Lowest Fourth-Innings Totals By England In Asia When Being Bowled Out

England were bowled out for 144 in second Test in Multan vs Pakistan [Source: @TheRealPCB/x.com]

Cricket, like life, often throws curveballs when least expected. For England, Asia has often been that challenging terrain where the game turns its back on them in ways both spectacular and humbling. Over the years, England has had to deal with testing conditions, spinning tracks, and relentless bowlers who make the ball dance like a devil on a hot plate.

When chasing in the fourth innings, the English team has faced its share of struggles on the subcontinent, leading to some of their lowest totals, as evidenced by their recent defeat vs Pakistan in the second Test in Multan where they folded for 144.

Let’s take a look at England's lowest fourth-innings totals in Asia when being bowled out:

5. 156 vs Pakistan, Sharjah, 2015

England’s loss to Pakistan in Sharjah was one where their batting collapsed under the weight of their own expectations. Chasing 284 on a Sharjah surface that was tailor-made for spin, the English batsmen fell prey to Pakistan’s wizardry.

Yasir Shah’s leg-spin was like a ticking time bomb, taking 4 for 44, as England limped to 156 all out. This game showcased Pakistan's knack for making things happen on their own turf, and England could do little but watch the fortress crumble around them.

4. 144 vs Pakistan, Multan, 2024

England 144 vs Pakistan [Source: @TheRealPCB/x.com]

In the second Test of their 2024 tour of Pakistan, England's hopes of pulling off a series-win in Multan were dashed in a dismal chase of 297. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali spun a web around England’s batsmen, with Noman's remarkable 8 for 46 standing out.

Zak Crawley’s early dismissal for 3 signalled the beginning of the end. Ben Stokes, showing his trademark defiance with a counter-attacking 37, was a lone ranger amid the ruins.

As the wickets kept tumbling, England could only manage 144, falling short by a whopping 152 runs.

3. 122 vs India, Rajkot, 2024

England 122 vs India [Source: @_mkverma/x.com]

In 2024, England found themselves once again chasing shadows, this time in Rajkot. Set a massive target of 557 by India to win on a turning track, England’s batsmen were caught between a rock and a hard place.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav took full advantage of a surface that gripped and turned like a boa constrictor. Jadeja bagged five while Kuldeep and Ashwin bagged two and one wicket each.

England’s lineup, which included seasoned players like Joe Root, Ollie Poep and Ben Stokes, folded for 122.

2. 102 vs India, Mumbai, 1981

Back in 1981, England experienced a nightmare in the cricketing mecca of Mumbai. Chasing a meagre target of 241, they were shot down for just 102 courtesy of Kapil Dev and Madan Lal’s fifers.

The Wankhede pitch played tricks in ways that England had not anticipated, and their batting order was left in tatters. The collapse was a lesson in humility as India exploited every crack in England’s game.

The fourth innings chase, which had begun with a sense of optimism, quickly became a bridge too far. Ian Botham was the top-scorer with just 29 as rest of the batting faltered, resulting in a massive defeat by 138 runs.

1. 72 vs Pakistan, Abu Dhabi, 2012

England 72 vs Pakistan [Source: @TheRealPCB/x.com]

The ignominious crown of England’s lowest fourth-innings total in Asia goes to the 72 they managed against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2012. This match was nothing short of a horror show for the visitors.

Chasing just 145, England crumbled spectacularly as Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman spun circles around them. Ajmal (3/22), with his doosra and mesmerizing flight, and Rehman (6/25) with his sharp spin, bamboozled the English batsmen who seemed to be playing on a completely different track.

What followed was a disintegration that left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads as eight batters were dismissed in single digits, resulting in a 72-run defeat.

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