5 Strangest instances of a team losing in International Cricket

1. Winning a match despite not picking a wicket

India toured South Africa in 2012 to play only one T20I between the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and the beginning of the IPL. Even South Africa returned from their tour of New Zealand two days before the match. The New Wanderers in Johannesburg hosted the match where India chose to bowl first. South Africa made an aggressive start and it was continued by Colin Ingram (78 off 50) and Jacques Kallis (61 off 42). India’s troubles increased after the two set batsmen were dismissed.

They conceded 78 runs in the last 5 overs which included 51 runs from the last 17 balls. As a result, South Africa piled on 219/4 in their 20 overs. It was the then highest total in T20Is by any team against India. Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir opened the innings for the visitors during a chase where 11 runs an over was needed. Uthappa struggled to score even run a ball but Gambhir found the fence regularly during the powerplay. The pair added 71 in 7.5 overs before the rain interrupted the match.

Robbie scored 18 from 19 balls with only 1 four while Gambhir scored a 28-ball 49* by smashing 7 fours and a maximum. The game never resumed as the rain did not stop pouring down. South Africa won the game by 11 runs via Duckworth-Lewis method as the par score after 7.5 overs was 82/0. Thus, India lost the match without losing even a wicket in the match. Till date, South Africa, through this match, remains the only team to win an International match without picking up even one wicket.