The Indian Premier League is famous for explosive batting and huge totals, but the tournament has also produced some shocking batting collapses. While fans often expect scores above 180 or even 200, there have been several matches where teams struggled badly and were bowled out for extremely low scores.
These low totals usually happen when bowlers dominate, early wickets fall quickly, and pressure builds on the batting side. Over the years, even strong teams filled with international stars have collapsed for totals below 100 runs.
The record for the lowest team total in IPL history still belongs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who were bowled out for just 49 runs in 2017.
Lowest Team Score in IPL History
The lowest total ever recorded in the IPL happened during the 2017 season when Royal Challengers Bengaluru were dismissed for only 49 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. It remains one of the most shocking batting collapses in T20 cricket.
Here are the five lowest totals in IPL history.
| Rank | Team | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 49 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Eden Gardens | Apr 23, 2017 |
| 2 | Rajasthan Royals | 58 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Cape Town | Apr 18, 2009 |
| 3 | Rajasthan Royals | 59 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Jaipur | May 14, 2023 |
| 4 | Delhi Capitals | 66 | Mumbai Indians | Delhi | May 6, 2017 |
| 5 | Delhi Capitals | 67 | Punjab Kings | Mohali | Apr 30, 2017 |
These matches highlight how quickly a batting lineup can collapse in T20 cricket.
Teams with the Most Lowest Totals in IPL
Some franchises appear multiple times in the list of lowest scores. This does not necessarily mean they are weak teams, but it shows that even strong sides can suffer bad days.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru feature several times in the list of lowest totals. Ironically, the same team also holds the record for the highest total in IPL history.
Their lowest score of 49 runs remains the worst collapse in the league.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals have recorded two of the lowest totals ever. Their scores of 58 and 59 runs came against the same opponent, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The 59-run collapse in 2023 was particularly damaging as it affected their net run rate and playoff chances.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) also appear multiple times with totals of 66, 67, 80 and other low scores across seasons.
Full List of Lowest Team Totals in IPL
Below are some of the most notable lowest scores recorded in IPL matches.
| Team | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | 49 | KKR | Eden Gardens | 2017 |
| RR | 58 | RCB | Cape Town | 2009 |
| RR | 59 | RCB | Jaipur | 2023 |
| DC | 66 | MI | Delhi | 2017 |
| DC | 67 | PBKS | Mohali | 2017 |
| KKR | 67 | MI | Wankhede | 2008 |
| RCB | 68 | SRH | Brabourne | 2022 |
| RCB | 70 | CSK | Chennai | 2019 |
| RCB | 70 | RR | Abu Dhabi | 2014 |
| PBKS | 73 | Rising Pune Supergiant | Pune | 2017 |
| Kochi Tuskers Kerala | 74 | Deccan Chargers | Kochi | 2011 |
| CSK | 79 | MI | Wankhede | 2013 |
| DC | 80 | SRH | Hyderabad | 2013 |
| RR | 81 | KKR | Eden Gardens | 2011 |
| LSG | 82 | GT | Pune | 2022 |
| Deccan Chargers | 82 | RCB | DY Patil | 2010 |
| RCB | 82 | KKR | Bengaluru | 2008 |
| DC | 83 | CSK | Delhi | 2013 |
| KKR | 84/8 | RCB | Abu Dhabi | 2020 |
| DC | 84 | CSK | Abu Dhabi | 2014 |
| RR | 85 | KKR | Sharjah | 2021 |
| MI | 87 | SRH | Wankhede | 2018 |
| MI | 87 | PBKS | Mohali | 2011 |
| RCB | 87 | CSK | Gqeberha | 2009 |
| PBKS | 88 | RCB | Indore | 2018 |
| PBKS | 88 | RCB | Bengaluru | 2015 |
| GT | 89 | DC | Ahmedabad | 2024 |
These matches demonstrate that even teams packed with international stars can struggle when facing disciplined bowling attacks.
Lowest Team Score in an IPL Final
Low scores have also occurred in IPL finals, although they are less common because teams are usually more cautious in big matches.
| Year | Team | Innings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 1st | 113/8 |
| 2013 | Chennai Super Kings | 1st | 125/9 |
| 2017 | Rising Pune Supergiant | 2nd | 128/6 |
| 2017 | Mumbai Indians | 1st | 129/8 |
Sunrisers Hyderabad hold the record for the lowest total in an IPL final with 113 runs.
Gujarat Titans’ Lowest Score in Recent Seasons
In the 2024 IPL season, Gujarat Titans recorded one of the lowest totals of that year when they managed only 89 runs against Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad.
Although it is not among the all-time lowest totals, it still ranks among the lowest scores in IPL history.
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IPL 2026 Season and Current Context
The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League runs from March 28 to May 31 with ten teams competing across multiple venues in India.
In the early stage of the tournament, Rajasthan Royals made a strong start to the season and climbed to the top of the points table with four wins from their first four matches.
However, matches in the IPL can change quickly. For example, in the Hyderabad clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals were chasing 207 runs and lost five wickets very early in the innings, showing how quickly a batting lineup can collapse in T20 cricket.
Such moments remind fans how unpredictable the IPL can be.
Why Low Scores Happen in the IPL
Several factors can lead to extremely low totals in T20 cricket.
Early wickets
When top-order batters are dismissed quickly, the middle order comes under immediate pressure.
Aggressive batting approach
T20 cricket encourages attacking shots from the start, which can sometimes lead to rapid collapses.
Exceptional bowling spells
Disciplined bowling with swing, pace, or spin can destroy a batting lineup.
Pressure situations
Important matches or big targets often cause teams to take risks, increasing the chances of losing wickets quickly.
Lowest team totals add an interesting chapter to IPL history. They show that the league is not only about big hitting but also about bowling brilliance and match pressure.
These matches prove that in cricket, even the strongest batting lineups can collapse in just a few overs.







