A look at South Africa's lowest totals in T20I cricket
What's the story
South Africa suffered a massive 101-run defeat to India in the 1st T20I at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack. Chasing 176 on a sticky surface, the Proteas were bowled out for 74. Seamer Lungi Ngidi's spell was one of the few positives for SA in the match. According to ESPNcricinfo, SA recorded their first sub-80 all-out total in T20I cricket.
#1
74 vs India, Cuttack, 2025
As mentioned, South Africa's 74 is now their lowest-ever total in T20I cricket. The Proteas batting line-up tanked in front of India on a tricky Cuttack surface. Their innings lasted just 12.3 overs in a chase of 176 runs. Dewald Brevis was the only SA batter to score 20-plus runs. Earlier, Hardik Pandya's unbeaten 59 (28) powered India (175/6) single-handedly in 20 overs.
#2
87 vs India, Rajkot, 2022
South Africa's previous-lowest total in the format also came against India. In the 2022 Rajkot T20I, the Proteas suffered a similar defeat while chasing 170. Dinesh Karthik's 55 off 27 balls propelled the hosts to 169/6 in 20 overs. In response, the Proteas perished for 87, with Avesh Khan taking four wickets. Only three SA batters scored in double figures.
#3
89 vs Australia, Johannesburg, 2020
Only on one other occasion have South Africa been bowled out for a sub-90 total in T20I cricket. This happened in the 2020 Johannesburg T20I against Australia as the Proteas lost by 107 runs. With notable contributions from the middle order, the visitors racked up 196/6 in 20 overs. However, Ashton Agar's fifer meant the Proteas perished for 89.