The Indian Premier League is widely considered the pinnacle of domestic T20 franchisee cricket across the world.
The first of its kind, the IPL was established in 2008 and in the last 16 years, the tournament has given us several memorable moments.
The IPL has seen some spectacular run chases over the years, with teams winning matches while chasing more than 200 runs.
But it has also witnessed some low-scoring games where teams have successfully managed to defend first innings totals of less than 120 runs.
Delhi Capitals, on April 24, 2023, managed to defend a total of fewer than 150 runs for the first time in history against SRH in Hyderabad. Batting first, David Warner's side managed to post 144 runs in 20 overs and then won the tie by 7 runs.
Here, The Sporting News takes a look at the top 5 lowest scores defended in IPL history.
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What are the top 5 lowest scores defended in IPL history?
Note: Reduced matches, due to weather, are not included in the below table
| Team | Opponent | Runs defended | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSK | KXI | 116 | 20/5/2009 | Durban |
| SRH | MI | 118 | 24/4/2018 | Mumbai |
| PBKS | MI | 119 | 29/4/2009 | Pune |
| SRH | PWI | 119 | 17/5/2013 | Pune |
| MI | PWI | 120 | 3/5/2012 | Pune |
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The lowest scores defended in IPL history: A breakdown
- Chennai Super Kings (116 runs): CSK defended the lowest total in IPL history against PBKS in IPL 2009 at Kingsmead, Durban. Batting first, CSK managed to put up a total of just 116 runs which PBKS failed to chase as they scored just 92 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. CSK bowling was led by Muttiah Muralitharan who picked up 2 wickets in 4 overs and conceded just 8 runs.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (118 runs): SRH beat MI in an IPL 2018 group stage clash despite scoring just 118 runs in 20 overs at the Wankhede stadium. While chasing, MI were bowled out for 87 runs. Sidharth Kaul picked up 3 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs.
- Punjab Kings (119 runs): MI failed to chase 120 runs against PBKS (then Kings XI Punjab) in an IPL 2009 group-stage clash at Kingsmead, Durban. With just 119 runs on board, PBKS managed to restrict MI to 116 runs in 20 overs. Yusuf Abdullah picked up 2 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (119 runs): Despite putting up just 119 runs batting first, SRH managed to defend their total by bowling out PWI for 108 runs in 19 overs at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium in Pune. Amit Mishra picked up 4 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs.
- Mumbai Indians (120 runs): MI defended 120 runs against Pune Warriors India (PWI) in IPL 2012 at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium in Pune. The hosts failed to chase a paltry total of 121 runs as they were restricted to 119 for 6 in 20 overs. Harbhajan Singh starred for MI with 2/18 in 4 overs.