lowest score in powerplay in IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its exciting matches, where powerplays often set the tone for the rest of the game. A strong start can give a team an advantage, while a poor performance in the first six overs can be tough to recover from.
The IPL has seen some very low powerplay scores, making these moments memorable. Here, we look at the lowest powerplay score in IPL history and the top 10 lowest powerplay scores in IPL history, including the teams and key players involved.
Lowest Powerplay Score in IPL History
In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, a solid start is crucial. However, there have been instances where teams have struggled to get going in the powerplay, resulting in some of the lowest scores in IPL history. The worst powerplay totals in the Indian Premier League listed below highlight how challenging conditions, formidable bowling, or simply poor batting can lead to these unenviable records.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore (14/2) vs Rajasthan Royals, 2009
The lowest powerplay score in IPL history belongs to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who managed only 14 runs for the loss of two wickets against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2009. This match was played in Cape Town during the second edition of the IPL, which was held in South Africa due to the general elections in India.
On a pitch that offered swing and lateral movement, both teams struggled, but RCB’s powerplay performance was particularly dire. Despite this poor start, RCB eventually managed to set a modest target of 135, which RR chased down with ease, though not without their own struggles.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad (14/3) vs Rajasthan Royals, 2022
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) equaled RCB’s record for the lowest powerplay score in IPL history when they were reduced to 14/3 by Rajasthan Royals in 2022.
Chasing a daunting target of 211, SRH’s top order crumbled under the pressure, with Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna wreaking havoc. Boult’s swing and Krishna’s precision left SRH reeling, and they could never recover, ultimately losing the match by a significant margin.
Other Notable Low Powerplay Scores in IPL
The IPL has witnessed several other instances where teams have struggled in the powerplay, resulting in low scores that have left them on the back foot. Here’s a look at some other notable low powerplay scores in IPL history.
3. Chennai Super Kings (15/2) vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2011
In a 2011 match at Eden Gardens, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) managed only 15 runs for the loss of two wickets against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). On a slow pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers, CSK found it difficult to score freely.
MS Dhoni’s side seemed out of sorts, with KKR’s bowlers maintaining a tight grip on the proceedings. Despite the slow start, CSK managed to post a competitive total, but the match was eventually decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method due to rain.
4. Chennai Super Kings (16/1) vs Delhi Capitals, 2015
Chennai Super Kings feature again on this list with a powerplay score of 16/1 against Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2015. Despite having a strong batting lineup that included the likes of Brendon McCullum and Suresh Raina, CSK struggled to score against a disciplined DC bowling attack.
Zaheer Khan’s brilliant spell, which included a wicket maiden, played a key role in restricting CSK to such a low score in the powerplay. However, CSK’s experienced middle order ensured they reached a respectable total and eventually won the match.
5. Chennai Super Kings (16/1) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2019
In the opening match of the 2019 IPL season, CSK once again found themselves on the list of lowest powerplay scores. Facing Royal Challengers Bangalore, CSK managed only 16/1 in their first six overs on a slow, turning pitch in Chennai.
Chasing a modest target of 71, CSK’s batsmen took their time, with Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu struggling to score quickly. Despite the slow start, CSK eventually secured a comfortable win.
IPL’s Lowest Powerplay Score from 2008 to Present
From 2008 to the present, several teams have found themselves in tough situations during the powerplay, leading to low scores.
The IPL’s lowest powerplay scores often occur due to challenging pitch conditions, exceptional bowling, or poor shot selection by the batsmen. These moments, while not ones that teams would like to remember, are a part of the rich tapestry of IPL history.
Worst Powerplay Totals in Indian Premier League Listed
Here’s a quick look at some of the worst powerplay totals in the Indian Premier League:
| Year | Team | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | RCB vs RR | 14/2 | Cape Town |
| 2022 | SRH vs RR | 14/3 | Pune |
| 2011 | CSK vs KKR | 15/2 | Kolkata |
| 2015 | CSK vs DC | 16/1 | Raipur |
| 2019 | CSK vs RCB | 16/1 | Chennai |
What is the lowest powerplay score in IPL history?
The lowest powerplay score in IPL history is 14 runs, which has been recorded twice: by Royal Challengers Bangalore (14/2) against Rajasthan Royals in 2009 and by Sunrisers Hyderabad (14/3) against Rajasthan Royals in 2022.
Which teams have recorded the lowest powerplay scores in IPL?
Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals have recorded some of the lowest powerplay scores in IPL history.
