The USA defended 122 in an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 game at Al Amerat against Oman to set a new record in men’s ODIs.
The USA ran into early trouble after Jatinder Singh won the toss and opted to field. Milind Kumar waged a lone battle, top-scoring with 47 not out from No.7 to lift them from 31-5 to 122. For the hosts, who did not bowl a single over of seam, Shakeel Ahmed claimed 3-20.
Milind’s innings turned out to be decisive, as Oman collapsed from 34-2 to 65 all out to lose by 57 runs. One-drop Hammad Mirza (29) was the only home batter to reach double figures. With 5-11, Nosthush Kenjige was main destroyer for the USA.
This is now the lowest total successfully defended by any side in a full-length men’s ODI not shortened due to any reason. The record was previously held by India, who, after folding for only 125 at Sharjah in 1985, famously bowled out Pakistan for 87.
Lowest successfully defended targets in full-length men’s ODIs
| Team | Total | Team | Total | Venue | Year |
| USA | 122 (35.3) | Oman | 65 (25.3) | Al Amerat | 2025 |
| India | 125 (42.4) | Pakistan | 87 (32.5) | Sharjah | 1985 |
| West Indies | 127 (47.2) | England | 125 (48.2) | Kingstown | 1981 |
| South Africa | 129 (41.4) | England | 115 (43.4) | East London | 1996 |
| Zimbabwe | 129 (32.4) | Afghanistan | 126 (29.3) | Harare | 2017 |
- At Mirpur in 2014, India were bowled out for 105 in 25.3 overs, but they bowled out Bangladesh for 58 in 17.4 overs. However, this happened after the match had been reduced to 41 overs a side.
- In a 16-over ODI at Gujranwala in 1989, Pakistan made 87-9 and restricted India to 80-9. This remains the lowest successfully defended target in an ODI of any length.
- In women’s ODIs, the record is held by New Zealand. In a 60-over-a-side 1982 World Cup game at Auckland, they made only 80 in 58.4 overs but bowled out India for 37 in 35 overs.
