The Indian Premier League is known for explosive batting innings, and players strive to register big totals on the scoreboard. But the recklessness often results in low scores that the bowling side has to defend.
It’s uncommon for a team to score below 125 and win the match, but the IPL is famous for its unpredictability. Anything can happen in the tournament.
There is no certainty in the IPL at all. Consecutive sixes in one over, entire teams bowled out for less than 50 runs, and run totals on par with an average ODI game are phenomena commonly witnessed in the IPL.
However, it’s a highly rare scenario in which a team successfully defends a low score. Yet, it’s happened several times. Today, we bring you the list of the lowest scores successfully defended in IPL history.
IPL Lowest Defended Score
The T20 cricket format is hard for all players but more so for bowlers. There is immense pressure on them, and a couple of boundaries in every over are considered normal. Check the list of the lowest run totals ever defended in IPL history below. We have taken into account only the games that were played for 20 overs, not the ones stopped by rain or any other case.
| S.No | Team | Score | Opposition | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punjab Kings | 111/10 | Kolkata Knight Riders | PBKS won by 16 runs | 15 April, 2025 |
| 2 | Chennai Super Kings | 116/9 | Kings XI Punjab | CSK Won by 24 Runs | 20 May 2009 |
| 3 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 118 | Mumbai Indians | SRH Won by 31 Runs | 24 April 2018 |
| 4 | Kings XI Punjab | 119/8 | Mumbai Indians | KXIP Won by 24 Runs | 20 April 2009 |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 119/8 | Pune Warriors | SRH Won by 11 Runs | 17 April 2013 |
| 6 | Mumbai Indians | 120/9 | Pune Warriors | MI Won by 1 Run | 3 May 2012 |
| 7 | Punjab Kings | 125/7 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | PBKS Won by 5 Runs | 25 September 2021 |
| 8 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 126/8 | Chennai Super Kings | RCB Won by 14 Runs | 21 May 2008 |
| 9 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 126/6 | Pune Warriors | SRH Won by 22 Runs | 5 April 2013 |
| 10 | Kings XI Punjab | 126/7 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | KXIP Won by 12 Runs | 24 October 2020 |
#1. 111 by Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2025
In a thrilling encounter on April 15, 2025, Punjab Kings clinched a dramatic 16-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Batting first, Punjab Kings were bowled out for just 111 runs, setting what seemed to be a modest target.
However, their bowlers turned the game on its head with a spirited performance, dismantling the KKR batting lineup and defending the low total with fierce determination. The win showcased PBKS’s grit and fighting spirit, making it a memorable match in the tournament.
#2. 116 by Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab, 2009
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) hold the prestigious record of defending the lowest total in IPL history. This feat was achieved during the 2009 edition of the tournament when they managed to score just 116/9 in 20 overs, with Parthiv Patel contributing 32 runs off 23 balls.
Despite the low total, CSK bowlers, under the sharp captaincy of MS Dhoni, orchestrated an incredible bowling performance to stifle the Kings XI Punjab chase. Punjab were restricted to 92/8, giving CSK a memorable 24-run victory. More than a decade later, this remains the lowest total successfully defended in the league's history.
#3. 118 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, 2018
In one of the most thrilling low-scoring encounters of the 2018 IPL season, Sunrisers Hyderabad were bowled out for 118 in 18.4 overs against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The target seemed modest, but SRH's bowlers had other plans.
Pacer Siddarth Kaul led the charge with 3/23, supported by Basil Thampi’s 2/4 and Rashid Khan’s economical 2/11. The Mumbai batting unit crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 87 runs, handing SRH a 31-run victory and etching the match into IPL folklore.
#4. 119 by Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, 2009
During a 2009 IPL clash in Durban, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), under the leadership of Yuvraj Singh, posted 119/8 with Kumar Sangakkara anchoring the innings through a gritty 45 off 44 balls.
Mumbai Indians' chase faltered early, and despite Jean Paul Duminy’s valiant 59 off 63 balls, the team could only manage 116/7 in 20 overs. Punjab edged past with a narrow 3-run win, making it one of the tightest low-score defences in the tournament’s history.
#5. 119 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Pune Warriors India, 2013
In a tight match played in Pune, Sunrisers Hyderabad managed 119/8, thanks to crucial knocks from Biplab Samantray (37) and Ashish Reddy (19). Pune Warriors' chase was derailed by SRH's bowlers, especially Amit Mishra, who returned match-winning figures of 4/19.
Mishra also played a key role with the bat, scoring a handy 30 off 24 balls. Pune were bowled out for 108, and SRH walked away with an 11-run win in a game that highlighted their fighting spirit and bowling prowess.
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