Here are the top 5 T20I matches with smallest margin of victory, highlighting thrilling finishes where teams won by just a few runs or wickets, showcasing intense cricket battles.
5. South Africa vs West Indies, North Sound, 2010
In a thrilling T20 match in 2010 at North Sound, South Africa narrowly defeated West Indies by 1 run. South Africa set a total of 120 for 7, while West Indies managed 119 for 7, securing the series victory for South Africa.
4. New Zealand vs Pakistan, Bridgetown, 2010
In a nail-biting encounter in 2010 at Bridgetown, New Zealand edged past Pakistan by just one run. New Zealand posted 133 for 7, with Daniel Vettori contributing significantly. Pakistan fell short at 132 for 7, facing near elimination in the tournament.
3. England vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2009
In a thrilling 2009 match in Johannesburg, England triumphed over South Africa by one run using the D/L method. Eoin Morgan’s stellar 85 led England to 202 for 6, while James Anderson’s precise bowling restricted South Africa to 127 for 3 amid rain interruptions.
2. South Africa vs New Zealand, Lord’s, 2009
In a nail-biting encounter at Lord’s in 2009, South Africa edged out New Zealand by one run. South Africa set a modest target of 128, scoring 128 for 7. New Zealand fell short, finishing at 127 for 5, thanks to Roelof van der Merwe’s impressive bowling performance that secured the win for South Africa.
1. Australia vs New Zealand, Sydney, 2009
In a tense 2009 match in Sydney, Australia triumphed over New Zealand by just one run. Australia set a total of 150 for 7, while New Zealand finished at 149 for 5. Nathan Bracken’s remarkable bowling, featuring ten consecutive dot balls, played a crucial role in securing the win, despite Brendon McCullum’s valiant efforts.
| SL.NO. | Winner | Margin | Target | Opposition | Ground | Date |
| 5. | South Africa | 1 run | 121 | West Indies | North Sound | 20 May 2010 |
| 4. | New Zealand | 1 run | 134 | Pakistan | Bridgetown | 8 May 2010 |
| 3. | England | 1 run | 129 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 13 Nov 2009 |
| 2. | South Africa | 1 run | 129 | New Zealand | Lord’s | 9 June 2009 |
| 1. | Australia | 1 run | 151 | New Zealand | Sydney | 15 Feb 2009 |