![Punjab Kings [Source: AP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1744739496883_kkr_chahal_pbks.jpg?type=tq)
Punjab Kings [Source: AP Photos]
In the high-octane world of the IPL, where 200+ totals often dominate headlines, there’s an unmatched thrill when a team defies the odds to defend a seemingly modest score. From razor-thin margins to jaw-dropping collapses, the IPL’s history is dotted with games where teams turned desperation into dominance.
As Punjab Kings pulled off a stunning defense against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mullanpur tonight, the spotlight swings back to those rare, heart-stopping matches where low totals became legendary victories. Let's take a look at IPL's lowest totals defended and find out which defenses reign the top of the charts.
5) 119/8 by SRH vs PWI
On April 17, 2013, at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium in Pune, Sunrisers Hyderabad successfully defended a modest total of 119/8 against Pune Warriors in the 22nd match of IPL 2013, clinching victory by 11 runs. Despite a promising start from the Warriors, who reached 38/0 in just over four overs, SRH’s bowlers turned the game around with a disciplined performance.
Amit Mishra was the star, delivering a match-winning spell of 4/19 that included a dramatic hat-trick in the 19th over to dismantle the lower order. He was well supported by Thisara Perera, who claimed 3/20, as Pune collapsed from 101/5 to 108 all out in 19 overs, falling short of the 120-run target.
4) 119/8 by KXIP vs MI
On April 29, 2009, at Kingsmead in Durban, Kings XI Punjab edged past Mumbai Indians by just 3 runs in a low-scoring thriller during the 20th match of IPL 2009. After posting a modest 119/8, built largely around Kumar Sangakkara’s unbeaten 45 off 44 balls, Kings XI bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to defend the target.
Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Abdulla played key roles, picking up two wickets each, while Mumbai struggled early in the chase, reduced to 12/3 within the first five overs. Jean-Paul Duminy held the innings together with a fighting 59 off 63 balls, but lacked support from the other end. With 6 needed off the last two balls, Duminy was dismissed, sealing a narrow victory for Kings XI, who held their nerve in the final over to successfully defend 120.
3) 118/10 by SRH vs MI
On April 24, 2018, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a remarkable bowling performance to defend a modest total of 118, defeating Mumbai Indians by 31 runs in the 23rd match of IPL 2018. Despite being bowled out in 18.4 overs, SRH's bowlers stepped up brilliantly, led by Rashid Khan, who was named Player of the Match for his exceptional spell of 4-1-11-2.
Rashid, along with Siddarth Kaul (3/23) and Basil Thampi (2/4), dismantled Mumbai's batting line-up, while Sandeep Sharma, Mohammad Nabi, and Shakib Al Hasan chipped in with one wicket each. Mumbai, chasing 119, crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 87 in 18.5 overs, marking one of the finest low-total defenses in IPL history.
2) 116/9 by CSK vs PBKS
On May 20, 2009, at Kingsmead in Durban, Chennai Super Kings successfully defended a modest total of 116/9 by delivering a clinical bowling performance to restrict Kings XI Punjab to just 92/8 in their 20 overs, winning the 54th match of IPL 2009 by 24 runs.
Muthiah Muralidaran led the charge with a masterful spell of 4-0-8-2, earning him the Player of the Match award. He was well supported by Ravichandran Ashwin (2/13), Thilan Thushara (2/28), and Suresh Raina (2/17), as CSK’s spin trio strangled the scoring and picked up key wickets at regular intervals, never allowing Punjab to build momentum in the chase.
1) 111/10 by PBKS vs KKR
On April 15, 2025, Punjab Kings scripted history with their bowling performance. They defended the lowest total in IPL history at Punjab against KKR. Punjab Kings pulled off a stunning 16-run victory, defending a modest total of 111. Despite a solid effort from Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37), KKR crumbled under pressure as Punjab's bowlers produced a disciplined show.
Yuzvendra Chahal was the star with 4/28, striking crucial blows in the middle overs, while Marco Jansen’s fiery spell of 3/17, including the wicket of Andre Russell, sealed the deal. Arshdeep Singh and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a wicket each, as KKR were bundled out for 95 in just 15.1 overs.
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