In the IPL, we often see teams scoring big and chasing even bigger totals. But sometimes, it’s not about how many runs you make — it’s about how smartly you defend them. A few teams have shocked everyone by defending very low scores using smart bowling and great teamwork.
Here are the top 5 lowest scores ever defended successfully in IPL history:
1. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 111 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) 2025
- Date: April 15, 2025
- Venue: Mullanpur
- Result: Punjab Kings won by 16 runs
Punjab Kings were bowled out for only 111 runs in just 15.3 overs, which looked like an easy target for Kolkata Knight Riders. But Punjab’s bowlers made an amazing comeback.
Yuzvendra Chahal took 4 wickets for 28 runs, and Marco Jansen took 3 wickets for 17 runs. KKR was all out for just 95 runs in 15.1 overs. This became the lowest total ever defended in IPL history.
2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 116/9 vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) 2009
- Date: May 20, 2009
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban (South Africa)
- Result: CSK won by 24 runs
This match happened during the 2009 IPL season, which was held in South Africa. Chennai Super Kings made just 116 runs in their 20 overs. It didn’t look like enough, but their bowlers were very disciplined. Kings XI Punjab couldn’t chase the target and were restricted to 92 runs for 8 wickets.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 118 vs Mumbai Indians (MI) 2018
- Date: April 24, 2018
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Result: SRH won by 31 runs
Sunrisers Hyderabad got all out for only 118 runs. Most teams would give up hope, but SRH didn’t. Their bowlers were outstanding:
Siddarth Kaul and Basil Thampi bowled tightly. Then, Rashid Khan took 2 wickets and gave away only 11 runs. Mumbai Indians were bowled out for just 87 runs, and SRH won comfortably.
4. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – 119/8 vs Mumbai Indians (MI) 2009
- Date: May 12, 2009
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Result: Kings XI Punjab won by 3 runs
Kings XI Punjab made 119 runs in their 20 overs. It was not a big total, but they bowled with a strong plan. Mumbai Indians came close but could only reach 116 runs. Punjab won the match by just 3 runs — a very close finish!
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 119/8 vs Pune Warriors India (PWI) 2013
- Date: April 17, 2013
- Venue: Hyderabad
- Result: SRH won by 11 runs
Sunrisers Hyderabad made 119/8 in 20 overs. It looked like an easy chase for Pune Warriors India, but SRH bowlers didn’t let it happen.
Amit Mishra was the star of the match, taking 4 wickets for 19 runs. Pune Warriors were restricted to just 108 runs.
