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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is synonymous with💦 towering sixes, blistering centuries, and nail-biting chases, where 200+ totals have become the new norm. With flat pitches, lightning-fast outfields, and short boundaries, conditions overwhelmingly favour batters, often pushing bowlers to the edge.
When bowlers rose against the tide in the IPL
Yet, in this batter-dominated theatre, there have been unforgettable instances when bowlers flipped the script with discipline and daring. These rare moments saw modest totals turn into monumental challenges, as bowling units 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 came together. Delivering yorkers under pressure, outfoxing batters with spin, and executing game-changing spells, these matches proved that in T20 cricket, it’s not always about how many you score, but how well you defend. They remind us that even in the IPL’s glitzy universe, grit and guile still win games.
Top 5 unbelievable low totals defended in IPL matches
1. Punjab Kings defend 111 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2025)
- Venue: Mullanpur
- PBKS Score: 111 all out
- KKR Score: 95 all out
- Victory Margin: 16 runs
In an IPL 2025 shocker, Punjab Kings scripted history by defending the lowest total ever in the league – just 111 runs. The game seemed in KKR’s grip at 62/2, but leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal orchestrated an epic collapse with a four-wicket masterclass. His variations and atta⛦cking mindset dismantled KKR, who were bundled out for 95, sending shockwavᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚes through the tournament.
2. Chennai Super Kings defend 116/9 vs KXIP (2009)
- Venue: Durban
- CSK Score: 116/9
- KXIP Score: 92/8
- Victory Margin: 24 runs
This match from the IPL’s South Africa edition in 2009 proved that Chennai Super Kings could win even with a below-par total. Their spin trio –Muttiah Muralitharan, Ravichandran Ashwin and Suresh Raina – ran through the Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) batting order, defending 116 on a sluggish Durban pitch. Punjab never looked settled, losing six of their top seven for single digits.
Also READ: Top 5 pla🐟yers with the most fielding dismissals in IPL history ꧟ft. MS Dhoni
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad defend 118 vs Mumbai Indians (2018)
- Venue: Wankhede, Mumbai
- SRH Score: 118 all out
- MI Score: 87 all out
- Victory Margin: 31 runs
A game that underlined the grit of Sunrisers Hyderabad, this match saw the Orange Army defend 118 runs against the mighty Mumbai Indians. Rashid Khan was at his lethal best, taking 2/11, while the pace attack backed him with ꦰrelentless pressure. MI were shot out for just 87, making it one of the most dominant bowling performances in IPL history.
4. KXIP defend 119/8 vs Mumbai Indians (2009)
- Venue: Durban
- KXIP Score: 119/8
- MI Score: 116/7
- Victory Margin: 3 runs
In another Durban classic, Kings XI Punjab showed nerves of steel. Their bowlers rocked Mumbai Indians, reducing them to 12/3 early. Despite JP Duminy’s valiant 59, MI fell short by 3 runs. Punjab’s calculated use of seam and spin in the death overs ensured they successfully defended a total of 119 – highlighting the value of early breakthroughs.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad defend 119/8 vs Pune Warriors India (2013)
- Venue: Pune
- SRH Score: 119/8
- PWI Score: 108 all out
- Victory Margin: 11 runs
Back in 2013, the now-defunct Pune Warriors India crumbled under scoreboard pressure. After a solid start, they collapsed spectacularly as Amit Mishra spun a web with 4/19. His accuracy and clever flight triggered aཧ series of misjudged shots, and SRH defended 119 with just 11 runs to spare in a nail-🍃biting finish.
Also READ: Top 5 oldest cricketers꧋ to receive Player of the Matc🅰h award in IPL history ft. MS Dhoni
