Indian Premier League (IPL) is always known for explosive, aggressive and fearless cricket. The batsmen are already seen hitting quick shots on the field with the ball. Take full advantage of the fielding restrictions in the first six overs. This part of the game is known as powerplay.
Some teams have made a record of scoring more than 100 runs on the scoreboard during the powerplay, while there were some teams which could not even score 20 runs. From the spin-friendly pitch to the swinging new ball and slick bowling, we take a look at the lowest powerplay scores in IPL history (2008-2025).
Lowest powerplay score in IPL (2008-2025)
1. RCB: 2/0 vs Delhi Capitals (2015)
This match is known for the lowest powerplay score in IPL history. In 2015, there was a match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) in Bengaluru. RCB scored only 2 runs in the first over, but due to rain the match was canceled within a few minutes. Although this was not a complete match, it is technically considered the lowest powerplay score.
2. CSK: 11/3 vs RCB (2013)
The second lowest powerplay score in IPL history is in the name of mighty Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In the 2013 match against RCB, CSK's top order collapsed badly and lost three wickets after scoring only 11 runs in six overs. There was uncertain seam movement on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch and RCB's fast bowlers took full advantage of it.
3. SRH: 14/3 vs RR (2022)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), famous for its explosive batting in recent years, had to face defeat in IPL 2022. Against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Pune, SRH lost wickets rapidly and could score only 14/3 in the first six overs. Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna did wonders in swing bowling and took advantage of the early pace with the new ball. The top order, which included Kane Williamson and Nicholas Pooran, was struggling to connect.
4. RR: 14/2 vs RCB (2009)
In the 2009 IPL held in South Africa, the conditions were quite different from the subcontinent. In Cape Town, Rajasthan Royals (RR) struggled against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bowlers and lost two wickets after scoring just 14 runs in the first six overs. The wet pitch and overcast conditions aided swing and RR batsmen could not keep pace with the pace and bounce. This was an early example that foreign conditions can challenge even experienced T20 teams. The Royals could never recover and the match quickly deteriorated.
5. CSK: 15/2 vs KKR (2011)
Another surprising entry of Chennai Super Kings, this time in IPL 2011. Chennai Super Kings had to face the fast bowling of Brett Lee and Shakib Al Hasan at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Due to the fall of early wickets, Dhoni's team could score only 15 runs in six overs, which was their slowest start. This match proved that even the strongest batting lineup can crumble under pressure when the bowlers bowl in the right places.
6. CSK: 16/1 vs Delhi Capitals (2015)
Once again CSK is included in this unwanted list. In the 2015 match against Delhi Capitals in Raipur, Chennai could score only 16/1 in six overs. The pitch was slow and the Capitals bowlers, especially Zaheer Khan, bowled tightly. CSK's openers could not find boundaries and the effect of their alertness was that the run rate never increased.
7. CSK: 16/1 vs RCB (2019)
When Chennai Super Kings hosted RCB in Chennai in the opening match of IPL 2019, fans were expecting a bang. But an exciting low-scoring match was witnessed on the slow and rotating pitch of Chepauk. CSK scored only 16 runs in six overs. It was almost impossible to make shots on the pitch. This again proves that the pitch can change the entire complexion of a T20 match.
