The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to have thrilling matches every day. IPL 2025 recently saw some strange records. While Punjab failed to defend 245 against SRH, they recently defended the lowest total in IPL history with ease. The ability to defend low scores in the IPL is a testament to a team's bowling prowess, strategic field placements and ability to handle pressure. While the IPL is often associated with high-scoring thrillers, there have also been instances where teams have successfully defended low scores, leading to exciting finishes and memorable victories. Today, we will learn about the top 5 lowest scores defended in IPL history.
1. Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2025
The lowest total ever defended in a 20-over IPL match took place in Chandigarh during IPL 2025. Punjab Kings were bundled out for just 111 runs in 15.3 overs after batting first against Kolkata Knight Riders. But after this, Yuzvendra Chahal's brilliant spell of 4 for 28 and Marco Jansen's 3 for 17 played a key role in this improbable 16-run victory. This win is particularly significant as it is the lowest ever score in a 20-over IPL game, surpassing Chennai Super Kings' previous record.
2. Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab, 2009
In the 2009 season played in South Africa, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) etched their name in the record books by defending a low score of 116/9 against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Durban. On a challenging pitch, CSK bowlers displayed exceptional discipline and skill, restricting Punjab to just 92/8. This remarkable 24-run win showed CSK's ability to come back even when their batsmen were faltering. The conditions in South Africa during that season were often bowler-friendly, leading to some exciting low-scoring matches.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, 2018
The 2018 season saw another incredible low-scoring defence, this time by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium. SRH managed to score only 118 runs in 18.4 overs. However, their world-class bowling attack, renowned for its potential, rose to the occasion. They bowled out Mumbai Indians for just 87 and pulled off an unexpected 31-run victory. The win highlighted the strength of SRH's bowling department and their ability to perform under pressure, even against a strong batting lineup like Mumbai.
4. 119/8 by Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 2009
The 2009 season appears on this list again, this time by Punjab Kings pulling off another successful defence against Mumbai Indians in Durban. Punjab managed to score a modest 119/8 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Mumbai Indians struggled on the sluggish Durban surface and were restricted to 116/7, giving Punjab a marginal 3-run win. In this Match, for MI, JP Duminy became the highest run scorer. His cricket score in this match was 59 runs. But despite this knock, Mumbai failed to win this match. This match showed how adapting to the pitch conditions and using spin-heavy bowling can be crucial in defending low scores.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Pune Warriors India, 2013
Sunrisers Hyderabad have another name in this list for their defence of 119/8 against the now-defunct Pune Warriors India in the 2013 season. In a low-scoring encounter, SRH restricted the Pune Warriors to 108 and won the match by 11 runs. Amit Mishra's brilliant bowling performance, taking 4 wickets for just 19 runs, played a key role in this victory. This defence showed SRH's ability to win consistently even when their batting unit was underperforming.
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