Top 10 Highest Powerplay Scores in IPL History (2008-2025)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricket tournament, it’s a celebration of entertainment, thrill, and power-hitting. Over the years, fans have witnessed some jaw-dropping moments, especially during the initial six overs of an innings, the powerplay. This is the phase where only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, giving batters the best chance to score freely.

Let’s look at the top 10 highest powerplay scores in IPL history. These blazing starts not only put pressure on the opponents but also changed the direction of the match completely.

Whether you’re a die-hard IPL fan or someone just beginning to enjoy cricket, this simple and exciting breakdown will take you through the most thrilling starts ever seen in the league!

What is the Powerplay in IPL?

Before we get into the top scores, let’s understand what the power play is.

In T20 cricket, the powerplay refers to the first six overs of an innings. During this time:

• Only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
• It gives the batters more room to hit boundaries.
• Teams aim to score fast and take early advantage of the field restrictions.

Now that you know what the powerplay means, let’s look at the highest score in powerplay in IPL history and the teams that lit up the stadiums!

Top 10 Highest Powerplay Score in IPL History

Here are the top 10 moments when teams went all guns blazing in the powerplay and rewrote the record books.

1. Kolkata Knight Riders – 105/0 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2017)

• Date: 7 May 2017
• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Openers: Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn

This is the highest powerplay score in IPL history, an unforgettable moment for KKR fans.

Sunil Narine, known more for his bowling, shocked everyone by smashing the fastest fifty in IPL history at the time (off just 15 balls). Partnering with the explosive Chris Lynn, the duo tore apart the RCB bowling attack. By the end of six overs, KKR had scored 105 runs without losing a wicket, a truly unbelievable start!

2. Chennai Super Kings – 100/2 vs Punjab Kings (2014)

• Date: 30 May 2014
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Openers: Dwayne Smith and Faf du Plessis

This was an important playoff match, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) came out with full aggression. Despite losing two wickets early, they managed to put 100 runs on the board in just six overs. Suresh Raina was the star, scoring a quickfire 87 off 25 balls, which included some breathtaking shots.

This remains one of the most exciting powerplays not just for CSK, but in IPL history.

3. Rajasthan Royals – 85/1 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2023)

• Date: 2 April 2023
• Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
• Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler

Rajasthan Royals kicked off their IPL 2023 campaign in style. Both openers showed no mercy to SRH’s bowling, especially Jos Buttler, who smashed a 20-ball fifty. RR scored 85 runs in the first six overs, a blistering start that put them in full control of the match.

Related Read: Highest Team Score in IPL: Teams Scoring High in IPL

4. Kochi Tuskers Kerala – 84/2 vs Rajasthan Royals (2011)

• Date: 15 April 2011
• Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
• Openers: Brendon McCullum and Mahela Jayawardene

Though the team doesn’t exist anymore, Kochi Tuskers left a mark in this game. Led by the aggressive Brendon McCullum, the team smashed 84 runs in the powerplay. McCullum’s attacking shots reminded fans of his iconic 158* in the first-ever IPL match.

5. Kings XI Punjab – 83/1 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014)

• Date: 22 May 2014
• Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
• Openers: Manan Vohra and Virender Sehwag

Sehwag was known for his fearless approach, and in this match, he lived up to his reputation. With the young Manan Vohra at the other end, Punjab raced to 83 runs in the powerplay. The match was full of boundaries and big hits, making it a treat to watch.

6. Delhi Capitals – 80/0 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2020)

• Date: 8 November 2020
• Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
• Openers: Shikhar Dhawan and Marcus Stoinis

Delhi started this playoff match in grand style. Marcus Stoinis opened the innings with Dhawan and surprised everyone with his power-hitting. Together, they took the total to 80 without losing a wicket. This strong start helped Delhi reach the final of IPL 2020.

7. Deccan Chargers – 77/0 vs Delhi Daredevils (2009)

• Date: 22 May 2009
• Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion (South Africa)
• Openers: Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs

This was during the 2009 IPL season held in South Africa. Adam Gilchrist gave one of the most explosive starts in IPL playoffs history. In fact, he scored 85 runs off just 35 balls and took the team to 77/0 in the powerplay, which led them to win the semi-final match.

8. Mumbai Indians – 78/0 vs Delhi Daredevils (2018)

• Date: 14 May 2018
• Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
• Openers: Evin Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav

Mumbai Indians are known for their strong starts, and in this match, they proved it again. Both openers went after the bowling from ball one and took the team to 78 runs in just six overs. Their clean hitting and smart placement made it look effortless.

9. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 75/1 vs Chennai Super Kings (2023)

• Date: 17 April 2023
• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Openers: Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli

RCB fans love power-hitting, and their captain Faf du Plessis, along with Kohli, gave them exactly that. The duo added 75 runs in the powerplay and kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Although RCB lost a wicket, their aggressive approach gave them momentum.

10. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 74/0 vs Chennai Super Kings (2015)

• Date: 2 May 2015
• Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
• Openers: David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan

David Warner was unstoppable that day. He played shots all around the ground and took SRH to 74 runs in the first six overs. His fearless batting alongside Dhawan helped the team build a strong base early on.

