In the Indian Premier League (IPL), we usually expect high scores and thrilling run chases. However, the league has also witnessed some unforgettable moments where teams managed to win despite putting up very small totals on the board. These rare games highlight the importance of bowling, fielding, and strategy. This article explores the Top 5 Lowest Totals Defended in IPL History as of 2025, showcasing how low-scoring matches can become classics. Every match listed here proves that it’s not always about big totals sometimes, it’s about holding your nerve and playing smart cricket.
5. SRH Defend 119/8 vs PWI – Pune, 2013
One of the earliest classic examples of the lowest totals defended in IPL history came in 2013, when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defended just 119/8 against Pune Warriors India (PWI). It was a match where SRH’s bowlers turned the tide with sheer determination and precision.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| SRH | PWI | 119/8 |
SRH’s batting line-up struggled on a tricky surface, but their bowlers, led by Dale Steyn, Amit Mishra, and Ishant Sharma, put on a show of tight bowling and smart field placements. PWI couldn’t chase the low target, and this match instantly became part of the elite list of the lowest totals defended in IPL history. It showcased that excellent bowling can turn the game even when the team scores below-par.
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4. PBKS Defend 119/8 vs MI – Durban, 2009
Another brilliant moment in the lowest totals defended in IPL history took place in 2009 when Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) defended 119/8 against Mumbai Indians in South Africa. The match was low-scoring but high in drama.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| PBKS | MI | 119/8 |
The pitch at Durban assisted bowlers, and PBKS made the most of it. Their disciplined bowling attack dismantled MI’s strong batting line-up. Mumbai struggled under pressure, and PBKS pulled off a famous win. This game added to the list of matches remembered for the lowest totals defended in IPL history, where a well-executed plan trumped a powerful batting side.
3. SRH Defend 118 vs MI – Mumbai, 2018
One of the most thrilling moments involving the lowest totals defended in IPL history happened in 2018. SRH were bowled out for only 118 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, yet they still managed to win the game convincingly.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| SRH | MI | 118 |
Rashid Khan was the star with the ball, supported well by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The SRH bowling attack used swing and spin effectively, and MI were bowled out for just 87. This dominant performance by the bowlers made it one of the most iconic examples of the lowest totals defended in IPL history, underlining SRH’s legacy as a strong bowling side.
2. CSK Defend 116/9 vs PBKS – Durban, 2009
In the same 2009 IPL season, another dramatic match took place in Durban where Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defended 116/9 against Punjab Kings. It was a game where spin dominated, and CSK’s bowlers executed their plan to perfection.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| CSK | PBKS | 116/9 |
The CSK bowlers, including Muttiah Muralitharan and R Ashwin, bowled with tight lines and used the conditions to choke the batting side. Punjab lost wickets regularly and failed to form a stable partnership. This low-scoring thriller remains one of the most brilliant examples of the lowest totals defended in IPL history, especially on a foreign pitch.
1. PBKS Defend 111 vs KKR – Mullanpur, 2025
The most recent and perhaps the most unbelievable entry in the lowest totals defended in IPL history happened in 2025. Punjab Kings defended just 111 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Mullanpur a record that now tops the chart.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| PBKS | KKR | 111 |
The PBKS bowlers came out with aggressive intent and took early wickets, building pressure right from the first over. KKR’s powerful batting line-up couldn’t handle the pressure, and they collapsed unexpectedly. This stunning win by PBKS now holds the record for the lowest total defended in IPL history, showing how unpredictable and exciting T20 cricket can be.
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