Top 5 Lowest Scores Defended in IPL History: T20 cricket has revolutionized the game of cricket with its fast-paced and entertaining style of play. The Indian Premier League has played a significant role in popularizing this format of the game, attracting some of the best cricketers from all around the world. The league has seen some incredible performances, both from batsmen and bowlers, with some teams successfully defending very low totals.
While T20 cricket is known for high-scoring matches, there have been instances where teams have struggled to chase even small targets. These games have been a testament to the fact that T20 cricket is not just about big scores and massive sixes, but also about strategy and discipline.
Defending a low total in T20 cricket requires exceptional bowling, fielding, and captaincy skills. Teams need to be disciplined in their approach and execute their plans to perfection. They need to bowl in the right areas, take early wickets, and build pressure on the opposition.
In this article, we will be discussing the five lowest totals that were successfully defended in the history of the IPL. These games were not just memorable for the teams that emerged victorious but also for the fans who witnessed some exceptional cricket. These games showcased the true spirit of T20 cricket, where even a small target can be defended with the right approach and execution.
Top 5 Lowest Scores Defended in IPL History
Here is the complete list of the Top 5 Lowest Scores Defended in IPL History
| Team | Runs | Year |
| CSK vs Kings XI | 116 runs | 2009 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 118 runs | 2018 |
| Punjab Kings | 119 runs | 2009 |
| Pune Warriors | 119 runs | 2013 |
| Mumbai Indians | 120 runs | 2012 |
CSK vs Kings XI in 2009 – 116 runs
The Chennai Super Kings hold the record for successfully defending the lowest score in the history of the Indian Premier League. During the 2009 season, in the 54th match of the tournament, they faced off against Punjab Kings (previously known as Kings XI Punjab). Despite batting first, Chennai Super Kings could only manage to put up 116 runs on the board with 9 wickets down.
Although it seemed like an easy target for Punjab to chase, Chennai’s bowlers showed incredible skill and managed to restrict the opposition to just 92 runs, securing a victory for their team by a margin of 24 runs. This incredible display of defense remains a highlight of the IPL’s history.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians in 2018 – 118 runs
The 2018 IPL season saw Sunrisers Hyderabad join the ranks of teams who have defended the lowest total in IPL history. In their match against Mumbai Indians, Hyderabad struggled to put runs on the board and could only muster a total of 118 runs. However, their bowlers put on a clinical performance to restrict Mumbai to a mere 87 runs, thus securing a 31-run victory for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
This remarkable feat earned them a spot on the list of teams that have defended the lowest total in IPL history, cementing their reputation as a formidable team in the tournament.
Punjab Kings vs Deccan Chargers in 2009 – 119 runs
The match between Punjab Kings and Deccan Chargers in IPL 2009 was a nail-biting encounter. Punjab Kings had set a target of 119 runs for Deccan Chargers, which seemed like an easy chase. However, Deccan Chargers failed to get a good start, losing their top-order batsmen quickly to Punjab Kings’ bowling attack. The middle order struggled to build partnerships and keep the scoreboard ticking, leading to a disappointing total of 116 runs.
Punjab Kings’ bowlers put up an impressive show and dominated throughout the match. Their disciplined bowling attack never allowed Deccan Chargers’ batsmen to settle down and build big partnerships. In the end, Punjab Kings were able to defend their total and win the match by three runs. This match showcased the importance of a strong bowling performance in T20 cricket, where even a low total can be defended with good tactics and execution.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Pune Warriors in 2013 – 119 runs
In 2013, there was a game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Pune Warriors in which the latter had a disappointing batting performance while chasing a target of 120 runs. Sunrisers Hyderabad had scored 119 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, with Biplab Samantray and Ashish Reddy contributing vital knocks, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking 3 wickets.
Despite a low target, Pune Warriors were bowled out for just 108 runs, giving SRH an 11-run victory. Amit Mishra played a significant role in this win, with his magical bowling performance of 4 wickets for 19 runs.
Mumbai Indians vs Pune Warriors in 2012 – 120 runs
The Mumbai Indians hold the distinction of defending the fifth-lowest score in IPL history. In the 45th match of IPL 2012, Mumbai Indians faced off against Pune Warriors India. Mumbai Indians struggled with the bat and only managed to post a total of 120 runs on the scoreboard.
However, Mumbai’s bowlers were determined to defend the total and put on an impressive performance. Pune Warriors India struggled to chase the target, losing wickets at regular intervals, and ultimately fell short by just one run. Lasith Malinga was instrumental in Mumbai’s victory and was named the Man of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance.
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