In T20 cricket, a score of 180 200 runs is generally not considered sufficient. However, there are times when the bowling is so exceptional that even a score of 100–120 runs proves enough to secure a victory. Over the 18-year journey of the Indian Premier League (IPL), there have been numerous such matches where, despite a low score being posted in the first innings, the bowlers worked wonders. In April 2025, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) set a new record in IPL history by successfully defending a score of 111 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This stands as the lowest score ever successfully defended in a full 20-over match (excluding rain-affected games).
Top 5 Lowest Scores Defended in IPL History
| 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 |
1. 111 by Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2025
In a thrilling encounter on April 15, 2025, the Punjab Kings secured a magnificent 16-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders. Batting first, the Punjab Kings were bowled out for a mere 111 runs, setting what appeared to be a modest target. However, their bowlers completely turned the tide of the match with a spirited performance; they dismantled KKR's batting lineup and defended that low total with sheer determination. This victory showcased PBKS's courage and fighting spirit, making it a memorable match of the tournament.
2. 116 by Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab, 2009
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) holds the prestigious record in the history of the IPL for successfully defending the lowest total. This feat was achieved during the 2009 season of the tournament, when the team managed to post a score of just 116/9 in 20 overs, with Parthiv Patel contributing 32 runs off 23 balls. Despite the low total, under the brilliant captaincy of MS Dhoni, CSK's bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, preventing Kings XI Punjab from chasing down the target. Punjab was restricted to a score of 92/8, handing CSK a memorable 24-run victory. Even after more than a decade has passed, this remains the lowest score successfully defended in the history of the league.
3. 118 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, 2018
In one of the most thrilling and low-scoring matches of the 2018 IPL season, Sunrisers Hyderabad were bowled out for 118 runs in 18.4 overs against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Although the target appeared modest on paper, the SRH bowlers had other intentions. Fast bowler Siddarth Kaul spearheaded the attack, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs, and was ably supported by Basil Thampi who took 2 wickets for just 4 runs and Rashid Khan, who snared 2 wickets for 11 runs in a remarkably economical spell. Succumbing to the pressure, Mumbai's batting lineup completely crumbled; the team was bowled out for a mere 87 runs, handing SRH a 31-run victory and etching this match forever into the annals of IPL history.
4. 119 by Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, 2009
During an IPL match held in Durban in 2009, under the captaincy of Yuvraj Singh, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) posted a score of 119/8; in this innings, Kumar Sangakkara anchored the team by scoring 45 runs off 44 balls. While chasing the target, Mumbai Indians got off to a poor start, and despite a magnificent innings of 59 runs off 63 balls by Jean-Paul Duminy, the team could only manage a score of 116/7 in 20 overs. Punjab secured a narrow 3-run victory a win that went down in the tournament's history as one of its most thrilling matches, featuring the successful defense of a low total.
5. 119 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Pune Warriors India, 2013
In a thrilling match played in Pune, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a score of 119/8, thanks to crucial innings from Biplab Samantray (37) and Ashish Reddy (19). Pune Warriors' attempt to chase down the target was thwarted by the SRH bowlers—most notably Amit Mishra—who recorded match-winning figures of 4/19. Mishra also played a pivotal role with the bat, contributing a useful innings of 30 runs off 24 balls. The Pune team was bowled out for 108 runs, and SRH secured an 11-run victory; the match served as a testament to their fighting spirit and bowling prowess.
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