Cricket can change in a single session. One moment, the scoreboard looks solid — and the next, it’s a disaster. Batting collapses are some of the most thrilling, painful, and unforgettable moments in cricket. They remind us that no target is safe, and no lineup is invincible.
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In this article, we look at the Top 10 Most Shocking Batting Collapses in Cricket History — moments where teams fell like dominoes, leaving fans speechless and opposition elated.
10. South Africa – 118 all out vs Australia (2011)
Lost 9 wickets for 47 runs
Chasing just 236, South Africa were cruising at 71/1 before an epic meltdown saw them dismissed for 118. It was one of the most forgettable batting collapses in South African ODI history.
9. India – 92 all out vs New Zealand (2003)
Lost 8 wickets for 39 runs
India’s famed batting order, including Dravid, Tendulkar, and Sehwag, fell to bits on a green-top Hamilton pitch. The pace of Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey left fans shocked at one of India’s most rapid batting collapses.
8. Pakistan – 74 all out vs Australia (2021)
Lost 10 wickets in 21.5 overs
After dominating the first innings, Pakistan lost all 10 wickets for just 74 runs while chasing 351. This unexpected implosion stands among the worst batting collapses in recent times.
7. England – 51 all out vs West Indies (2009)
Lost 9 wickets for 26 runs
In one of the shortest innings in modern Test history, England collapsed for 51 in under 34 overs. Jerome Taylor ripped through the lineup in one of the most embarrassing batting collapses England has ever faced.
6. New Zealand – 26 all out vs England (1955)
Lost 10 wickets in 27 overs
This remains the lowest Test score in cricket history. The Kiwis couldn’t handle the English swing, crumbling in a stunning old-school batting collapse that still haunts their record books.
5. India – 112 all out vs Sri Lanka (2000, Coca-Cola Champions Trophy Final)
Lost 8 wickets for 29 runs
After a strong start, India dramatically collapsed in the final. This batting disaster handed Sri Lanka the trophy and marked one of India’s most shocking batting collapses in an ICC final.
4. Australia – 85 all out vs South Africa (2011)
Lost 9 wickets for 47 runs
Australia, known for their dominance, crumbled chasing 236. A classic South African pace ambush made this one of the most remarkable batting collapses from a world-class team.
3. Pakistan – 49 all out vs South Africa (2013)
Lost 10 wickets in 29.1 overs
Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, and Jacques Kallis tore through Pakistan in Johannesburg. It was Pakistan’s lowest-ever Test score and one of their most disastrous batting collapses.
2. England – 120 all out vs Ireland (2011 World Cup)
Lost 7 wickets for 32 runs
England were 111/2 before the wheels fell off. Ireland, led by Kevin O’Brien, chased down 328 after England’s batting unit froze. One of the biggest upsets in World Cup history was fueled by an epic batting collapse.
1. India – 36 all out vs Australia (2020 Adelaide Test)
Lost 9 wickets for 21 runs
India were leading the match and looked set to dominate until a nightmare session saw them skittled for just 36 — their lowest-ever Test total. It was one of the most historic batting collapses in cricket and a shocking moment for Indian fans.
Why Batting Collapses Happen
- Pace or spin pressure on tough pitches
- Mental panic and poor shot selection
- Momentum shifts after one key wicket
- Overconfidence or lack of adaptability
Even top teams aren’t immune to brutal batting collapses, which makes them so compelling.
Batting collapses are the rawest form of cricket drama. They expose nerves, test temperament, and redefine games in minutes. Fans may hate watching their teams collapse, but these moments stay etched in history forever.
FAQ – Batting Collapses!
Q1: What is a batting collapse in cricket?
A batting collapse happens when a team loses multiple wickets in quick succession, often from a strong position.
Q2: Which team has the lowest score in Test cricket?
New Zealand — 26 all out vs England in 1955.
Q3: What is India’s lowest Test total?
36 all out against Australia in the 2020 Adelaide Test.