Lowest Totals Defended in IPL History
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its high-scoring matches and thrilling chases. However, some of the most remarkable games have come from low-scoring encounters where disciplined bowling, smart captaincy, and pressure handling turned the tide in favor of the defending team. These matches prove that in T20 cricket, even a modest total can be defended with the right strategy and execution.
Here’s a Look at the Lowest Totals Ever Defended in IPL History
Let’s take a look at some unforgettable low total defenses that left a mark on IPL history.
1. Chennai Super Kings – 116/9 vs Punjab Kings (2009)
Date: May 20, 2009
Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
Opponent: Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab)
CSK won by 24 runs
During the IPL 2009 season in South Africa, Chennai Super Kings struggled to build a big total and managed only 116 for 9 in 20 overs.
Key Moments:
- Parthiv Patel scored a fighting 32 off 23 balls, but wickets kept falling.
- Punjab’s bowlers, led by Irfan Pathan, restricted Chennai to a modest total.
- Punjab’s chase never got going as Muttiah Muralitharan and Ravichandran Ashwin dominated.
- Muralitharan took 2 wickets for just 8 runs in 4 overs, while Ashwin chipped in with 1 for 13.
- Punjab could only manage 92 for 8, giving CSK a memorable 24-run victory.
This remains the lowest total ever defended in IPL history, proving the power of spin bowling in tough conditions.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 118 vs Mumbai Indians (2018)
Date: April 24, 2018
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Opponent: Mumbai Indians
SRH won by 31 runs
Sunrisers Hyderabad, known for their strong bowling attack, pulled off one of the most impressive low-score defenses against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede.
Key Moments:
- SRH struggled with the bat and were bowled out for 118 in 18.4 overs.
- Mumbai Indians looked set for an easy chase but were stunned by Rashid Khan and Siddarth Kaul.
- Rashid Khan took 2 wickets for 11 runs in 4 overs, while Kaul picked up 3 for 23.
- Mumbai was bowled out for just 87 runs, handing SRH a comfortable 31-run win.
This match highlighted how a disciplined bowling attack can turn the game even with a low target.
3. Punjab Kings – 119/8 vs Mumbai Indians (2009)
Date: April 29, 2009
Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
Opponent: Mumbai Indians
Punjab Kings won by 3 runs
In another IPL 2009 thriller, Punjab Kings managed to defend a small total against Mumbai Indians.
Key Moments:
- Mahela Jayawardene top-scored with 31 off 42 balls, but Punjab could only post 119 for 8.
- Mumbai started well but kept losing wickets at crucial moments.
- Yusuf Abdulla and Irfan Pathan took 2 wickets each to put Punjab in control.
- With 12 runs needed off the final over, Punjab held their nerve to win by 3 runs.
This match showed that in T20 cricket, even a few runs can make a huge difference in a tense finish.
4. Mumbai Indians – 129/8 vs Rising Pune Supergiant (2017 IPL Final)
Date: May 21, 2017
Venue: Hyderabad
Opponent: Rising Pune Supergiant
Mumbai Indians won by 1 run
This was not just a low total defense—it was in the IPL Final. Mumbai Indians, aiming for their third title, struggled with the bat and posted only 129 for 8.
Key Moments:
- Kieron Pollard played a crucial knock of 47 off 38 balls, but Pune’s bowlers kept things tight.
- Pune, led by Steve Smith’s 51, looked in control of the chase.
- Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Johnson delivered in the final overs to turn the game around.
- Pune needed 4 runs off the final ball, but Johnson held his nerve to seal a 1-run victory.
This remains the lowest total ever defended in an IPL final, proving that pressure situations can change the game.
5. Delhi Capitals – 129/8 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2015)
Date: May 9, 2015
Venue: Raipur
Opponent: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Delhi Capitals won by 4 runs
Delhi Capitals, then known as Delhi Daredevils, defended a modest 129 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling encounter.
Key Moments:
- JP Duminy top-scored with 54 off 41 balls to help Delhi post 129 for 8.
- SRH seemed on course with Shikhar Dhawan scoring 50, but wickets started tumbling.
- Zaheer Khan and Amit Mishra bowled tight spells, restricting SRH to 125 for 8.
- Delhi won by just 4 runs, showing that experience and composure are key in low-score defenses.
Conclusion
While the IPL is often dominated by big-hitting and high scores, these matches prove that defending a low total is an art. A combination of smart bowling, disciplined fielding, and handling pressure has helped teams pull off some of the most thrilling victories.
With every season, teams continue to surprise us with incredible bowling performances, proving that in cricket, it’s never over until the last ball is bowled.
