Highest Powerplay Scores in IPL History

The powerplay is an important rule in the T20 format that allows teams to score big in the first 6 overs of the innings. In this blog post, we will look at the highest powerplay scores in IPL history and analyze some of the epic knocks behind these scores.

The powerplay is a set of fielding restrictions in place for the first 6 overs of each innings in T20 cricket. As per IPL rules, only 2 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle during the powerplay overs. This allows batsmen to score runs more freely. Teams look to capitalize on the powerplay restrictions by attacking from ball one.

The aim is to get off to a flying start and set a platform for the middle and lower order. Anything over 60-70 runs in the first 6 overs is considered a very good powerplay score. On flat batting pitches, teams do breach the 100-run mark within the first 6 overs on occasions.

Highest Powerplay Scores in IPL History

Now let’s look at the 5 highest powerplay scores in IPL history and the incredible innings behind them:

#1. KKR 105/0 vs RCB in 2017 (Highest Score)

The record for the highest powerplay score in IPL history belongs to KKR, who scored 105 runs without losing a wicket in the first 6 overs against RCB in 2017. This is the only time a team has scored over 100 runs in the powerplay in IPL.

The incredible start was led by Chris Lynn. Opening with Sunil Narine, Lynn attacked from the beginning. He scored a stunning 93 runs off just 41 balls in the powerplay, setting the record for the highest individual score in the first 6 overs in IPL history.

Narine supported Lynn well as KKR took apart the RCB bowling attack. Lynn was out for 84 after the powerplay, but the strong start helped KKR reach a huge total of 204/4. RCB couldn’t keep up and KKR won by 82 runs.

#2. CSK 103/3 vs KXIP in 2008

The second highest powerplay score also came in IPL 2008 when CSK took on Punjab Kings, then called Kings XI Punjab. This game was all about the aura of one man – the legendary Matthew Hayden.

Batting first after losing the toss, CSK got off to a rollicking start as Hayden channeled his peak international form. He smashed an incredible 93 runs off just 43 balls inside the first 6 overs. However, CSK lost 3 wickets at the other end to be 103/3 post the powerplay overs.

Hayden carried on the charge after the powerplay before falling to VRV Singh for 93. But Chennai had enough on the board as they finished with 240/5. It proved too much for Punjab Kings to chase as they fell short by 18 runs despite a quickfire 64 off 27 balls from James Hopes.

Read Also: Bowlers With the Most Opening Batsmen Dismissals in IPL History

#3. RCB 105/1 vs PWI in 2013

The third highest powerplay score in IPL history also involves going past 100 just like the top two. It came in 2013 when RCB faced Pune Warriors India (one of the now defunct IPL teams).

Batting first, RCB were provided a rollicking start by Chris Gayle who blasted 77 off just 33 balls in the powerplay overs. With skipper Virat Kohli also unleashing a few trademark crisp drives, RCB raced to 105/1 at the end of the 6th over.

Gayle couldn’t sustain the tempo though as he fell soon after for just 81 off 50 balls. But his powerplay blitz formed the bedrock as RCB went on to post 183/4. PWI never got going in the chase as RCB won comfortably by 41 runs.

#4. DD 90/0 vs Deccan Chargers in 2008

The first IPL season in 2008 features the most times on the list of highest powerplay scores. The 4th highest score also came in that season when Delhi Daredevils played against Deccan Chargers.

Batting first, Delhi got off to a great start with openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Sehwag, known for his aggressive style, was in explosive form that night.

He hit the bowlers all over the field and scored a stunning 57 off just 19 balls by the end of the 6th over. Gambhir played a steady role, scoring 23 off 15 balls, as Delhi raced to 90/0.

Delhi kept the momentum and set a strong platform, finishing with a total of 188/4. Deccan Chargers couldn’t keep up, falling short by 19 runs despite Adam Gilchrist’s brave 54 off 28 balls.

#5. KTK 87/0 vs RR in 2011

The 5th highest powerplay score in IPL was set up by Kochi Tuskers Kerala (another defunct team) against Rajasthan Royals in 2011.

Batting first after put in to bat, the Tuskers openers Brendon McCullum and Mahela Jayawardene went berserk right from the word go. McCullum was in a particularly belligerent mood as he spanked the bowling to all corners of the ground.

At one stage Kochi even harbored hopes of going past the 100-run mark inside the powerplay. But McCullum fell in the last over as Kochi finished with 87/0, which still remains one of the highest powerplay scores in IPL history.

McCullum’s 48 off 28 balls did the most damage. Jayawardene was happy finding the gaps than boundaries as he accumulated 37 off 27 balls. Kochi went on to finish with 173/6, which RR chased comfortably with six wickets in hand thanks to Shane Watson’s unbeaten 98.

Notable Mentions

Let’s also look at some other explosive knocks and high impact innings that led teams to big powerplay scores:

Top Powerplay Knocks

• Prithvi Shaw (DC) – 64 off 27 balls vs KKR in IPL 2021
• Wriddhiman Saha (PBKS) – 61* off 25 balls vs RR in IPL 2018
• Jos Buttler (RR) – 59 off 18 balls vs SRH in IPL 2018
• Sanath Jayasuriya (MI) – 63 off 25 balls vs CSK in IPL 2008

Some notable top-order powerplay scores in recent years:

• Prithvi Shaw (DC): 82 off 41 balls vs KKR in IPL 2021
• Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS): 92* off 49 balls vs RR in IPL 2022
• Jos Buttler (RR): 100 off 68 balls vs MI in IPL 2022
• Faf du Plessis (RCB): 96 off 64 balls vs GT in IPL 2022

Changes to Powerplay Rules

The IPL has also tried tweaking with the powerplay rules over the years. The 2 fielder rule outside the circle applied strictly only for the first 3 overs from IPL 2012-IPL 2015.

From IPL 2016, the 2 fielder rule was extended for a full 6 overs powerplay once again. This allowed teams more hitting opportunities upfront.

There is always scope for evolution. Ahead of IPL 2024, the organizers are considering allowing only 1 fielder outside the circle for the first 4-5 overs to make the powerplay phase even more high-scoring!

Conclusion

The powerplay overs set the tone for T20 games. As seen above, teams generally go all out to maximize scoring at the top to gain early momentum.

Breaching the 100-run mark requires really special knocks though. Lynn, Hayden, Gayle, Sehwag – these T20 batting icons have shown the way when it comes to exploding in the powerplay overs.

As IPL 2023 approaches, the onus will be once again on the top-order batsmen like Shaw, Buttler, Dhawan to deliver impact innings upfront. With the tournament set to be played once again on batting paradises in India, we may just have a new entrant to the list of highest powerplay scores this season!

Stay tuned for more cricketing action!

FAQs on Powerplay Scores in IPL

Q1. Who hit the highest individual score in the IPL powerplay?

A1. Chris Lynn – 93 runs off 41 balls for KKR vs RCB in IPL 2017

Q2. Who has scored the fastest 50 in the IPL powerplay?

A2. Prithvi Shaw – off 20 balls for DC vs KKR in IPL 2021

Q3. Which team has the highest powerplay score in IPL history?

A3. KKR – 105/0 vs RCB in IPL 2017

Q4. How many times has a team crossed 100 runs in the IPL powerplay?

A4. Only once – KKR 105/0 vs RCB in IPL 2017

Q5. What is the average powerplay score in IPL?

A5. The average first innings powerplay score is between 57-60 runs