5 Lowest Totals Defended in the IPL History

Top 5 Lowest Totals Defended in the IPL History

In the shortest format of the game, the work always becomes more difficult for the bowling department if its side is restricted to a low total. It takes a tremendous amount of disciplined bowling and perfect execution of the captain’s plans to defend a low total. And the Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some of those in its 11-year history as we are going to share the Best and Top 5 Lowest Totals Defended in the IPL History.

Lowest Score Defended in IPL History

1. 116 Defended by Chennai Supers Kings vs Kings XI Punjab (IPL 2009)

The Chennai Supers Kings are one of those teams that don’t make any changes to their team and, as a result, have a bowling unit, which delivers consistent performance. MS Dhoni and his men restricted Kings XI Punjab to just 92 after they posted a low score of 116 in 20 overs.

After CSK only managed to score 116 in the first innings, Rajasthan Royals seemed to chase a cup of tea. But a brilliant bowling display by Muttiah Muralitharan and Ravichandran Ashwin, who returned with figures of 2/8 and 2/13, respectively, restricted Rajasthan to just 92/8 in 20 overs. They won the game comfortably at the end by 24 runs which is the lowest score ever successfully defended in IPL history.

2. 118 Defended by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians (IPL 2018)

Sunrisers Hyderabad is labeled as the most balanced team in IPL, but his lethal bowling attack always proved to be the strong side of the team. They have often defended low scores in this tournament, but the one who took everyone by surprise was against the Mumbai Indians when they successfully defended 118 runs.

Mumbai was struggling massively in the 2018 edition and came to play after suffering his fifth loss of the season. They seemed ready to win again after restricting the Sunrisers to just 118 runs. But Surnisers’ bowling department added more problems to the next side of wrestling with her clinical bowling alley.

Siddharth Kaul was the choice of the bowler, who bowled 3 wickets and helped the Sunrisers win the game by 31 runs after the Mumbai Indians managed to score only 87. It is the second-lowest total to be successfully defended in IPL’s history.

3. 119 defended by Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians (IPL 2009)

The Mumbai Indians were often on the receiving end when it comes to pursuing a low target. In the 2009 edition, they failed to chase119 against Kings XI Punjab, which is the third-lowest score successfully defended in IPL history.

Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara helped kings XI Punjab and saved them from embarrassment after his steady 45-of-44-ball coupled with a total of 119 fights in his 20 overs. But who knew that Sangakarra’s slow blow would prove to be a winning match.

It was a day to remember for KXIP bowlers as they achieved a narrow three-run victory against the Mumbai Indians. Yusuf Abdulla’s tremendous bowling figures of 2/19 made the FIFTY of JP Duminy in vain and Punjab secured the game for three runs at the end.

4. 119 defended by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Pune Warriors (IPL 2013)

Sunrisers Hyderabad loves to defend the low totals and it was not surprising at all to be on the list of the top five. In the 2013 edition, Sunrisers defended 119, this time against the Pune Warriors.

David Warner and his men again failed to present a show with the bat, as they managed to score only 119 runs in their 20 overs. Only two batters, Biplab Samantray and Amit Mishra contributed decently to the bat and scored 37 and 30 runs respectively.

And, that was enough for the Sunrisers, courtesy of their impressive bowling attack. Amit Mishra, who spins his legs, had an exceptional day with the ball while picking up four wickets and giving away only 19 runs. The all-rounder Thisara Perera also contributed three wickets and guided the Sunrisers to the 11-stroke victory.

5. 120 defended by Mumbai vs Pune Warriors Indians (IPL 2012)

The Mumbai Indians eventually get their name on the positive side of the record, as they defended 120 runs against Pune Warriors, which was the fifth-lowest score successfully defended in IPL history.

It might be fifth on the list, but maybe it was the closest game of all. The Mumbai Indians, despite having a good start, manage to score only 120 runs in their 20 overs. After Sachin Tendulkar and James Franklin brought a 50-stroke partnership at the opening booth, they completely lost.

In the end, however, it turned out to be enough for Mumbai to defend himself, as all the bowlers contribute to producing an outstanding performance. Harbhajan Singh starred in the ball while collecting two wickets, awarding only 18 runs in his four overs. It was such a close case but so far away for Pune as they lost the thrilling encounter for a single run.

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