Which team has the lowest score in IPL?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for high scores, thrilling chases, and power-packed performances. However, amidst the run-feasts, there have also been moments of stunning batting collapses. In this article, we look at the lowest team totals in IPL history, highlighting how even the strongest lineups can falter under pressure.
READ ALSO –
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 49 all out vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2017)
• Date: April 23, 2017
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Opponent: Kolkata Knight Riders
This remains the lowest total in IPL history. Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Virat Kohli, were chasing a modest target of 132. The pitch offered some help to the bowlers, but no one expected such a monumental collapse.
RCB were bundled out for just 49 runs in 9.4 overs, with none of the batsmen reaching double figures. KKR bowlers, led by Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Woakes, and Colin de Grandhomme, ripped through the batting order. It was a night to forget for RCB fans, as the team registered an unwanted record that still stands to this day.
2. Rajasthan Royals – 58 all out vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2009)
• Date: April 18, 2009
• Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
• Opponent: Royal Challengers Bangalore
In the second match of IPL 2009, played in South Africa, defending champions Rajasthan Royals suffered a humiliating defeat. Batting first, RCB scored 133 runs. In reply, RR collapsed for just 58 runs in 15.1 overs.
RCB pacer Anil Kumble took 5 wickets for just 5 runs in 3.1 overs, completely dismantling the Royals. This was the lowest score in IPL at the time and showed how unpredictable T20 cricket can be.
⸻
3. Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) – 66 all out vs Mumbai Indians (2017)
• Date: May 6, 2017
• Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
• Opponent: Mumbai Indians
Another disastrous performance came from Delhi Daredevils, who were bowled out for 66 runs in just 13.4 overs while chasing 213. MI bowlers, especially Harbhajan Singh and Karn Sharma, were unplayable on the slow Kotla pitch.
The collapse was so quick that only three Delhi batsmen reached double digits. This remains one of the worst home performances in IPL history and showed the depth of Mumbai’s bowling unit.
4. Delhi Capitals – 67 all out vs Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) (2017)
• Date: April 30, 2017
• Venue: IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
• Opponent: Kings XI Punjab
The 2017 season was particularly harsh on Delhi. Just a few days before their collapse against Mumbai, they were bowled out for 67 runs against Kings XI Punjab.
No player stood up to the challenge as Sandeep Sharma, Axar Patel, and Varun Aaron made full use of the conditions. DC’s innings lasted only 17.1 overs, and it was another embarrassing defeat that questioned their consistency and approach.
⸻
5. Kolkata Knight Riders – 67 all out vs Mumbai Indians (2008)
• Date: May 16, 2008
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Opponent: Mumbai Indians
In the inaugural edition of the IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a major blow when they were bundled out for 67 runs by Mumbai Indians. Chasing 138, KKR couldn’t build any partnerships, and the MI bowlers, led by Shaun Pollock and Dwayne Bravo, ensured a comfortable win.
This remains one of KKR’s lowest moments in IPL history, particularly disappointing given the experience in their batting unit.
6. Why Do These Collapses Happen?
While T20 is considered a batter’s game, these examples show that pressure, pitch conditions, and quality bowling can cause even star-studded teams to collapse. Some common reasons behind these low scores are:
• Over-aggressive approach
• Lack of partnerships
• Poor shot selection
• Underestimating the pitch conditions
• Quality bowling and early breakthroughs
⸻
7. The Role of Bowlers in IPL’s Lowest Totals
One cannot discuss low scores without appreciating the bowlers who made it possible. Whether it was Anil Kumble’s fifer, Sandeep Sharma’s swing, or Nathan Coulter-Nile’s pace, these performances underline the impact of good bowling in T20s. Many of these low totals came not due to just poor batting, but exceptional bowling performances.
⸻
8. Impact of These Records on Teams
Such performances not only hurt teams in terms of points but also affect their net run rate, which can be crucial in IPL playoffs qualification. Moreover, these records stay in fans’ memories for a long time, creating pressure on players and team management in future encounters.
For example, RCB’s 49 all-out is still mentioned every season, especially when the team struggles. It became a talking point in every IPL discussion and even memes on social media.
⸻
9. How Teams Can Avoid Such Collapses
To avoid these kinds of collapses, teams need to:
• Adapt to pitch conditions quickly
• Have a stable middle order
• Avoid panic during early wickets
• Back experienced players during tough situations
• Focus on rotation of strike instead of going for big hits early
READ ALSO –
10. Conclusion: IPL – A Game of Glorious Uncertainties
The IPL, while celebrated for its high-scoring thrillers, also reminds us that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Even the biggest teams and best players can have an off day. The lowest scores in IPL history are proof that in T20 cricket, momentum can shift in just one over.
These moments are what make IPL such a gripping spectacle — it’s not just about how many you score, but how you hold your nerve under pressure.
Second Fastest IPL Century by an Indian Priyansh Arya Makes His Mark
