The Chennai Super Kings hold the record for defending the lowest score in IPL history. The team successfully defended 116 runs against Punjab on 20 April 2009 at the Kingsmead, Durban. Hyderabad is a close second, defending 118 runs against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on 24 April 2018.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its high-scoring matches, explosive batting displays, and nail-biting finishes. Yet, amidst this sea of sixes and boundaries, there have been rare instances where the brilliance of bowling has triumphed over the might of batting, creating unexpected and thrilling low-scoring encounters.

The IPL 2024 is set to kick off on 22 March 2024. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of cricketing action, as this season promises to deliver some of the most thrilling and record-breaking low-scoring matches in IPL history. 

Also read: Lowest Team Score in IPL History

Lowest Totals Defended in IPL

Here is a list of the top 5 lowest team scores successfully defended in the IPL history.

1. Chennai Super Kings - 116 (vs Punjab, Durban 2009) 

Chennai Super Kings hold the record for defending the lowest score in IPL history. The five-time champions successfully won after making 116 runs in 20 overs. Parthiv Patel scored 32 runs off 23 balls. The match was played in the second edition of the IPL in Durban, South Africa. Parthiv Patel top-scored with 32 runs for Chennai, and Muttiah Muralitharan's spell of 2/8 restricted Punjab to 92 runs and won the match by 24 runs. This record still stands 15 years later.

Also read: Orange Cap in IPL 2024 & All Previous Winners

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad - 118 (vs Mumbai, Wankhede 2018) 

Sunrisers Hyderabad holds the record of defending the second-lowest total in IPL. Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium hosted this low-scoring thriller. Mumbai Indians were successful in restricting the visiting side to 118 runs. But brilliant bowling spells from Hyderabad bowlers helped dismiss Mumbai for 87. Siddarth Kaul took 3/23, Basil Thampi took 2/4, and Rashid Khan took 2/11.

3. Kings XI Punjab - 119 (vs Mumbai, Durban 2009)

Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) successfully defended the third-lowest total in the IPL. They scored 119 runs against Mumbai at Kingsmead, Durban, on 29 April 2009. Kumar Sangakkara was the top scorer with 45 runs. Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Abdulla took 2 wickets each, as JP Duminy's 59 went in vain. Mumbai eventually lost the game by three runs.

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad - 119 (vs Pune, Pune 2013)

Hyderabad features second time on the list of lowest scores defended in IPL. Played at the MCA Stadium, Pune, Hyderabad made 119 runs against Pune Warriors India and defended it successfully by 11 runs. Amit Mishra produced an all-round display of 30 runs with the bat and 4 wickets with the ball. He took his third IPL hat-trick in this match.

Also read: Purple Cap in IPL 2024

5. Mumbai Indians - 120 (vs Pune, Pune 2012)

It is among the 12 matches with the lowest win margin (1 run) in IPL. Playing in Pune, Mumbai batted first and struggled to 120 runs in 20 overs. In the second innings, Mumbai showcased a tight bowling performance led by Harbhajan and Malinga's two wickets each. Pune Warriors India was restricted to 119 runs.

While the raw numbers showcase the impressive bowling feats, it's important to consider the context of each match. Factors like pitch conditions, weather, and the quality of the opposition's batting lineup can all influence the difficulty of defending a low total.

FAQ’s

What is the lowest score defended in the IPL?

Chennai's 116 runs is the lowest-ever score defended successfully in the IPL against Punjab on 20 May 2009. Hyderabad's defense of 118 runs against Mumbai at Wankhede on 24 April 2018 is second on the list. 

What is the lowest score defended in IPL 2023?

Royal Challengers Bangalore 126 runs is the lowest score defended successfully in IPL 2023. It was against Lucknow on 1 May 2023 at the Ekana Stadium. Faf du Plessis was the Player of the Match for his 44 runs.

What is the lowest score defended by Mumbai in the IPL?

The lowest score defended by Mumbai in the IPL was 120 runs against Pune in the 2012 season at the MCA Stadium, Pune. Lasith Malinga was the Player of the Match for his 14 runs & 2 wickets.

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