IPL has its skeletons, explosive starts are common where teams try to score as many pin-dropping sixes as they can in the very first 6 overs-the powerplay. The objective is to cash in on the fielding restrictions and put a solid foundation for the rest of the innings.
But it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes teams struggle under pressure and end up with shockingly low scores in the powerplay. A poor start can really hurt a team, the first 6 overs often sets the tone for the entire innings.
While it is the aggressive path, tricky pitches, good bowling or losing early wickets can earn a team a shockingly low score in the power play.
The least number of runs during a powerplay ever scored in the IPL was 2 by RCB. But it is unfair to harp on that number as the match was called off midway after RCB started their innings versus Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) in 2015.
The second lowest total is 11 runs by CSK versus RCB in 2013. The third lowest total, shared by two teams, is 14 runs, achieved by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2022 and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2009.
Speaking of RR and SRH, they jointly hold the record for the lowest powerplay score of 14. RR scored 14 for 2 in the first 6 overs against RCB in Cape Town in 2009. Thirteen years later SRH matched that score against RR.
Interestingly Chennai Super Kings and RR have three instances each where they scored 20 or less in the powerplay in IPL history.
Lowest powerplay scores in IPL
| Batting Team | PP Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRH | 14/3 | RR | Pune | 29 Mar 2022 |
| RR | 14/2 | RCB | Cape Town | 18 Apr 2009 |
| CSK | 15/2 | KKR | Eden Gardens | 7 May 2011 |
| CSK | 16/1 | Delhi Daredevils | Raipur | 12 May 2015 |
| CSK | 16/1 | RCB | Chennai | 23 Mar 2019 |
| KKR | 17/4 | RCB | Abu Dhabi | 21 Oct 2020 |
| RCB | 17/1 | CSK | Ranchi | 18 May 2014 |
| RR | 17/4 | KKR | Sharjah | 7 Oct 2021 |
| MI | 17/3 | Kings XI Punjab | Wankhede | 12 Apr 2015 |
| RR | 18/1 | MI | Jaipur | 29 Apr 2011 |
Kochi Tuskers Kerala hold another record, not so desirable one, of losing the most wickets in the powerplay. They lost 6 wickets in the first 6 overs with 5 batsmen getting out for ducks! Kochi was 29 for 6 at the end of the powerplay against Deccan Chargers in 2011.
Note that all but one of the 15 teams that have played in the IPL at least once have scored below 30 in the powerplay. The only exception is Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).Teams have faced many challenges over the years, some not even reaching double digits in the powerplay. Whether it’s due to swing friendly pitches, accurate bowling or just poor shot selection, these low scores are a reminder of how unpredictable T20 cricket is. Even the best teams can have bad days and the powerplay is the phase that can make or break an innings.
