In the Indian Premier League (IPL), the focus is usually on huge sixes and high-scoring matches. But some of the most thrilling moments in the tournament’s history have come from low-scoring games where the bowlers took the spotlight. In rare but unforgettable moments, teams have defended very small targets. These matches are reminders that cricket is not just about batting strategy, discipline, and teamwork can turn the game around.
List of 5 Lowest Totals Defended in IPL History
5. PBKS Defended 119/8 vs Mumbai Indians – Durban, 2009
In one of the most thrilling encounters of IPL 2009, Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) defended a modest total of 119/8 against the star-studded Mumbai Indians. It was an early example of the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL where smart bowling and fielding won the match.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| PBKS | Mumbai Indians | 119/8 |
On a slow and tricky Durban pitch, PBKS bowlers took advantage of the surface. The Lowest Totals Defended in IPL list features this match prominently because of how Punjab outplayed Mumbai’s strong batting side. Tight bowling from Sreesanth and disciplined fielding turned the game in PBKS’s favor. Mumbai failed to chase even a below-par total.
This match showed that when executed well, even a target below 120 can be enough one of the finest examples of the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL.
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4. SRH 118 vs Mumbai Indians – Wankhede, 2018
The 2018 IPL season saw Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pulling off an incredible defense at Wankhede Stadium, where they defended just 118 runs. This effort remains one of the boldest in the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL category.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| SRH | Mumbai Indians | 118 |
Bowlers Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the charge with exceptional control. Mumbai, known for its explosive batting line-up, collapsed for just 87. Every ball built pressure, and SRH showed why they are renowned for defending low scores.
This contest is a textbook case in the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL, where world-class bowling made a small total look big. It reminded teams that a strong bowling unit can win games even with minimal runs on the board.
3. CSK Defended 116/9 vs Punjab Kings – Durban, 2009
In the same 2009 South Africa season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) managed to defend just 116/9 against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), another classic among the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| CSK | PBKS | 116/9 |
CSK’s spin duo Muttiah Muralitharan and R Ashwin turned the match into a masterclass. Punjab struggled to form partnerships and fell short while chasing a very gettable target. This was not just a win; it was a show of how clever use of spin bowling can dominate in pressure moments.
Such games prove that totals under 120 can still be match-winning. That’s why this match holds a strong position in the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL history.
2. RR Defended 115 vs KKR – Cape Town, 2009
Rajasthan Royals were the first team in IPL history to make defending very low totals a thrilling art form. In Cape Town 2009, they managed to defend just 115 against Kolkata Knight Riders, adding another memorable moment in the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL list.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata Knight Riders | 115 |
The Royals bowled tightly from the start, never letting KKR settle. Yusuf Pathan and Warne were at their strategic best, and the pressure paid off as KKR fell short. This game showcased the value of captaincy and planning in achieving one of the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL.
Rajasthan’s win from a losing position remains one of the earliest and finest examples in IPL history of how low totals can still yield victory.
1. PBKS Defended 111 vs KKR – Mullanpur, 2025
In what is now officially the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL ever, Punjab Kings stunned everyone by defending just 111 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025. This match takes the top spot in the list due to the extremely low score and the high-pressure situation.
| Team Defending | Opponent | Total Scored |
| PBKS | Kolkata Knight Riders | 111 |
PBKS bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar, created pressure from the very first ball. They took early wickets, set smart field placements, and kept the scoreboard under control. KKR’s chase kept stalling, and wickets kept tumbling.
This game is now the gold standard for teams aiming to win while defending tiny totals. PBKS’s performance here is a historical moment, leading all discussions around the Lowest Totals Defended in IPL. It proved that sharp planning and fearless execution can overcome even the lowest of scores.
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