The Indian Premier League is a fast-paced, explosive league where high-scoring thrillers and huge totals typically garner the most media attention. However, some of the most captivating, and occasionally tragic, scenes occur when teams make terrible batting errors. These concerning innings, which represent the lowest score in IPL history, demonstrate how even the best lineups may falter under duress.
Top 10 Lowest Total in IPL (All-time)
| Rank | Score | Team | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 49 | RCB | KKR | Eden Gardens | 23-Apr-2017 |
| 2 | 58 | RR | RCB | Cape Town | 18-Apr-2009 |
| 3 | 59 | RR | RCB | Jaipur | 14-May-2023 |
| 4 | 66 | DD | MI | Delhi | 06-May-2017 |
| 5 | 67 | DD | PBKS | Mohali | 30-Apr-2017 |
| 6 | 67 | KKR | MI | Mumbai | 16-May-2008 |
| 7 | 68 | RCB | SRH | Mumbai | 23-Apr-2022 |
| 8 | 70 | RCB | CSK | Chennai | 23-Mar-2019 |
| 9 | 70 | RCB | RR | Abu Dhabi | 26-Apr-2014 |
| 10 | 73 | PBKS | Rising Pune SG | Pune | 14-May-2017 |
These figures perfectly illustrate the IPL’s lowest score team phenomenon.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 49 All Out (vs KKR, 23rd April, 2017)
At Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders dismissed RCB for just 49 runs in 9.4 overs, putting them at the top of this undesirable list. Not a single batter reached double figures. Chris Woakes, Colin de Grandhomme, and Nathan Coulter-Nile of Kolkata each took three wickets. This club still has the lowest IPL score to date, even in a league with a high run-scoring capacity.
2. Rajasthan Royals – 58 all‑out (vs RCB, Cape Town, 18 April 2009)
Prior to RCB’s humiliating performance, RR had the lowest IPL total after being dismissed for 58 during a 2009 tour of South Africa. This is one of the lowest runs in the IPL, despite being a comparatively high T20 total, underscoring the league’s early bowling dominance.
3. Rajasthan Royals – 59 all‑out (vs RCB, Jaipur, 14 May 2023)
In a throwback to their previous collapse, RR scored just 59 runs against RCB in Jaipur in May 2023. This is currently the lowest score by a “home” team in IPL history; regrettably, it is not the lowest score in IPL history overall, but it is the third-lowest score ever.
4. Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) – 66 all‑out (vs MI, Delhi, 6 May 2017)
In 2017, the Daredevils lost to the Mumbai Indians at Arun Jaitley Stadium after being bowled out for a mere 66 runs. Another example of bowlers controlling play, this collapse ranks as the fourth-lowest team score in IPL history.
5. Delhi Daredevils – 67 all‑out (vs Punjab Kings, Mohali, 30 April 2017)
Delhi suffered another crushing defeat—67 all out—in Mohali just weeks after their last setback. This indicates that the same team in the same season has two of the lowest IPL scores ever.
- KKR – 67 all out vs MI (Wankhede, 16 May 2008)
- RCB – 68 all out vs SRH (Brabourne, 23 April 2022)
- RCB – 70 all out vs CSK and 70 all out vs RR in prior seasons
These totals, all among the lowest team scores in IPL, emphasize that even top teams can be rattled
Context: Why do IPL low-score teams happen?
- Bowling mastery and well-managed pitch conditions: Excellent bowling can take advantage of advantageous pitches, particularly in the evening or twilight, and can drastically change games.
- Pressure & momentum: Teams can struggle with cautious fielding and astute death bowling when chasing a modest total. This was evident when Punjab defended just 111, the lowest total ever defended in IPL history.
- Mistakes in strategy: Ignoring a crucial partnership or misjudging the pitch can cause collapses and push totals to the lowest IPL range.
The IPL’s Lowest Score Team vs. Impressive Defences
It’s easy to assume that poor grades spell disaster. However, experience has demonstrated that it can be thrilling to defend a low total in an IPL match. The IPL’s lowest total defended occurred in April 2025 when Punjab Kings bowled out KKR for 95 after defending just 111.
Turning Lows Into Drama
IPL matches with the lowest score might be excruciating for supporters of the losing teams, but they can also cause excitement, particularly when low totals catch everyone off guard and result in exciting defends or comebacks. These matches highlight how erratic T20 cricket can be, with one outstanding bowling performance having the power to completely alter predictions.
Key Takeaways
- The lowest score in IPL: 49 by RCB, 23 April 2017 at Eden Gardens.
- The ipl lowest score team list includes RCB, RR, DD, KKR—some enduring multiple embarrassments.
- Collapses under 70 runs have occurred seven times in IPL history, underlining the format’s volatility
- Low‑total defences, like Punjab’s 111, feature on the spectacular side of IPL narratives.
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