Also Read: Who is The King of IPL in 2025

Why is Powerplay so Important in the IPL?

The powerplay can change the entire direction of a game.

Here’s why it’s so crucial:

1. Momentum Booster: A big score in the powerplay sets the tone for the rest of the innings.
2. Pressure on Opponents: Early runs can put the other team under pressure, forcing them to make mistakes.
3. Best Time for Big Shots: With only two fielders outside the circle, gaps are easier to find.
4. Confidence Builder: A strong start boosts team morale and fan excitement.

That’s why teams now focus a lot on getting the best openers and training them to go hard from ball one.

Common Strategies Teams Use in Powerplay

Different teams use different strategies to score big in the powerplay:

• Left-right combinations to disturb the bowler’s line.
• Power-hitters like Narine, Buttler, Warner, and others promoted up the order.
• Targeting weak bowlers early in the innings.
• Using attacking field placements to convert pressure into wickets if they bowl first.

Understanding these tactics adds a whole new layer of enjoyment when watching matches.

Also Read: Top 10 IPL Commentators of All-Time: Salary & Record Stats

Top Players Known for Powerplay Destruction

Some players are famous for their explosive powerplay performances. Here are a few names fans always look forward to:

• Sunil Narine: Surprise weapon for KKR at the top.
• Jos Buttler: RR’s trusted six-hitter.
• David Warner: One of the most consistent openers.
• Shikhar Dhawan: Reliable and elegant, yet aggressive.
• Faf du Plessis: Combines power with clever batting.

These players have often made the highest score in powerplay in IPL look like a walk in the park.

Fun Facts about Powerplay Records

• KKR’s 105/0 against RCB is still unbeaten as of 2025!
• Teams that score more than 70 in power play often win the match.
• Some of the biggest power-play scores have come in the playoffs, showing how fearless teams have become.

What Makes These Moments So Special?

It’s not just about the numbers. These stars tell a story of confidence, skill, and fearlessness. They are moments when a team says, “We’re here to dominate.” It gets the crowd on their feet and gives fans memories that last a lifetime.

Even if you’re watching the match at home, when a team gets to 50 or 60 runs in the first few overs, the excitement is unmatched!

Final Thoughts

The highest powerplay score in IPL is more than just a statistic — it’s a reminder of how fast-paced and thrilling T20 cricket can be. Teams that take the risk and play boldly often walk away with not just records, but also wins.

From Narine’s unbelievable knock to Raina’s classic playoff performance, each moment tells us one thing: never underestimate the power of a powerplay.

As we look ahead to the next IPL season, one question remains: will anyone break the 105-run mark set by KKR? Only time will tell. But until then, we’ll keep cheering for those explosive starts that make IPL the incredible tournament it is!

Also Read: Which is the Worst Team in IPL History?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Highest Powerplay Scores in IPL

Q1. What is the highest powerplay score in IPL history?

The highest powerplay score in IPL history is 105/0, achieved by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on 7 May 2017. Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn were the openers in that match.

Q2. What does ‘powerplay’ mean in the IPL?

In IPL, the powerplay refers to the first six overs of a team’s innings. During this time, only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, which makes it easier for batters to score runs quickly.

Q3. Why is the powerplay so important in a T20 match?

The powerplay is crucial because it sets the tone for the rest of the innings. A strong start in the first six overs can put pressure on the opposing team and help build a big total or chase down a target more easily.

Q4. Which team has crossed 100 runs in the powerplay in IPL?

Only one team has crossed the 100-run mark in the powerplay — Kolkata Knight Riders, who scored 105 runs without losing a wicket against RCB in 2017.

Q5. Who are the best players in IPL powerplays?

Some of the most destructive batters in power plays include:

• Sunil Narine
• Jos Buttler
• David Warner
• Shikhar Dhawan
• Virender Sehwag
• Faf du Plessis

They are known for their fearless hitting in the early overs.

Q6. Has any team scored more than 80 runs in a powerplay other than KKR?

Yes, several teams have scored more than 80 runs in the powerplay:

• Chennai Super Kings – 100/2 vs Punjab Kings (2014)
• Rajasthan Royals – 85/1 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2023)
• Kochi Tuskers Kerala – 84/2 vs Rajasthan Royals (2011)
• Kings XI Punjab – 83/1 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014)

Q7. Is there a relationship between high powerplay scores and winning the match?

Generally, teams that score big in the power play gain momentum and are more likely to win. However, cricket is unpredictable, and a strong start does not always guarantee a victory.

Q8. Which IPL team has the most records in the highest powerplay scores?

Teams like KKR, CSK, RR, and SRH appear frequently in the list of top powerplay scores, showcasing their attacking strategies in the early overs.

Q9. Do bowlers have any strategy during the powerplay?

Yes, bowlers try to:

• Bowl tight lines and lengths
• Use variations like slower balls and cutters
• Target the weak spots of batters
• Get early wickets to slow the scoring rate

Q10. Can powerplay records be broken in future IPL seasons?

AbsolutKings XI Punjab –Kings XI Punjab –ely! With more powerful hitters and innovative strategies, it is very likely that the highest score in powerplay in IPL could be broken in the coming seasons.