Pakistan top unwanted record for lowest total in Women’s World Cup

On December 14, 1997, Pakistan women's cricket team registered the lowest total in Women’s World Cup against Australia in India.

Electing to bat first, Shaiza Khan-led Pakistan were skittled out for 27 during a Women's World Cup encounter in Hyderabad.  Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals as Australia pacer Jodi Dannatt and leg-sinner Olivia Magna were the wrecker-in-chiefs, picking three wickets each. Batting at number nine, Pakistan’s Kiran Ahtazaz was the only batter to register a double-digit score as she remained unbeaten on 11. In reply, Australia chased down the total in 6.1 overs with nine wickets in hand. 

Before Pakistan, Netherlands held the record for registering the lowest score in Women’s World Cup. During the 1988 edition of Women’s World Cup, Netherlands were bundled out for 29 against hosts Australia in Perth. Chasing a daunting total of 285, Netherlands batters couldn’t absorb the pressure as they fell like nine pins. The hosts won the match by 255 runs courtesy of twin hundreds by openers Lindsay Reeler (143 not out) and Ruth Buckstein (100).

Meanwhile, the Indian team features third on the list for lowest score in Women’s World Cup. After restricting New Zealand to a paltry total of 80 in 58.5 overs, India failed to chase down the target as they were bowled out for 37 during a 60-over World Cup match in 1982. Leg-spinner Jackie Lord was the wrecker-in-chief for New Zealand as she bagged six wickets for just 10 runs in her eight overs. For the Women in Blue, Rajeshwari Dholakia was the top-scorer as she remained unbeaten on 10 - the only batter to reach double figures.

Netherlands and Denmark complete the top five list for lowest score in Women’s World Cup. While Netherlands were bowled out for 40 against New Zealand at Lindfield in 1993, Denmark were skittled for 47 against England at Banstead during the same tournament.

Lowest team score in Women’s World Cup

Featured photo: Asif HASSAN / AFP