The Ten Shortest ODI Matches Ever (By Balls Bowled)
ODI cricket usually has 300 balls per team, which makes 600 balls in a full match. But sometimes, teams get bowled out very quickly or chase small targets in no time. These rare games finish much earlier than expected and become part of cricket history.
Let’s look at the top 10 shortest ODI matches by total balls bowled ,where the entire game ended much quicker than usual. Some were over in less than 25 overs combined!
🏏 Shortest Completed ODI Matches (by Balls Bowled)
| Winning Team | Losing Team | Balls Bowled | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | USA | 104 balls | Kirtipur | 12 Feb 2020 |
| Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | 120 balls | Colombo (SSC) | 8 Dec 2001 |
| India | Sri Lanka | 129 balls | Colombo (RPS) | 17 Sep 2023 |
| Sri Lanka | Canada | 140 balls | Paarl | 19 Feb 2003 |
| Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | 164 balls | Harare | 25 Apr 2004 |
| England | India | 180 balls | Chandigarh | 27 Jan 1985 |
| Australia | West Indies | 186 balls | Canberra | 6 Feb 2024 |
| West Indies | Bangladesh | 187 balls | Mirpur | 4 Mar 2011 |
| Australia | USA | 191 balls | Southampton | 13 Sep 2004 |
| New Zealand | Kenya | 191 balls | Chennai | 20 Feb 2011 |
📌 Key Facts and Records
✅ 1. Nepal vs USA – The Fastest Ever
This is officially the shortest completed ODI match in cricket history. In February 2020, USA was bowled out for just 35 runs in 12 overs. Nepal chased the target in 5.2 overs, ending the match in only 104 balls total!
Not only is this the fastest ODI match by balls, but USA’s 35 is also one of the lowest ODI scores ever.
✅ 2. India vs Sri Lanka – 2023 Asia Cup Final
This was the shortest final in a multi-nation tournament. India bowled out Sri Lanka for 50 runs in 15.2 overs. Mohammad Siraj was on fire, picking up 6 wickets, including 4 in a single over. India chased the target in just 6.1 overs, wrapping up the game in 129 balls.
Read More: Top 10 Biggest Cricket Stadiums in England
✅ 3. England vs India – Rain-Shortened Classic
In 1985, a thunderstorm reduced the match to 15 overs per side. England scored 121 runs, and India gave it a good shot but fell short by 7 runs, scoring 114. Though shortened by rain, this match still made history by finishing in 180 balls.
⚡ More Quick Matches from ICC Tournaments
Out of the top 10 shortest matches, 4 took place in ICC events:
- Sri Lanka vs Canada – 2003 World Cup
- West Indies vs Bangladesh – 2011 World Cup
- New Zealand vs Kenya – 2011 World Cup
- Australia vs USA – 2004 Champions Trophy
All of these had teams getting out cheaply and matches finishing within 200 balls.
🎯 Fun Facts from Shortest ODI Innings
- USA’s 35 vs Nepal was done in 72 balls – shortest innings by balls bowled.
- Zimbabwe shows up the most in short matches – bowled out under 120 balls many times.
- Afghanistan, Canada, and Namibia also had short innings with scores below 100 and completed in 14–18 overs.
🧠 Why These Matches Are Unique
These matches are so short because of:
- Very low scores
- Quick chases
- Strong bowling spells
- Sometimes, weather conditions helped bowlers too!
Usually, an ODI takes about 7 hours, but these games were over in about 2 hours or less!
🏁 Summary – Fastest ODI Matches by Balls
- Nepal vs USA: 104 balls – Shortest ODI match ever
- India vs Sri Lanka: 129 balls – Shortest multi-nation final
- England vs India: 180 balls – First match to end under 200 balls
These matches are great reminders that anything can happen in cricket. One strong bowling spell or one bad batting collapse, and a match can be over before lunch!
