5 Unbelievable LOW Totals Defended in IPL History: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is often synonymous with towering sixes, mammoth totals, and explosive batting performances. However, some of the most unforgettable moments in the league’s history have come when teams defied the odds, turning seemingly impossible low totals into thrilling victories. These matches showcase the brilliance of bowlers, the pressure of the chase, and the sheer unpredictability of T20 cricket.
Let’s revisit five of the lowest totals ever defended in IPL history—a testament to resilience, tactical mastery, and nerves of steel.
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5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (119/8) vs Pune Warriors India (2013)
Venue: Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Pune
Result: SRH won by 11 runs
In 2013, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were struggling at 119/8 against Pune Warriors India (PWI). The target seemed meager, but SRH’s bowlers had other plans. Amit Mishra spun a web around PWI’s batters, claiming a sensational hat-trick in the 19th over to finish with 4/19. Thisara Perera (3/20) provided crucial support as Pune collapsed from 101/5 to 108 all out, falling short by 11 runs.
4. Kings XI Punjab (119/8) vs Mumbai Indians (2009)
Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
Result: KXIP won by 3 runs
A low-scoring thriller in IPL 2009 saw Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) defend 119 against Mumbai Indians (MI). Kumar Sangakkara’s gritty 45* held Punjab’s innings together, but MI seemed in control early in the chase. However, disciplined bowling from Irfan Pathan (2/24) and Yusuf Abdulla (2/19) turned the game. JP Duminy fought hard with 59, but MI fell agonizingly short, needing 6 off the last two balls before crumbling to 116/7.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (118) vs Mumbai Indians (2018)
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Result: SRH won by 31 runs
One of the most astonishing bowling performances in IPL history came in 2018 when SRH defended a paltry 118 against MI at the Wankhede. Rashid Khan (2/11), Siddarth Kaul (3/23), and Basil Thampi (2/4) dismantled MI’s batting lineup, bundling them out for just 87. It was a masterclass in defensive bowling, proving that even the smallest total can be defended with precision and pressure.
2. Chennai Super Kings (116/9) vs Kings XI Punjab (2009)
Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
Result: CSK won by 24 runs
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased their bowling might in 2009, defending 116 against Kings XI Punjab. Muthiah Muralidaran (2/8) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/13) spun a web around Punjab’s batters, restricting them to just 92/8. The match highlighted CSK’s ability to win games even when their batting faltered, thanks to their world-class spin attack.
1. Punjab Kings (111) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2025)
Venue: PCA Stadium, Mullanpur
Result: PBKS won by 16 runs
In a historic IPL encounter, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defended the lowest total ever—111—against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024. Despite a shaky batting performance, PBKS’ bowlers rose to the occasion. Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) ripped through KKR’s middle order, while Marco Jansen (3/17) delivered crucial blows, including the wicket of Andre Russell. KKR collapsed from a comfortable position to 95 all out, handing Punjab a memorable 16-run victory.
While high-scoring games dominate IPL discussions, these low-total defenses remind us that T20 cricket is as much about bowling, strategy, and mental toughness as it is about big hits. Whether it’s Rashid Khan’s wizardry, Muralidaran’s mastery, or Chahal’s game-changing spell, these matches prove that no target is too small if the bowlers believe.
As the IPL continues to evolve, one thing remains certain—the thrill of defending the undefendable will always be one of the league’s most captivating spectacles.
