India’s biggest defeat by runs in T20 World Cup history is 76 runs, against South Africa in 2026 in Ahmedabad. India’s biggest defeat by wickets came against Pakistan in 2021 in Dubai, where they lost by 10 wickets. Over the years, India has faced several heavy setbacks in the tournament, both while defending totals and chasing targets.
Losses against Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies highlight difficult phases across different editions. These defeats reflect batting collapses, ineffective bowling spells, and one-sided knockout losses on big stages.
Check the full list of India’s biggest match losses by runs and wickets in T20 World Cup campaigns.
India’s Worst Defeats by Runs In T20 World Cup History
Let’s have a look at India’s biggest defeat in the T20 World Cup by wickets.
| Rank | Opponent | Margin | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 76 runs | 2026 | Ahmedabad |
| 2 | Australia | 49 runs | 2010 | Bridgetown |
| 3 | New Zealand | 47 runs | 2016 | Nagpur |
| 4 | West Indies | 14 runs | 2010 | Bridgetown |
| 5 | South Africa | 12 runs | 2009 | Nottingham |
1. India’s 76-run loss vs South Africa in 2026
On February 22, India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat against South Africa in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad. South Africa batted first after winning the toss and scored 187 runs.
David Miller led the charge with a solid 63. India failed to build partnerships during the chase. The Proteas bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals. India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs.
2. India’s 49-run loss vs Australia in 2010
India suffered a 49-run defeat to Australia in the 2010 T20 World Cup. Australia scored 184 runs after India chose to field first. David Warner smashed 72 off 42 balls, while Shane Watson added 54.
India struggled in reply. Rohit Sharma and Harbhajan Singh showed some fight, but others failed to support them. The Australian bowlers controlled the game, dismissing India for 135 to seal a comfortable win.
3. India’s 47-run loss vs New Zealand in 2016
India lost to New Zealand by 47 runs in Nagpur during the 2016 T20 World Cup. New Zealand posted a modest total, but their bowlers dominated the match. Mitchell Santner delivered a match-winning spell and troubled the Indian batting line-up.
India could not handle the spin attack and collapsed under pressure. The team was bowled out for just 79 runs. This became India’s lowest total in T20 World Cup history.
4. India’s 14-run loss vs West Indies in 2010
India lost a close contest against the West Indies by 14 runs in the 2010 T20 World Cup in Bridgetown. West Indies set a target of 170 runs. India tried to chase the total but failed to finish strongly.
Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni scored the most runs for India, yet the middle order could not maintain momentum. West Indies held their nerve in the final overs and secured the victory.
5. India’s 12-run loss vs South Africa in 2009
India lost to South Africa by 12 runs in the 2009 T20 World Cup in England. South Africa scored 130 and defended the total with disciplined bowling. India needed 131 but managed only 118 for eight wickets.
Rohit Sharma top-scored with 29 off 28 balls. The Proteas bowlers applied pressure in the middle overs and did not allow easy runs. South Africa closed the match calmly and earned the win.
India’s Worst Defeats by Wickets In T20 World Cup History
Let’s now have a look at India’s biggest defeat in the T20 World Cup by runs.
| Winner | Margin | Target | Ground | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 10 wickets | 152 | Dubai (DICS) | 24 Oct 2021 |
| England | 10 wickets | 169 | Adelaide | 10 Nov 2022 |
| Australia | 9 wickets | 141 | Colombo (RPS) | 28 Sep 2012 |
| New Zealand | 8 wickets | 111 | Dubai (DICS) | 31 Oct 2021 |
| Sri Lanka | 6 wickets | 131 | Mirpur | 6 Apr 2014 |
1. Pakistan beat India by 10 Wickets in 2021
Pakistan handed India their biggest T20 World Cup defeat by wickets in Dubai. India scored 151/7 after Shaheen Shah Afridi removed key top-order batters and finished with 3/31. Pakistan chased 152 without losing a wicket.
Babar Azam made an unbeaten 68, and Mohammad Rizwan scored 79*. They built a record opening stand against India in T20Is. Pakistan completed the chase with 13 balls left and dominated the match from start to finish.
2. England beat India by 10 Wickets in 2022
England crushed India by 10 wickets in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final in Adelaide. India posted 168/6, powered by Hardik Pandya’s 63 off 33 and Virat Kohli’s 50 off 40.
England made the chase look easy. Alex Hales smashed 86* off 47, while Jos Buttler added 80* off 49. They shared an unbeaten 170-run partnership. England finished the game with 24 balls remaining and showed complete control.
3. Australia beat India by 9 Wickets in 2012
Australia defeated India by nine wickets in the 2012 Super Eights in Colombo. India managed 140 runs, but Australia responded strongly. Shane Watson delivered an all-round performance.
He took 3/34 and then scored 72 off 42 balls. Watson and David Warner 963 off 41) added 133 runs for the opening wicket and Australia chased the target in just 14.5 overs, with 31 balls to spare. India failed to contain the aggressive start.
4. New Zealand beat India by 8 Wickets in 2021
New Zealand beat India by eight wickets in Dubai during the 2021 T20 World Cup. India struggled with the bat, posting only 110/7. Trent Boult picked up 3/20, and Ish Sodhi claimed 2/17 to control the innings.
New Zealand chased the target confidently. Daryl Mitchell scored 49 off 35 balls, and Kane Williamson stayed unbeaten on 33. They completed the chase in 14.3 overs with 33 balls left.
5. Sri Lanka beat India by 6 Wickets in 2014
Sri Lanka defeated India by six wickets in the 2014 T20 World Cup final in Mirpur. India batted first and scored 130/4 on a slow surface. The Sri Lankan bowlers kept the scoring tight despite Kohli’s 77 off 58.
Kumar Sangakkara led the chase with a calm, unbeaten 52 off 35 balls. He guided the team steadily toward the target. Sri Lanka finished the match with 13 balls remaining and secured their first T20 World Cup title.
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Conclusion: India’s Worst Defeat By 76 Runs Against South Africa
India’s worst T20 World Cup defeats include a 76-run loss (2026), a 49-run loss (2010), and a 47-run loss (2016). By wickets, they suffered 10-wicket defeats in 2021 and 2022, plus heavy losses by 9, 8, and 6 wickets.
These results span league games, Super Eights, semi-finals, and a final. Each match shaped India’s tournament history. Keep reading to know more.
