The Worst Records in Cricket: From Lowest Team Totals to Most Duck Innings

The cricket world is full of surprising records and statistics that highlight both the drama and the humor of the sport. From the lowest team total in One Day Internationals (ODIs) to the batsman with the most ducks in a career, here are some of the most embarrassing and intriguing records in cricket history.

Lowest Team Total in ODIs

A miraculous feat by Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in 2004 firmly holds the record for the lowest team total in ODIs. Zimbabwe was bowled out for just 35 runs in a match on April 25, 2004. Despite this remarkable achievement, the match remains a blemish on Zimbabwe's record. The Sri Lankans went on to win the match by 26 runs, showcasing the vulnerability of even the stronger teams.

Notable Record Holders

Zimbabwe - 35 runs (against Sri Lanka, April 25, 2004) Australia - 36 runs (against England, December 2020, in Test cricket, the lowest total)

While these records are fascinating, they often serve as cautionary tales for teams in future matches, highlighting the importance of maintaining a solid defense.

Worst Duck-to-Inning Ratio in ODIs

Salman Butt, a right-handed batsman for Pakistan, holds the dubious record for the worst duck-to-inning ratio in ODIs. He was dismissed for a duck in an astonishing 15 of his 78 ODI matches, a ratio of 1:5. This ratio is significantly worse than those of other notable players like R. Kaluwihtharna (1:8) and Sanath Jayasuriya (1:13), who also have impressive batting averages.

Notable Record Holders

Salman Butt - 1:5 duck-to-inning ratio R. Kaluwihtharna - 1:8 duck-to-inning ratio Sanath Jayasuriya - 1:13 duck-to-inning ratio

Salman Butt's record is particularly striking considering his strong overall batting performance. His record raises questions about consistency and stroke play in high-pressure situations.

Most Expensive Over in ODIs

Robin Peterson, a left-arm spinner from South Africa, holds the unfortunate distinction of conceding the most runs in a single over in ODIs. In a match between Sri Lanka and South Africa in 2013, Peterson conceded a whopping 35 runs in the 33rd over. The sequence of runs conceded was: 6, Wd, 6, 6, 4, 6. Despite this record-breaking performance, Peterson managed to finish with an impressive match figure of 1/51 in seven overs. South Africa ultimately secured a comfortable 56-run victory.

Notable Record Holders

Robin Peterson - 35 runs in an over (2013, against Sri Lanka) Van Bunge (Netherlands) - 36 runs in an over (2007, vs. South Africa in a World Cup match)

While Peterson's individual performance was mediocre during that over, his team managed to overcome the setback and secure the win. This record is a testament to the unpredictability of Cricket and the importance of team coordination.

Further Embarrassing Records:

Most Ducks in ODI Career

Iconic Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya, despite his legendary status, also holds the record for the most ducks in his ODI career, with 34 ducks. This record stands as a reminder that even the most experienced and talented players can experience lean periods in their careers.

Most Expensive Over in Cricket History

Mick Lewis, an former Australian fast bowler, holds the dubious record for the most expensive over in ODIs. In the famous 438-run chase, Lewis bowled an over for 113 runs during a match between South Africa and Australia. Lewis faced criticism for this performance, as Herschelle Gibbs was dropped twice in that over. Despite this, Lewis never returned to the international scene.

Slowest Century in ODI History

David Boon, an Australian opener, achieved the dubious distinction of scoring the slowest century in ODI history. In a match at Hobart in 1991, Boon took 166 balls to score a century. While this record is a testament to his precise technique, it is also a reminder that batting produces can sometimes struggle with the pressure of time.

In conclusion, these records serve as a fascinating insight into the unpredictable nature of cricket. From the lowest batting totals to the most expensive overs, each record tells a story of human imperfection and the dramatic nature of the sport.