Low blows for the Blues
Updated On: 14 November, 2026 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Karan Shankar
As India suffer their sixth-lowest ODI total in the 244-run defeat to NZ, mid-day revisits the five previous occasions when the Men in Blue endured batting nightmares

India's Ishan Kishan is dismissed during the 4th one-day international cricket match between New Zealand and India at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Pic/AFP
54 vs Sri Lanka (Sharjah; Oct 29, 2000):
In the final of the Champions Cup tri-nation series (also featuring Zimbabwe) Sri Lanka posted 299-5 batting first. Skipper Sanath Jayasuriya hammered a sensational 161-ball 189. In reply, India were bundled out for just 54 in 26.3 overs, their lowest ODI total at the time. Robin Singh (11) was the only batter to reach double figures. Chaminda Vaas (5-14) and Muthiah Muralidaran (3-6) starred in SL’s massive 245-run win.
63 vs Australia (Sydney; Jan 08, 1981):
In the World Series Cup tri-nation series (also featuring NZ), Australia opted to field after winning the toss and bowled India out for just 63 in 25.5 overs. Australian skipper Greg Chappell led with figures of 5-15 and remained unbeaten on 33 as the hosts chased down the target in just 21 overs, winning by nine wickets.


