The Indian Premier League (IPL) is synonymous with towering sixes, blistering centuries, and nail-biting chases, the place 200+ totals have change into the brand new norm. With flat pitches, lightning-fast outfields, and brief boundaries, circumstances overwhelmingly favour batters, typically pushing bowlers to the sting.
When bowlers rose in opposition to the tide within the IPL
But, on this batter-dominated theatre, there have been unforgettable situations when bowlers flipped the script with self-discipline and daring. These uncommon moments noticed modest totals flip into monumental challenges, as bowling items united to strangle line-ups loaded with firepower. It’s in these intense, low-scoring thrillers that the tactical genius of captains, the sharpness of fielders, and the precision of bowlers got here collectively. Delivering yorkers beneath strain, outfoxing batters with spin, and executing game-changing spells, these matches proved that in T20 cricket, it’s not at all times about what number of you rating, however how properly you defend. They remind us that even within the IPL’s glitzy universe, grit and guile nonetheless win video games.
High 5 unbelievable low totals defended in IPL matches
1. Punjab Kings defend 111 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2025)
- Venue: Mullanpur
- PBKS Rating: 111 all out
- KKR Rating: 95 all out
- Victory Margin: 16 runs
In an IPL 2025 shocker, Punjab Kings scripted historical past by defending the bottom whole ever within the league – simply 111 runs. The sport appeared in KKR’s grip at 62/2, however leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal orchestrated an epic collapse with a four-wicket masterclass. His variations and attacking mindset dismantled KKR, who have been bundled out for 95, sending shockwaves by means of the event.
2. Chennai Tremendous Kings defend 116/9 vs KXIP (2009)
- Venue: Durban
- CSK Rating: 116/9
- KXIP Rating: 92/8
- Victory Margin: 24 runs
This match from the IPL’s South Africa version in 2009 proved that Chennai Tremendous Kings may win even with a below-par whole. Their spin trio –Muttiah Muralitharan, Ravichandran Ashwin and Suresh Raina – ran by means of the Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) batting order, defending 116 on a sluggish Durban pitch. Punjab by no means appeared settled, shedding six of their prime seven for single digits.
Additionally READ: Top 5 players with the most fielding dismissals in IPL history ft. MS Dhoni
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad defend 118 vs Mumbai Indians (2018)
- Venue: Wankhede, Mumbai
- SRH Rating: 118 all out
- MI Rating: 87 all out
- Victory Margin: 31 runs
A recreation that underlined the grit of Sunrisers Hyderabad, this match noticed the Orange Military defend 118 runs in opposition to the mighty Mumbai Indians. Rashid Khan was at his deadly greatest, taking 2/11, whereas the tempo assault backed him with relentless strain. MI have been shot out for simply 87, making it one of the dominant bowling performances in IPL historical past.
4. KXIP defend 119/8 vs Mumbai Indians (2009)
- Venue: Durban
- KXIP Rating: 119/8
- MI Rating: 116/7
- Victory Margin: 3 runs
In one other Durban traditional, Kings XI Punjab confirmed nerves of metal. Their bowlers rocked Mumbai Indians, lowering them to 12/3 early. Regardless of JP Duminy’s valiant 59, MI fell brief by 3 runs. Punjab’s calculated use of seam and spin within the loss of life overs ensured they efficiently defended a complete of 119 – highlighting the worth of early breakthroughs.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad defend 119/8 vs Pune Warriors India (2013)
- Venue: Pune
- SRH Rating: 119/8
- PWI Rating: 108 all out
- Victory Margin: 11 runs
Again in 2013, the now-defunct Pune Warriors India crumbled beneath scoreboard strain. After a strong begin, they collapsed spectacularly as Amit Mishra spun an internet with 4/19. His accuracy and intelligent flight triggered a collection of misjudged pictures, and SRH defended 119 with simply 11 runs to spare in a nail-biting end.
Additionally READ: Top 5 oldest cricketers to receive Player of the Match award in IPL history ft. MS Dhoni
