The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for explosive batting, six-hitting sprees, and power-packed first six overs — the Powerplay.
But there have been rare occasions when the batters couldn’t find momentum, bowlers dominated, and teams struggled to even reach double digits.
These low-scoring powerplays remind fans that IPL isn’t just about brute force — it’s also a battle of nerves, discipline, and adaptability.
Let’s look back at some of the lowest Powerplay scores in IPL history, from the league’s birth in 2008 up to 2025, and understand what made these moments unforgettable
What Is the Powerplay in IPL?
Before diving in, it’s important to understand what the Powerplay means.
In IPL and other T20 formats, the first six overs of each innings are known as the Powerplay.
During this period, only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, which usually gives batters an advantage.
However, when conditions favor bowlers — be it swing, seam, or spin — the Powerplay can turn into a nightmare for batting sides.
Wickets fall in clusters, dot balls mount, and even the biggest stars can struggle to get the ball off the square
Some of the Lowest Powerplay Scores in IPL History
Over the years, a few innings have stood out for how difficult they made batting look — even in the most batting-friendly tournament in the world.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2017)
RCB, known for their batting giants like Kohli, Gayle, and AB de Villiers, were bundled out for just 49 runs in the entire match — the lowest team total in IPL history.
In the Powerplay, they managed just 21/5, completely rattled by the pace of Nathan Coulter-Nile and Chris Woakes.
It was a shocking day when RCB’s mighty batting line-up collapsed like a deck of cards
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2009)
In the early days of the IPL, Rajasthan Royals — then defending champions — faced a fiery spell from RCB’s bowlers and could only reach 14/2 in the Powerplay.
The pitch offered movement, and the top order simply couldn’t adjust.
It was one of those rare low-scoring thrillers where bowlers made early breakthroughs count.
Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals (2015)
Even the mighty Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by MS Dhoni, have faced tough starts.
Against Delhi Capitals in 2015, they crawled to 16/3 in six overs.
The disciplined bowling of Zaheer Khan and Nathan Coulter-Nile kept them pinned down.
Though CSK recovered later, that Powerplay remains one of their slowest in history.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians (2020)
In a season played under UAE conditions, KKR found it tough to get going against Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.
They ended the Powerplay at 17/4, struggling to read the swing and bounce.
Mumbai’s bowling attack that year was at its peak, combining pace, precision, and pressure.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals (2021)
Sunrisers Hyderabad, known for their strong openers like Warner and Bairstow, endured one of their worst Powerplays when they were restricted to 15/3.
Rajasthan’s new-ball attack — led by Mustafizur Rahman and Chris Morris — completely dominated.
It highlighted how fragile even experienced line-ups can become when conditions turn against them.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans (2023)
The newer franchises have had their share of Powerplay nightmares too.
In 2023, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were restricted to just 18/4 against Gujarat Titans, with Mohammed Shami bowling a dream spell.
The movement off the surface left batters clueless, setting the tone for one of the lowest Powerplay totals in the tournament.
Why Do Teams Struggle in the Powerplay?
There are several reasons teams end up with such low scores in the first six overs:
-
Swing and Seam Movement: Early overs often favor bowlers, especially under lights or on fresh pitches.
-
-
Over-Aggression: Teams sometimes go too hard too early and lose quick wickets.
-
Pressure and Momentum: A couple of early wickets can cause panic and halt scoring completely.
-
Quality of Bowling: IPL has world-class bowlers — Bumrah, Shami, Boult, and Rashid Khan — who can dismantle any batting order.
The Powerplay may look like a scoring opportunity, but it’s equally a test of temperament and shot selection.
-
-
Lessons from Low Powerplay Scores
-
Building partnerships in Powerplay is more crucial than quick runs.
-
Smart rotation of strike can be more effective than blind hitting.
-
-
Teams with solid openers who can survive the first six overs often dominate the rest of the game.
These lessons have shaped modern IPL strategies, with most franchises now focusing on stable openers and flexible batting orders rather than just power hitter
-
-
Conclusion — CricBites Take
At CricBites, we believe these low Powerplay moments are just as important as the record-breaking ones.
They remind us that the IPL isn’t only about fireworks — it’s about resilience, adaptability, and smart cricket.When a team struggles in the first six overs, the real test begins: can they rebuild, hold nerve, and fight back?
That’s the beauty of T20 — every over tells a story, and sometimes, the struggle is what makes the comeback special.From RCB’s 21/5 collapse to CSK’s rare stumble, these matches prove one truth — cricket is unpredictable, and the Powerplay can make or break a game
-
