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In a record-breaking opening to India’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Wankhede Stadium – traditionally a highway for batters – turned into a graveyard for the chasing side. India’s gritty defense against the United States of America (USA) has reshuffled the history books, marking the lowest total ever successfully defended at this iconic venue in T20Is.
5 lowest totals defended at Wankhede Stadium in T20I history
1. India vs USA (2026)
Score: India 161/9 | Result: India won by 29 runs
On February 7, 2026, India kicked off their title defense with a thriller. After being reduced to a precarious 77/6 by a spirited USA bowling attack – led by Shadley van Schalkwyk’s 4-wicket haul – captain Suryakumar Yadav played a lone hand. His unbeaten 84 off 49 balls propelled India to 161/9.
In response, the Indian bowlers proved why they are world-class. Mohammed Siraj, returning after a long hiatus, took 3/29, while Arshdeep Singh strangled the USA top order. Despite a valiant 58-run stand between Milind Kumar and Sanjay Krishnamurthi, the USA finished at 132/8, handing India a historic 29-run victory and the record for the lowest T20I defense at the Wankhede.
2. India vs Sri Lanka (2023)
Score: India 162/5 | Result: India won by 2 runs
Before the 2026 World Cup opener, this was the benchmark for low-scoring wins in Mumbai. In January 2023, India struggled to 162/5, thanks to late fireworks from Deepak Hooda (41 not out) and Axar Patel.
The chase went down to the final ball. Debutant Shivam Mavi dismantled the Lankan top order with 4/22. Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka nearly pulled off a heist with a blistering 45, but Axar Patel held his nerve in the final over to restrict Sri Lanka to 160, securing a 2-run win.
3. South Africa vs Afghanistan (2016)
Score: South Africa 209/5 | Result: South Africa won by 37 runs
It sounds strange to call 209 a “low total” to defend, but at the Wankhede, it often is. During the 2016 T20 World Cup, Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers powered the Proteas to 209.
Afghanistan didn’t back down, racing to 100 runs in just 8 overs. However, the experience of Chris Morris (4/27) eventually told as the Afghan chase fizzled out at 172. At the time, this was one of the few instances where a team batting first survived the Wankhede dew.
Also READ: Fans go crazy as Suryakumar Yadav orchestrates India’s dominant win over USA in T20 World Cup 2026
4. India vs West Indies (2019)
Score: India 240/3 | Result: India won by 67 runs
In 2019, India proved that the best defense is a massive offense. Rohit Sharma (71), KL Rahul (91) and Virat Kohli (70 not out) combined for a historic 240/3.
While the West Indies are known for chasing monster totals, the scoreboard pressure was too much. Despite Kieron Pollard’s 68, the Windies were restricted to 173/8. It remains one of India’s most dominant defensive displays at this ground.
5. India vs England (2025)
Score: India 247/9 | Result: India won by 150 runs
In early 2025, India set their highest-ever T20I total at the Wankhede, posting a mammoth 247/9. On a night where every Indian batter went for the fences, England’s world-class lineup completely collapsed under the lights.
The visitors were bundled out for just 97 – the lowest total ever recorded against India at this venue. This match highlighted that when the Wankhede pitch offers a bit of zip under lights, even the biggest totals can be defended with ease.
