By Rohit - Apr 16, 2025 12:14 AM
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its high-scoring thrillers, with batters smashing sixes and chasing mammoth totals. But sometimes, it’s the bowlers who steal the show, turning seemingly easy chases into nail-biting battles. One such moment came in IPL 2025, when Punjab Kings (PBKS) scripted history by defending the lowest total ever in a full 20-over IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
This article dives into the top 5 lowest totals defended in IPL history, spotlighting PBKS’s record-breaking feat and other iconic low-scoring defenses. Whether you’re a cricket fan or just love an underdog story, here’s everything you need to know about these epic bowling masterclasses.
On April 15, 2025, Punjab Kings pulled off the unthinkable at Mullanpur’s Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. After choosing to bat first, PBKS crumbled to 111 all out in 15.3 overs, with Harshit Rana (3/25), Varun Chakaravarthy (2/21), and Sunil Narine (2/14) leading KKR’s bowling charge. Openers Priyansh Arya (22) and Prabhsimran Singh (30) gave a quick start, adding 39 in 3.1 overs, but Harshit’s double-wicket over sparked a collapse.
Chasing 112, KKR looked comfortable at 62/2 after 7.3 overs. Enter Yuzvendra Chahal, whose magical 4/28 flipped the game. Supported by Marco Jansen’s 3/17, PBKS bowled KKR out for 95 in 15.1 overs, securing a 16-run win. This broke the previous record for the lowest total defended in IPL history, set by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2009. It was a stunning display of grit, proving that in T20 cricket, no total is too small to defend with heart and strategy.
Low-scoring defenses are rare in the IPL’s batsman-dominated landscape, making these matches unforgettable. Here’s the definitive list of the top 5 lowest totals defended in IPL history (full 20-over games only):
| S.No. | Team | Total | Opposition | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punjab Kings | 111 | 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 |
| 11 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 126/9 | Lucknow Super Giants | RCB Won by 18 Runs | 1 May 2023 |
| 12 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 129/7 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | KKR Won by 5 Runs | 8 May 2008 |
| 13 | Deccan Chargers | 129/7 | Kochi Tuskers Kerala | DEC Won by 55 Runs | 27 April 2011 |
| 14 | Pune Warriors | 129/9 | Mumbai Indians | PWI Won by 28 Runs | 6 April 2012 |
Punjab Kings’ defense of 111 against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 isn’t just a win—it’s a landmark in T20 cricket. By surpassing CSK’s 16-year record, PBKS showed that lowest totals defended in IPL history are about heart as much as skill. From Chahal’s spin wizardry to Jansen’s fiery pace, these moments remind us why we love cricket’s unpredictability.
As the IPL evolves, will we see even lower totals defended? For now, PBKS’s 2025 heroics top the list. Share your favorite low-scoring thriller in the comments—what made it unforgettable?
What is the lowest total ever defended in IPL history?▼
The lowest total defended in a full 20-over IPL match is 111 by Punjab Kings against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025 at Mullanpur, winning by 16 runs.
Which team held the record before Punjab Kings in 2025?▼
Chennai Super Kings held the record, defending 116/9 against Kings XI Punjab in 2009 at Durban, winning by 24 runs.
How did Punjab Kings defend 111 against KKR in 2025?▼
PBKS relied on Yuzvendra Chahal’s 4/28 and Marco Jansen’s 3/17 to bowl KKR out for 95, exploiting the spin-friendly Mullanpur pitch.
Why are low-score defenses rare in the IPL?▼
IPL pitches often favor batters, and T20 encourages aggressive chasing. Defending low totals requires exceptional bowling, smart captaincy, and favorable conditions.
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