Top 10 teams who have lost most matches in ODI cricket

Only four teams have lost over 400 matches in ODI cricket.

Winning and losing in cricket, like in any sport, is part of the game. But sometimes teams lose consistently and it almost becomes a habit. This article is all about that, wherein we will talk about teams with the most defeats in ODI cricket.

Every top team has seen a golden period where they have won consistently; conversely, there have also been times when they have lost regularly or more often.

The ODI cricket saw its first game in January 1971, and since then, it has been a popular format, especially when the World Cup is around.

Asian teams are leading this unwanted record, and India are one of them. So let’s check who holds the record for most defeats in ODI cricket.

List of the top 10 teams who have lost most matches in ODI cricket:

10. South Africa – 235 defeats

Since their return to international cricket in 1991, after a 21-year ban due to the country’s apartheid policy, South Africa have featured in 672 games and lost only 235. They have won 410 games with the second-best win/loss ratio of 1.744. They have six tied and 21 no results as well. The Proteas are one of the most successful ODI teams.

9. Bangladesh – 269 defeats

Bangladesh played their first game in ODI cricket in 1986. They have played the least number of ODIs among the ten teams on this list. They have played 438 games and lost 269 of them with 159 wins. Mainly, those defeats came in away series or against the top sides of the world. Adding to that, there have been 10 games which have been called off involving the Bangladeshi team.

8. Australia – 348 defeats

Australia have been the best team in this format. They were part of the first official ODI match on 5 January 1971 against England, and despite playing the second-most matches in this format of the game, their losing ratio is very low.

The six-time ODI World Cup winners have lost 348 matches out of the 1000 ODIs they have played so far and won 609 (most wins in ODI cricket). Australia have also been involved in nine tied matches and 34 matches ended no result.

7. England – 357 defeats

England were part of the first-ever ODI match in 1971. But their focus had been on test cricket more until 2015, and that is why since 1971, they have only played 797 ODIs. England have lost 357 matches and won 400 in total, whereas nine games have ended in ties and 31 without results.

Notably, England have lost three World Cup finals (1979, 1987, and 1992) and two Champions Trophy finals (2004 and 2013). So, there are some iconic defeats in these. Their first and only ODI World Cup title came in 2019.

6. New Zealand – 395 Defeats

New Zealand have had a balanced record in ODIs since 2000, but before that, they were an ordinary side. They have been active in ODI cricket since 1973 and have played 824 matches so far. New Zealand have lost 395 games and won 379, with seven ties and 43 no results. These defeats include three major finals – the 2015 and 2019 World Cup finals and the 2009 Champions Trophy final.

5. Zimbabwe – 398 defeats

Zimbabwe featuring on this list is expected. Zimbabwe have been active in this format since 1983 and have played 572 games in total. Their win ratio (0.379) is the lowest in this list. Zimbabwe have lost 398 games and have won 151 ODIs, along with 8 ties and 15 no results.

4. West Indies – 412 defeats

In their golden period, West Indies used to beat teams for fun. They dominated world cricket for almost two decades and won two Cricket World Cups in 1975 and 1979. But since 2000, their cricket has declined, which has put them at the fourth spot on this list. West Indies have played 873 ODIs, winning 420 and losing 412 of them, with 11 ties and 30 no result.

3. Pakistan – 428 defeats

The 1992 World Cup champions play this format regularly and have played the third-most games in ODI cricket. Pakistan made their ODI debut in 1973 and have played 970 games so far. They have won 512 games and lost 428 matches, with nine ties and 21 no results. Pakistan have a balanced record in this format: they have the third-most wins, but they also have the third-most defeats.

2. India – 445 defeats

This may be a surprise for many that India are in second place on the list of most ODI defeats. But the more you play, the more you stand a chance to accumulate losses.

India have played most games in ODI cricket history. They have featured in 1058 games, losing 445 of them and winning 559 (second-most) matches. India have been involved in 10 ties and 44 no results.

Some unforgettable defeats in ODIs for India came in the 2003 and 2023 World Cup finals and the 2000 and 2017 Champions Trophy finals.

1. Sri Lanka – 452 defeats

Sri Lanka are placed at the top with this unwanted record. They have been playing ODI cricket since 1975 and are the winners of the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

Sri Lanka have played 921 ODIs, lost 452 and won 423 of them. There have been six ties and 40 no-results involving Sri Lanka. The Islanders lost two ODI World Cup finals in 2007 and 2011.

(All stats updated till 7th August, 2024)

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