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Top 10 Lowest Score In IPL History

While some teams boast about their high scores in IPL history, others prefer to keep other “records” hidden. SportsBoom takes a closer look at some less favorable scores in IPL history.

Subhayan Dutta
Subhayan Dutta

Last Updated: 2024-04-26

Louis Hobbs

8 minutes read

Kolkata Knight Riders' Harshit Rana celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli in a cricket match

Image Credits: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images

While the Indian Premier League (IPL) has earned a reputation for delivering exhilarating high-scoring encounters, amidst the flurry of boundary-laden thrillers and explosive batting displays also remain moments that highlight the prowess of bowlers. And the lowest scores in IPL history provide a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of the sport.

As fans anticipate dazzling batting spectacles and mammoth totals, there are occasions when teams succumb to the pressure of facing formidable bowling attacks, resulting in remarkably low scores. From iconic matches like Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) dramatic collapse against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to Rajasthan Royals' surprising downfall against RCB in Cape Town, the IPL has witnessed its share of gripping low-scoring encounters that have left a lasting impact on cricket enthusiasts.

Join us as we delve into the history of the IPL and explore the unforgettable moments encapsulated by the lowest team scores in IPL history from 2008 to 2023.

Lowest Score in IPL History: Top 10 (2008 - 2023)

Position

Team

Score

Overs

Opposition

Match Date

1

Royal Challengers Bangalore

49

9.4

Kolkata Knight Riders

23 Apr 2017

2

Rajasthan Royals

58

15.1

Royal Challengers Bangalore

18 Apr 2009

3

Rajasthan Royals

59

10.3

Royal Challengers Bangalore

14 May 2023

4

Delhi Daredevils

66

13.4

Mumbai Indians

6 May 2017

5

Delhi Daredevils

67

17.1

Kings XI Punjab

30 Apr 2017

6

Kolkata Knight Riders

67

15.2

Mumbai Indians

16 May 2008

7

Royal Challengers Bangalore

68

16.1

Sunrisers Hyderabad

23 Apr 2022

8

Royal Challengers Bangalore

70

17.1

Chennai Super Kings

23 Mar 2019

9

Royal Challengers Bangalore

70

15

Rajasthan Royals

26 Apr 2014

10

Kings XI Punjab

73

15.5

Rising Pune Supergiant

14 May 2017

Royal Challengers Bangalore - 49 runs | IPL 2017

On April 23, 2017, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced a historic low in the Indian Premier League (IPL), being bowled out for a mere 49 runs in 9.4 overs. This remains the lowest score in IPL history to date. Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) Nathan Coulter-Nile and Chris Woakes played pivotal roles, each claiming three wickets, which led to RCB's downfall. In a swift response, KKR easily chased down the target in just 5.2 overs with all ten wickets intact, highlighting their dominance in that match.

Image Credits: @sss_parida (X.com)

Image Credits: @sss_parida (X.com)

Rajasthan Royals - 58 runs | IPL 2009

In pursuit of a 133-run target set by Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals faced a disastrous innings, getting bowled out for a mere 58 runs in 17.1 overs. Leg-spinner Anil Kumble was the star of the show, claiming a fifer for just five runs in 3.1 overs, causing havoc in Rajasthan's batting lineup. Apart from Yusuf Pathan and Tyron Henderson, who managed to score 11 runs each, none of Rajasthan's batsmen could reach double digits. This collapse led to a comprehensive 75-run victory for RCB, with Rahul Dravid's stellar performance earning him the Man of the Match award for his 66 runs off 48 deliveries.

Rajasthan Royals - 59 runs | IPL 2023

It's not uncommon for the Royals to struggle against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In a crucial match in 2023, the Royals faced a daunting chase of 172 runs at Jaipur but faltered dramatically, getting bowled out for a mere 59 runs. Only Joe Root managed to reach double figures with 10 runs, while Shimron Hetmyer's contribution of 35 runs was crucial in preventing the Royals from registering the lowest total ever in the IPL. Without Hetmyer's effort, the outcome could have been even more dire for the Royals in that match against RCB.

Image Credits: @007kddinesh (X.com

Image Credits: @007kddinesh (X.com

Delhi Daredevils - 66 runs | IPL 2017

In their batting innings, Mumbai Indians (MI) posted an imposing total of 212 runs, thanks to some powerful hitting by Lendl Simmons (66 off 43), Parthiv Patel (25 off 22), and Kieron Pollard (63 off 35). Delhi, batting in response, faced an early setback as they lost Sanju Samson on the very first ball and struggled thereafter, eventually being bowled out for just 66 runs in 13.4 overs. MI's bowlers Harbhajan Singh and Karn Sharma were standout performers, each claiming three wickets and playing a crucial role in restricting Delhi to such a low total. Their bowling efforts were instrumental in MI's comprehensive victory in that match.

Delhi Daredevils - 67 runs | IPL 2017

Delhi Daredevils faced an early setback as they lost their openers quickly and struggled to recover from the early blows. They were eventually dismissed for a meager total of 67 runs in 17.1 overs, with Sandeep Sharma being the standout performer for Kings XI Punjab, claiming four wickets for just 20 runs. In contrast, Kings XI Punjab had a smooth run in their chase, achieving the target with ease and securing a commanding 10-wicket victory in just 7.5 overs. Martin Guptill played a stellar innings, smashing an unbeaten 50 off just 27 balls, while Hashim Amla contributed with an unbeaten 16, guiding Kings XI Punjab to a comfortable win without losing a single wicket.

Image Credits: @awesummly (X.com)

Image Credits: @awesummly (X.com)

FAQs

What is the lowest score of CSK in IPL?

Chennai Super Kings scored their lowest score in the IPL 2013 edition when they were wrapped up for just 79 runs. The team couldn’t play beyond 15.2 overs as they succumbed to Mumbai Indians’ star-studded bowling attack.

What is the lowest score defending in IPL history?

Chennai Super Kings have the notable achievement of successfully defending the lowest score in IPL history. It happened during the 2009 edition of the tournament when the five-time champions managed to post a total of 116/9 against Kings XI Punjab. CSK managed to eventually win by 24 runs as KXIP ended their 20 overs with 92/8.

What is the lowest score in IPL history for SRH?

Sunrisers Hyderabad produced their worst batting performance ever on April 6, 2019, as the entire side was wrapped up for just 96 runs in 17.4 overs while chasing a modest target of 136 runs set by Mumbai Indians.

What is the lowest score of MI?

The lowest score of MI in IPL is 87 runs, which they accumulated against Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2018. Chasing a target of 119 runs, Mumbai were all out by 18.5 overs.    

What is the lowest score in PSL?

The lowest score in PSL is 59 runs, which was scored by Lahore Qalandars while facing Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2017. The Qalandars were all wrapped up in just 10.2 overs while playing in Dubai.

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Subhayan Dutta
Subhayan DuttaSports Writer

An M.A. in English Literature, Subhayan is an experienced journalist and sports writer. Having worked as a journalist at Hindustan Times, Subhayan covered diverse beats including sports, education, and health, showcasing his versatility and in-depth understanding of various subjects.