David Miller was the only batter who showed some fight, but he lacked support from the other end. Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav completely dismantled South Africa’s batting line-up with his variations and accuracy. South Africa were eventually bowled out for 95 runs, another painful entry among the lowest T20I totals of South Africa.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Opponent | India |
| Year | 2023 |
| Venue | Johannesburg |
| India Score | 201/5 |
| South Africa Score | 95 all out |
| Top Scorer (SA) | David Miller (35) |
| Best Bowler (IND) | Kuldeep Yadav (5 wickets) |
| Result | India won by 106 runs |
3. 89 Runs vs Australia – 2020
The third spot in the lowest T20I totals of South Africa list also belongs to a match against Australia in 2020. This was the first T20I of the series, where Australia set a massive target of 196 runs after batting first.
South Africa needed a solid opening partnership to stay in the chase, but that never happened. Wickets fell quickly, and panic spread through the batting order. Ashton Agar delivered a match-winning performance, picking up five wickets and completely breaking South Africa’s resistance.
Other Australian bowlers supported well, ensuring no batter could settle at the crease. Faf du Plessis top-scored with just 24 runs, which highlights how poor the overall batting effort was. South Africa were bowled out for 89 runs, one of the most disappointing results among the lowest T20I totals of South Africa.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Opponent | Australia |
| Year | 2020 |
| Venue | South Africa |
| Australia Score | 196/6 |
| South Africa Score | 89 all out |
| Top Scorer (SA) | Faf du Plessis (24) |
| Best Bowler (AUS) | Ashton Agar (5 wickets) |
| Result | Australia won by 107 runs |
2. 87 Runs vs India – 2022
The second-lowest score among the lowest T20I totals of South Africa came against India in 2022 at Rajkot. India batted first and scored 170 runs, a competitive but chaseable target on a good batting surface.
South Africa started poorly and never recovered. Key batters failed to handle India’s mix of pace and spin. Once early wickets fell, the pressure increased, and rash shots followed. Avesh Khan bowled with pace and aggression, troubling batters throughout his spell.
Yuzvendra Chahal controlled the middle overs and ensured there was no momentum shift. South Africa were bowled out for just 87 runs, suffering a heavy defeat. This match clearly showed why this innings remains one of the lowest T20I totals of South Africa.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Opponent | India |
| Year | 2022 |
| Venue | Rajkot |
| India Score | 170/6 |
| South Africa Score | 87 all out |
| Top Scorer (SA) | Not significant |
| Best Bowler (IND) | Avesh Khan (4 wickets) |
| Result | India won by 82 runs |
1. 74 Runs vs India – 2025
At number one sits the lowest and most shocking entry among the lowest T20I totals of South Africa. This match against India in 2025 at the Barabati Stadium is remembered as South Africa’s worst-ever T20I batting performance.
India posted a strong total of 175 runs, thanks to an aggressive innings by Hardik Pandya. Although the target was challenging, South Africa had the experience to compete. Unfortunately, their innings collapsed almost immediately.
Arshdeep Singh struck early, removing key batters and setting the tone for India’s bowling dominance. Senior players failed to contribute, and partnerships never developed. Dewald Brevis ended as the top scorer, which summed up the poor batting display.
South Africa were bowled out for just 74 runs, officially recording the lowest score in the history of the lowest T20I totals of South Africa. India won the match by a huge margin, sealing a memorable victory.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Opponent | India |
| Year | 2025 |
| Venue | Barabati Stadium |
| India Score | 175/7 |
| South Africa Score | 74 all out |
| Top Scorer (SA) | Dewald Brevis |
| Best Bowler (IND) | Arshdeep Singh |
| Result | India won by 101 runs |
FAQs
1. What is the lowest T20I total of South Africa?
South Africa’s lowest-ever T20I total is 74 runs, which they scored against India in 2025. This match tops the list of the lowest T20I totals of South Africa due to a complete batting collapse.
2. Which teams have bowled out South Africa for their lowest T20I scores?
India and Australia are the two teams most often involved in the lowest T20I totals of South Africa. Their disciplined pace and spin attacks repeatedly exposed South Africa’s batting weaknesses in these matches.
3. Why does South Africa struggle in some T20I matches?
South Africa struggle in these games mainly due to early wickets, pressure from high-quality bowling, and the fast-changing nature of T20 cricket. These factors have contributed to several lowest T20I totals of South Africa over the years.
4. How can South Africa avoid such low totals in future T20Is?
To avoid repeating the lowest T20I totals of South Africa, the team needs better shot selection, stronger middle-order partnerships, and improved handling of spin and swing bowling under pressure.