The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its high-scoring matches, where batters dominate with explosive innings. However, there have been rare instances where teams have defied the odds by defending remarkably low totals. These matches stand out in IPL history, showcasing the brilliance of bowlers and the unpredictability of T20 cricket.
Here’s a look at the lowest scores successfully defended in the IPL, proving that no target is too small if the bowling attack is disciplined and relentless.
1. Punjab Kings (111) vs Kolkata Knight Riders – 2025
Score: 111/10
Result: Won by 16 runs
Date: 15 April 2025
In one of the most shocking IPL matches, PBKS were bowled out for just 111 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, their bowlers produced a sensational performance, restricting KKR to 95 and securing an unlikely 16-run victory.
2. Chennai Super Kings (116) vs Kings XI Punjab – 2009
Score: 116/9
Result: Won by 24 runs
Date: 20 May 2009
CSK, known for their strong batting, struggled to post just 116 runs against Kings XI Punjab. However, their bowlers stepped up, dismissing Punjab for 92, securing a memorable 24-run win.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (118) vs Mumbai Indians – 2018
Score: 118/10
Result: Won by 31 runs
Date: 24 April 2018
In a low-scoring thriller, SRH were bundled out for 118, but their world-class bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan, dismantled MI for just 87, clinching a 31-run victory.
4. Kings XI Punjab (119) vs Mumbai Indians – 2009
Score: 119/8
Result: Won by 24 runs
Date: 20 April 2009
KXIP posted a modest 119/8, but their bowlers delivered under pressure, restricting MI to 95/9 and securing a 24-run win.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (119) vs Pune Warriors – 2013
Score: 119/8
Result: Won by 11 runs
Date: 17 April 2013
In a tight 11-run victory over Pune Warriors, SRH’s bowlers maintained composure while defending 119 and holding the opposition to 108/9.
6. Mumbai Indians (120) vs Pune Warriors – 2012
Score: 120/9
Result: Won by 1 run
Date: 3 May 2012
In one of the closest low-scoring IPL matches, MI defended 120 against Pune Warriors, winning by just 1 run in a nail-biting finish.
7. Punjab Kings (125) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2021
Score: 125/7
Result: Won by 5 runs
Date: 25 September 2021
PBKS set a modest 125/7, but their bowlers kept SRH to 120/7, securing a thrilling 5-run win.
8. Royal Challengers Bangalore (126) vs Chennai Super Kings – 2008
Score: 126/8
Result: Won by 14 runs
Date: 21 May 2008
RCB, struggling at 126/8, stunned CSK by bowling them out for 112, registering a 14-run victory.
9. Sunrisers Hyderabad (126) vs Pune Warriors – 2013
Score: 126/6
Result: Won by 22 runs
Date: 5 April 2013
SRH posted 126/6, but their bowlers dominated, restricting Pune to 104/9 in a comfortable 22-run win.
10. Kings XI Punjab (126) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2020
Score: 126/7
Result: Won by 12 runs
Date: 24 October 2020
KXIP managed only 126/7, but their bowlers held SRH to 114/10, securing a crucial 12-run victory.
Conclusion
Defending low totals in T20 cricket is an extraordinary feat, requiring exceptional bowling and fielding efforts. These matches prove that in the IPL, no target is too small if the bowlers execute their plans perfectly. From Punjab Kings’ stunning defense of 111 to MI’s thrilling 1-run win, these games remain etched in IPL history as some of the most unpredictable and exciting encounters.
