Table of Contents
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) brought renewed excitement and context to the traditional format of cricket. But while many matches saw explosive batting displays and monumental totals, there were also collapses so dramatic that they etched themselves into WTC history. In this article, we explore the Lowest Combined Total by teams during the ICC WTC era, showcasing the most stunning batting failures.
These are the moments where bowlers ruled, pitches tested every technique, and batting lineups crumbled like dominoes. Let’s dig into the top 5 instances of the Lowest Combined Total in ICC WTC history.
1. India vs Australia – Adelaide 2020: Total 89 Runs
Match Summary:
- Venue: Adelaide Oval
- India’s Innings: 244 & 36
- Australia’s Innings: 191 & 93/2
When we talk about the Lowest Combined Total in ICC WTC history, India’s dramatic collapse in Adelaide tops the list. Despite having a first-innings lead, India were bowled out for just 36 runs — their lowest ever in Test cricket.
Key Highlights:
- Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ripped through India’s lineup.
- No Indian batsman crossed double digits in the second innings.
Combined Total (India): 244 + 36 = 280
This match remains infamous for producing one of the most shocking Lowest Combined Total outcomes in modern cricket.
2. England vs India – Ahmedabad 2021: Total 193 Runs
Match Summary:
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- England’s Innings: 112 & 81
- India’s Innings: 145 & 49/0
On a sharply turning pitch in Ahmedabad, England produced one of the Lowest Combined Total results seen in the WTC. The pink-ball Test lasted less than two days and was a spin-dominated thriller.
Key Highlights:
- Axar Patel took 11 wickets in the match.
- England’s technique against spin was brutally exposed.
Combined Total (England): 112 + 81 = 193
England’s collapse remains a benchmark of how spin-friendly conditions can trigger historically low totals.
3. Bangladesh vs South Africa – Durban 2022: Total 298 Runs
Match Summary:
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Bangladesh’s Innings: 298 & 53
- South Africa’s Innings: 367 & 204/3 decl.
Bangladesh made a decent start in the first innings, but the second innings saw one of the steepest collapses in WTC history.
Key Highlights:
- Keshav Maharaj took 7 wickets for 32 in the second innings.
- Bangladesh went from 11/3 to 53 all out.
Combined Total (Bangladesh): 298 + 53 = 351
This ranks among the Lowest Combined Total games not just for the raw numbers, but for the second-innings collapse.
4. West Indies vs South Africa – Centurion 2023: Total 212 Runs
Match Summary:
- Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion
- West Indies’ Innings: 212 & 159
- South Africa’s Innings: 342 & 116
South Africa’s bowlers were on fire, especially in the second innings, where West Indies were bowled out for 159 in under 35 overs.
Key Highlights:
- Rabada and Nortje shared 12 wickets.
- Caribbean batters had no answer to South Africa’s pace attack.
Combined Total (West Indies): 212 + 159 = 371
Not the absolute lowest, but among the Lowest Combined Total matches in WTC history with context and dominance.
5. Sri Lanka vs India – Mohali 2022: Total 174 Runs
Match Summary:
- Venue: IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
- Sri Lanka’s Innings: 174 & 178
- India’s Innings: 574/8 decl.
Sri Lanka’s underwhelming performance in both innings gave India a massive win by an innings and 222 runs.
Key Highlights:
- Jadeja’s all-round brilliance (175* & 9 wickets)
- Sri Lanka never looked settled at the crease.
Combined Total (Sri Lanka): 174 + 178 = 352
This game sits among the Lowest Combined Total figures due to India’s complete domination.
What Leads to the Lowest Combined Total in WTC Matches?
Several factors contribute to these low combined totals:
- Pace-Friendly Conditions: Like in Adelaide and Centurion
- Spinning Tracks: Like Ahmedabad
- Mental Collapse: When wickets fall in a heap
- Brilliant Bowling: Performances by Hazlewood, Axar, Maharaj, etc.
The pressure of the WTC also adds an edge. A small mistake can spiral into a major collapse, making teams more vulnerable.
Teams Frequently Involved in the Lowest Combined Total Matches
A few teams have found themselves on the wrong side of WTC history:
- India – Despite overall success, their 36 all-out vs Australia was shocking.
- England – Spin has often been their kryptonite.
- Bangladesh & Sri Lanka – Struggled against stronger bowling attacks.
These teams will look to bounce back, but their place in the Lowest Combined Total history is etched forever.
Impact on the WTC Standings
A low combined total doesn’t just hurt pride — it hits WTC points hard.
- Heavy defeats impact the Net Run Rate.
- Momentum shifts can derail entire campaigns.
- Team confidence takes a hit going into the next fixtures.
Therefore, escaping the Lowest Combined Total label is also a psychological and tactical priority.
Honorable Mentions (Close Calls to Lowest Combined Total)
- Pakistan vs Australia (2022) – Pakistan managed a narrow escape with two innings under 200.
- New Zealand vs India (2021) – NZ collapsed in the WTC Final first innings for under 200 but recovered.
These games were close to joining the elite Lowest Combined Total club.
A Reminder That Test Cricket Still Has Teeth
In an era where batters dominate headlines, these Lowest Combined Total matches remind us that bowlers still hold the key to Test victories. The collapses, the drama, and the unforgettable scorecards prove why Test cricket is the ultimate test of skill and patience.
These teams didn’t just lose matches — they became part of history. And while the numbers sting, they also offer a powerful lesson: underestimate Test cricket, and it bites back.
As the WTC continues, we’ll surely witness more such collapses — because pressure, pride, and pitch always conspire to produce the next Lowest Combined Total in history.