The Indian Premier League (IPL) is synonymous with big-hitting batsmen, towering sixes, and high-scoring matches. However, even in this batsman-dominated format, there have been occasions where bowling attacks have reigned supreme, leading to spectacular batting collapses. Today, we delve into the history of the IPL and explore the teams that have recorded the Lowest Scores in IPL history.
The Dismal 49: Royal Challengers Bangalore Hit Rock Bottom
The dubious honor of recording the lowest score in IPL history belongs to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). On April 23rd, 2017, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, RCB was skittled out for a mere 49 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This innings remains etched in IPL folklore as a symbol of a complete batting meltdown.
The KKR bowling attack, spearheaded by Nathan Coulter-Nile and Chris Woakes, who picked up three wickets each, wreaked havoc on the RCB batting line-up. None of the RCB batsmen could even reach double digits, with Kedar Jadhav's 9 being the highest score. The entire innings lasted a mere 9.4 overs, highlighting the dominance of the KKR bowlers.
This match also holds significance for another reason. It was on the same date, four years prior, that RCB had posted their highest-ever IPL total – a mammoth 263/5 against Pune Warriors India, powered by Chris Gayle's blistering 175*. The contrasting performances on the same date showcase the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
Rajasthan Royals' Double Woe: Twice on the Wrong Side of History
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) find themselves with an unwanted double on this list. Their first entry comes in at number two, with a score of 58 runs against RCB itself in the inaugural IPL season in 2009. Playing in Durban, South Africa, RR were bundled out in just 15.1 overs by a potent RCB bowling attack.
Interestingly, RR's second entry on this list also involves RCB. In a crucial IPL 2023 match held in Jaipur, RR, chasing a target of 172, were shot out for a paltry 59 runs in just 10.3 overs. This match showcased another dominant bowling performance, this time by RCB, with Mohammed Siraj leading the way with three wickets.
These two collapses highlight RR's vulnerability against RCB's bowling attacks. While both matches were one-sided affairs, they raised questions about RR's batting consistency in high-pressure situations.
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Other Notable Low Scores in IPL History
While RCB and RR occupy the top three spots for the lowest scores, other teams have also endured forgettable batting displays. Here are some other notable mentions:
- Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals): They hold the record for the fourth (66) and fifth (67) lowest totals in the IPL. Both these scores came in 2017, showcasing a period of batting struggles for the Delhi franchise.
- Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings): They were once dismissed for a meager 73 runs against the Mumbai Indians in 2014. This match exposed their batting frailties against a strong bowling attack.
Reasons Behind Low Scores in the IPL
Several factors can contribute to a team registering a low score in the IPL:
- Top-Order Collapse: The early dismissal of key batsmen can leave a batting line-up exposed and struggling to recover.
- Brilliant Bowling Spells: Exceptional bowling performances, with bowlers taking wickets in quick succession, can dismantle a batting order.
- Unfavorable Pitch Conditions: Uneven pitches with excessive swing or bounce can make it difficult for batsmen to score runs freely.
- Poor Team Selection: Strategic blunders in team selection, leaving out in-form players or picking the wrong combination for the conditions, can impact team performance.
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Conclusion
The instances of low scores in the IPL serve as a reminder that even the best batting line-ups are vulnerable in the face of exceptional bowling or challenging conditions. These collapses also add an element of drama and unpredictability to the tournament, making the IPL an even more captivating spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
IPL is considered to be a high scoring competition.
But there have been games when teams have defended low scores and it made for compelling viewing.
