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

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is famous for its explosive batting and high-scoring games. But sometimes, the drama comes not from big sixes, but from teams struggling to score even in the first six overs the powerplay. In this blog, we’ll look at the lowest powerplay score in IPL history and the top 10 lowest scores during this crucial phase. We’ll break down why these scores happened, which teams were involved, and what lessons they offer for cricket fans and newcomers alike.

What is the Powerplay in the IPL?

Before we dive into the list, let’s understand what the powerplay is. In IPL, the powerplay refers to the first six overs of an innings. During this time, only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This rule is meant to give batters a chance to score quickly. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and teams end up with a very low score in the powerplay.

Why Do Low Powerplay Scores Happen?

Several factors can lead to a low score in the powerplay:

• Great Bowling: Bowlers who swing the ball or bowl with discipline can make scoring difficult.
• Pitch Conditions: Sometimes, the pitch helps bowlers more than batters, making runs hard to come by.
• Early Wickets: If a team loses wickets early, new batters may play cautiously.
• Pressure: Big matches or tough opponents can make batters nervous, leading to slow starts.

The Top 10 Lowest Powerplay Scores in IPL History

Here’s a table summarizing the lowest score in powerplay IPL history, followed by a detailed look at each match:

1. Rajasthan Royals – 14/2 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2009)

This match in Cape Town is famous for being the lowest powerplay score in IPL history. Rajasthan Royals could only manage 14 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the first six overs. The RCB bowlers, especially Praveen Kumar and Anil Kumble, bowled tight lines and made it hard for the batters to score. The pitch helped the bowlers, and the Royals never found any momentum.

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 14/3 vs Rajasthan Royals (2022)

Sunrisers Hyderabad matched the record for the lowest powerplay score in IPL, also scoring just 14 runs but losing 3 wickets. The Rajasthan Royals’ fast bowlers, especially Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna, were almost unplayable. The SRH top order collapsed under pressure, and the team was left struggling right from the start.

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3. Chennai Super Kings – 15/2 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2011)

Chennai Super Kings, known for their strong batting, had a forgettable start against KKR in Kolkata. Brett Lee and Iqbal Abdulla bowled with discipline, and CSK lost two key wickets early. With only 15 runs in the powerplay, Chennai Super Kings was forced to play defensively for the rest of the innings.

4. Chennai Super Kings – 16/1 vs Delhi Capitals (2015)

In Raipur, CSK again found themselves in trouble during the powerplay. The Delhi Capitals bowlers kept things tight, and CSK could only score 16 runs for the loss of one wicket. The pressure from the bowlers meant that even a team with big hitters struggled to get going.

5. Chennai Super Kings – 16/1 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019)

This time in Chennai, CSK once again struggled in the powerplay, scoring just 16 runs for one wicket. The RCB bowlers bowled with great discipline, and the pitch was slow, making it tough for the batters to play their shots.

6. Kings XI Punjab – 17/4 vs Chennai Super Kings (2015)

Kings XI Punjab had a nightmare start against CSK, losing four wickets and scoring only 17 runs in the first six overs. The CSK bowlers, led by Ashish Nehra, made life very difficult for the Punjab batters. Losing so many wickets early meant Punjab never recovered.

7. Kolkata Knight Riders – 17/4 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2020)

In Abu Dhabi, KKR faced a disciplined RCB bowling attack. They lost four wickets and managed just 17 runs in the powerplay. The RCB bowlers, especially Mohammed Siraj, bowled with great control and didn’t allow any easy runs.

8. Rajasthan Royals – 17/4 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2021)

Rajasthan Royals again appear on this list, this time against KKR in Sharjah. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowlers took four wickets and kept the scoring to just 17 runs. The Royals’ top order collapsed, and the team was under pressure from the start.

9. Mumbai Indians – 17/3 vs Kings XI Punjab (2015)

Mumbai Indians, playing at home, lost three wickets and scored only 17 runs in the powerplay against Kings XI Punjab. The Punjab bowlers used the conditions well, and the MI batters had no answer to their accuracy.

10. Delhi Daredevils – 17/1 vs Mumbai Indians (2012)

Delhi Daredevils, now known as Delhi Capitals, also feature in this list. Against Mumbai Indians, they lost one wicket and could only muster 17 runs in the first six overs. The Mumbai bowlers kept things tight, and Delhi never found any rhythm.

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What Can We Learn from These Low Powerplay Scores?

• Bowling Wins Matches: Even in a format known for big hitting, bowlers can dominate and change the course of a game.
• Early Wickets Hurt: Losing wickets early in the powerplay often leads to a low total and puts pressure on the rest of the team.
• Conditions Matter: Pitches that help bowlers or weather conditions like swing can make scoring tough.
• Adaptability is Key: The best teams find ways to survive tough spells and rebuild after a bad start.

The Unofficial Record: RCB’s 2/0 in 2015

There’s an even lower score, but with a twist. In 2015, Royal Challengers Bangalore scored just 2 runs in their powerplay against Delhi Capitals. However, the match was called off shortly after RCB began their innings due to rain, so this record is not always counted in official lists.

Conclusion

The IPL is full of surprises. While fans love to see teams smash the ball all over the park, these low powerplay scores show that cricket is a game of skill, strategy, and sometimes, survival. The lowest score in powerplay IPL history reminds us that every ball counts, and even the strongest teams can have tough days.

For beginners, these moments are a great way to understand how T20 cricket is not just about hitting, but also about handling pressure, reading conditions, and making smart decisions. Next time you watch an IPL match, keep an eye on the powerplay it might just set the tone for the entire game!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ABout Lowest Powerplay Score in IPL History

1. What is the powerplay in IPL cricket?

The powerplay is the first six overs of an IPL innings when only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This rule encourages aggressive batting and usually leads to high scoring.

2. What is the lowest powerplay score in IPL history?

The lowest powerplay score in IPL history is 14 runs, made by Rajasthan Royals in 2009 and matched by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022.

3. Why do teams sometimes score very low in the powerplay?

Low powerplay scores happen due to excellent bowling, difficult pitch conditions, early loss of wickets, or pressure on the batting team.

4. Which teams have recorded the lowest powerplay scores in IPL?

Teams like Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and others have recorded some of the lowest powerplay scores in IPL history.

5. Does a low powerplay score always mean the team will lose?

Not always. While a poor start puts pressure on the team, some teams have recovered well in later overs to post competitive totals or even win matches.

6. How does losing early wickets affect the powerplay score?

Losing early wickets forces new batters to play cautiously, slowing down the scoring rate and often leading to a low powerplay score.

7. Can bowlers control the powerplay overs effectively?

Yes, disciplined bowling and good use of conditions can restrict runs and take wickets, making the powerplay challenging for batters.

8. Are low powerplay scores common in IPL?

No, low powerplay scores are relatively rare because teams usually try to score quickly during this phase.

9. How important is the powerplay in deciding the outcome of an IPL match?

The powerplay is very important as it sets the tone for the innings. A strong start can lead to big totals, while a poor start can put a team under pressure.

10. Where can I watch highlights of IPL matches with low powerplay scores?

IPL highlights are available on official IPL websites, sports channels like Star Sports, and streaming platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar.