Sport's most fearful drubbings

Zimbabwe's total of 38 against Sri Lanka is the lowest score in a one-day international, and ranks as one of sport's biggest humiliations.

But what was the most embarrassing sporting defeat of all?

Zimbabwe's total beats Pakistan's dismal 43 against the West Indies in 1993.

But thrashings, hidings, whippings and wallopings are not exclusive to cricket.

Arsenal's title hopes evaporated on the day Manchester United annihilated the north Londoners 6-1 at Old Trafford in February 2001.

And in rugby union, who could forget Australia's 76-0 humbling of England in 1998?

But what ranks as sport's most humiliating defeat?

---

Manchester United losing 3-0 at home to York City in the league cup six years ago. It was their only home defeat all season, and they hadn't lost at home by the same margin until the Chelsea game this month.
Paul Grayson, UK

No greater, more sublime joy than the day in 1978 (was it?) when Ally's Army were effectively sent packing by Iran. After the melodramatic, cocky send-off and the insufferable swaggering of the Scots supporters, the fumbling incompetence of Alan Rough brought joy to a nation - England!
Cynewulf, ENGLAND

Apart from the 1992 FA cup win, the Souness era in general was pretty embarrassing for all Liverpool fans

Arindam Rej, England

In my view, Wales' 26-24 rugby defeat to Canada in front of a practically empty Arms Park goes down as one of our lowest moments.
Nathan Hamer, Wales

As a Belle Vue Aces speedway fan, I remember as a teenager seeing my side hammer Eastbourne 64-14 (the maximum possible score was 65-13!) However, since we have been on the end of several fearful drubbings lately, I won't crow about it!
Andy Millward, UK

It's still incredible to think of Australia's 31-0 annihilation of American Samoa in the World Cup qualifier earlier this year.
Ryan, Scotland

Apart from the 1992 FA cup win, the Souness era in general was pretty embarrassing for all Liverpool fans and produced its fair share of humiliating results. However, I think the pinnacle of humiliation was reached with the FA cup defeat at the hands of Bristol City. That was nasty.
Arindam Rej, England

The fact we pay thousands to over-rated boys to carry the flag for England and still FAIL in every competition!
David, England

QPR beating Man Utd 4 -1 at Old Trafford on New Year's day 1992

Joe Robinson, London, England

NZ v Japan in the '95 Rugby World Cup takes some beating. As did Japan; 153-17 if I recall. And afterwards, Sean Fitzpatrick couldn't believe they'd let the opposition score 17 points! (Mind you, 17 points against the '95 All Blacks was some achievement!).
Tom, England

QPR beating Man Utd 4 -1 at Old Trafford on New Year's day 1992. Dennis Baily Hallelujah!!
Joe Robinson, London England

One of the worst losses in sport ever must surely be the Haringey Greyhounds 17-1 defeat at home to the Romford Raiders in ice hockey's English Premier League Cup this October.
Matt Takaira, England

Can you really top the Americans' perennial thrashings by much smaller countries despite their best baseball teams being 'world champions'?
Nic, Kenya

England beating Germany 5-1 in Munich in September was a disastrous drubbing according to the German press.
Matt, England

After years of boycotting the World Cup on the grounds that they were world champions by repute, England's 0-1 loss to the USA in 1950

Dave Smith, New Zealand

How about the Crazy Gang beating the mighty Liverpool in the cup final, what a result!
Robert, N.Ireland

As a Manchester United fan, I would have to say that losing 5-1 to Manchester City at Maine Road in September 1989 was definitely the most embarrassing defeat in their history.
Rhys Stephens, UK

How about India's 24-1 drubbing of USA in hockey?
Surya, India

After years of boycotting the football World Cup on the grounds that they were world champions by repute (and didn't need to prove it) England's 0-1 loss to the USA in the 1950 competition would take some beating. It was made that much worse by the British press, convincing themselves there was a teleprinter error, publishing that the result was 10-1 to England.
Dave Smith, New Zealand

Ha ha. Not as humiliating as West Ham's 7-1 defeat there last year. Or the fact that West Ham have never won the League Championship.
Robert, England

Manchester Utd losing 0-1 to West Ham at 'fortress' Old Trafford.
James Davey, UK