Lowest Totals Defended In The History of IPL

Are you looking for some of the most thrilling, edge-of-the-seat contests in IPL history? Do you want to know which teams have successfully defended the lowest scores, turning the odds in their favor with outstanding bowling performances?

Here are the five lowest totals that have been defended in the IPL. Many times, teams have surprised everyone by defending low scores they could have easily chased. In some of the low-scoring matches, bowlers have been able to come out on top in both innings. 

Lowest Scores Defended in IPL History

1.) 116 Runs Defended By Chennai Super Kings Vs Punjab Kings, 2009

The Chennai Super Kings hold the record for defending the lowest total in IPL history. During an intense 2009 IPL encounter, CSK posted a modest 116/9 in 20 overs, with Parthiv Patel top-scoring with 32 off 23 balls.

Despite the low target, CSK bowlers applied immense pressure from the very start, never allowing the Punjab Kings batters to settle. In response, Punjab struggled throughout their innings and managed only 92/8 in 20 overs, falling short by 24 runs.

It was a collective bowling effort from CSK, with four bowlers picking up two wickets each, ensuring a comfortable yet historic victory.

Related:Highest Run Scores in an IPL Final

2.) 118 Runs Defended by Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2018

In what turned out to be one of the most shocking low-scoring thrillers, Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a stunning win against Mumbai Indians in 2018.

After struggling with the bat, SRH managed only 118 runs, with Yusuf Pathan scoring a crucial 29. Given Mumbai’s powerful batting lineup, it seemed like an easy chase. However, SRH bowlers had other plans.

Led by Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, and Basil Thampi—each taking two wickets—they dismantled MI’s batting order. At one stage, MI were comfortably placed at 61/3, but they suffered a shocking collapse, losing their final seven wickets for just 26 runs.

Mumbai Indians were bowled out for 87, handing SRH an incredible 31-run victory, proving once again why they are one of the best bowling units in IPL history.

3.) 119 Runs defended By Punjab Kings  Vs Mumbai Indians, 2009

Punjab Kings, then known as Kings XI Punjab, pulled off a remarkable win against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2009, defending a modest 119/8.

Batting first, Punjab struggled throughout their innings but managed to reach 119, thanks to a crucial 45-run knock from Kumar Sangakkara.

In response, Mumbai had the game in their grasp, with JP Duminy anchoring the innings. However, his slow 59 off 63 balls cost MI dearly. Punjab’s disciplined bowling attack never allowed MI to accelerate, restricting them to 116/7, sealing a 3-run victory.

Related:Most Man of the Match in IPL

4.) 119 Runs defended by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Pune Warriors , 2013

Sunrisers Hyderabad once again proved their defensive prowess in IPL 2013 when they successfully defended a mere 119 runs against Pune Warriors India.

The SRH batters struggled, with Biplab Samantray (37) and Amit Mishra (30) being the only two notable contributors.

Despite the low total, SRH’s bowlers dominated the game. Amit Mishra was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for just 19 runs, while Thisara Perera chipped in with 3 wickets.

Pune’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, getting bowled out for 108 runs, handing SRH an inspiring 11-run victory.

5.) 120  Runs defended By Mumbai Indians Vs Pune Warriors India, 2012

One of the closest low-scoring thrillers in IPL history came in 2012 when Mumbai Indians defended 120 runs against Pune Warriors India.

Opting to bat first, MI found it difficult to score freely and ended their innings at 120/9 in 20 overs. Pune seemed to be in control for most of the chase, with Mithun Manhas guiding the innings deep into the final over.

Mumbai bowlers scored some excellent bowling to put Pune out of the game.With 4 runs needed off the last ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar could only manage 2 runs, and MI secured a 1-run victory, making it one of the most dramatic finishes in IPL history.

Related:IPL 2023: List of Super Over in IPL History

Lowest Defended Score in IPL

Sr. No.	Team	Total defended	Opposition	Date
1	Chennai Super Kings	116	Kings XI Punjab	20 May 2009
2	Sunrisers Hyderabad	118	Mumbai Indians	24 Apr 2018
3	Kings XI Punjab	119	Mumbai Indians	29 Apr 2009
4	Sunrisers Hyderabad	119	Pune Warriors India	17 Apr 2013
5	Mumbai Indians	120	Pune Warriors India	03 May 2012