10 thrilling wins by smallest margin in ODIs in 2026

The 2026 One Day International (ODI) cricket season saw several thrilling matches where the outcome was uncertain until the last moment. Some matches were decided by a margin of just a few runs, which was a great treat for cricket fans.

Teams like Scotland, Nepal, Bangladesh and New Zealand in particular have shown their nerve under pressure to pull off important wins. Let's take a look at the top 10 ODI matches won by the smallest margin of runs in 2026.

Table of Contents
• 10. Nepal vs UAE – Won by 37 runs
• 9. New Zealand vs Bangladesh – Won by 26 runs
• 8. UAE vs Oman – Won by 25 runs
• 7. Netherlands vs USA – Won by 21 runs
• 6. Sri Lanka vs England – Won by 19 runs
• 5. Oman vs Scotland – Won by 12 runs
• 4. Bangladesh vs Pakistan – 11-run win
• 3. Nepal vs UAE – Won by 6 runs
• 2. Scotland vs USA – Won by 2 runs
• 1. Scotland vs Nepal – Won by 2 runs
• Conclusion
• FAQ

10. Nepal vs UAE – Won by 37 runs

Although Nepal could not put up a big total with the bat, their bowlers put in a stellar performance to stop UAE from reaching the target by 37 runs. This win will play an important role in boosting Nepal's confidence.

9. New Zealand vs Bangladesh – Won by 26 runs

In this match held in Mirpur, Bangladesh's batting lineup collapsed towards the end in the face of New Zealand's bowling attack, resulting in the Kiwis securing a valuable 26-run victory.

8. UAE vs Oman – Won by 25 runs

In the clash between the two allies, the UAE bowled well and kept Oman under pressure, eventually winning the match by 25 runs.

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7. Netherlands vs USA – Won by 21 runs

!10 thrilling wins by smallest margin in ODIs in 2026

The Dutch bowlers put in a superb performance in this low-scoring match, chasing a target of just 197 runs to win by 21 runs.

6. Sri Lanka vs England – Won by 19 runs

Sri Lanka put in a great team performance in the match held in Colombo. England fought back to the end but fell behind by 19 runs.

5. Oman vs Scotland – Won by 12 runs

Oman's bowlers maintained excellent control in this short overs match, defeating Scotland by 12 runs to secure a crucial victory.

4. Bangladesh vs Pakistan – 11-run win

!10 thrilling wins by smallest margin in ODIs in 2026

It was one of Bangladesh's most memorable victories in Mirpur. The Tigers secured a comfortable 11-run win over a formidable Pakistan side to cement their place in the series.

3. Nepal vs UAE – Won by 6 runs

The match, held in Kirtipur, was tense until the last over. Nepal's bowlers performed brilliantly under pressure to secure a victory by just 6 runs.

2. Scotland vs USA – Won by 2 runs

It was one of the most dramatic matches of 2026. In the end, Scotland won by just 2 runs and came joint top of the list of closest results of the year.

1. Scotland vs Nepal – Won by 2 runs

!10 thrilling wins by smallest margin in ODIs in 2026

This match is the joint-top of the list of smallest margin of victory by runs in ODIs in 2026. Nepal came very close to winning, but Scotland's bowlers turned the match around at the last minute and pulled off an incredible victory by just 2 runs.

Conclusion

Several matches in ODI cricket in 2026 went down to the last ball and gave the audience a great deal of excitement. Scotland's two 2-run wins, Nepal's thrilling 6-run victory and Bangladesh's 11-run win over Pakistan were among the most memorable encounters of the year. These matches proved once again that in cricket, no outcome is certain until the last ball is played.

FAQ

What was the smallest margin of victory by runs in ODIs in 2026?

The smallest margin of victory in ODIs in 2026 was 2 runs. Scotland achieved this feat in two matches—against Nepal and the United States.

How many ODI matches were won by 2 runs in 2026?

A total of two ODI matches ended by a margin of 2 runs and Scotland were victorious in both matches.

What was Bangladesh's smallest margin of victory?

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 11 runs in Mirpur on 15 March 2026, their narrowest margin of victory in an ODI in 2026.

How many close matches did Nepal win in 2026?

Nepal has won at least three notable narrow-margin matches in 2026, including victories by 6 and 37 runs against UAE and 81 runs against Oman.

What was New Zealand's smallest margin of victory by?

New Zealand won by 26 runs against Bangladesh in Mirpur on 17 April 2026, their narrowest ODI victory of the year.

Which team won the most matches by the smallest margin in 2026?

Scotland has established itself as one of the top teams on this list, winning multiple close matches in 2026.