Introduction
The Indian Premier League is famous for high-scoring thrillers, towering sixes, and last-ball finishes. But sometimes, the bowlers remind everyone that cricket is a two-sided game. On rare and unforgettable days, batting line-ups simply fall apart. These matches produce the Lowest Total in IPL history — scores that fans still talk about years later. In this article, we look at the lowest team totals in IPL history, the match that created the record, and the reasons behind these dramatic collapses.
Which Team Recorded the Lowest Total in IPL History?
The unwanted record belongs to Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Bengaluru). On 23 April 2017, RCB were bowled out for just 49 runs in 9.4 overs against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata .
Chasing a modest target of 132, RCB’s star-studded batting line-up — including Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers — crumbled completely. None of their batters reached double figures, with Kedar Jadhav top-scoring with just 9 runs . Kolkata’s bowling attack, led by Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Woakes, and Colin de Grandhomme (three wickets each), was simply unstoppable .
This remains the only instance in IPL history where a team has been bowled out for less than 50 runs .
Top 10 Lowest Team Totals in IPL History
Here is a look at the ten lowest team totals in IPL history, based on verified records:
| Rank | Team | Score | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 49 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2017 |
| 2 | Rajasthan Royals | 58 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2009 |
| 3 | Rajasthan Royals | 59 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2023 |
| 4 | Delhi Daredevils | 66 | Mumbai Indians | 2017 |
| 5 | Delhi Daredevils | 67 | Kings XI Punjab | 2017 |
| 6 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 67 | Mumbai Indians | 2008 |
| 7 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 68 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2022 |
| 8 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 70 | Chennai Super Kings | 2019 |
| 9 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 70 | Rajasthan Royals | 2014 |
| 10 | Kings XI Punjab | 73 | Rising Pune Supergiant | 2017 |
Note: Delhi Daredevils are now Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab are now Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are now Royal Challengers Bengaluru .
The Story Behind the Lowest Total in IPL
The Match: RCB vs KKR, IPL 2017
Kolkata Knight Riders batted first and were bowled out for 131 in 19.3 overs. It was not a huge total, but on a pitch offering some assistance to the bowlers, it proved to be more than enough.
What followed was one of the most dramatic batting collapses in T20 history. RCB lost wickets in clusters from the very first over. The top order, middle order, and lower order all failed to cope with the disciplined bowling of KKR’s pacers. The entire innings lasted just 9.4 overs — less than half of the allotted 20 .
Why Did RCB Collapse So Badly?
Several factors combined to produce this historic low:
- Excellent bowling: Coulter-Nile, Woakes, and de Grandhomme exploited the conditions perfectly, mixing pace and movement .
- Scoreboard pressure: Chasing even a small target becomes difficult when wickets fall early.
- Lack of partnerships: No RCB batter was able to settle in or rotate strike effectively.
- Pitch conditions: The Eden Gardens surface offered some help to the seamers, making free scoring difficult .
Other Memorable Low-Scoring Matches in IPL
While 49 remains the ultimate low, several other matches have produced unforgettable batting collapses.
Rajasthan Royals’ Twin Disasters Against RCB
Rajasthan Royals appear twice in the top three. In 2009, they were bowled out for 58 in Cape Town, with Anil Kumble taking a stunning 5 wickets for just 5 runs . Fourteen years later, in 2023, they collapsed again against RCB, this time for 59 in Jaipur. Shimron Hetmyer’s lone resistance (35 runs) prevented an even lower score .
Delhi’s Nightmare Season (2017)
Delhi Daredevils had a forgettable 2017 campaign. They were bundled out for 66 against Mumbai Indians while chasing 213, and just days later, they were dismissed for 67 by Kings XI Punjab . Sandeep Sharma’s four-wicket haul destroyed their top order in the second match .
KKR’s Early Embarrassment (2008)
In the very first IPL season, Kolkata Knight Riders managed only 67 against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. Shaun Pollock’s brilliant spell of 3 for 12 set up an easy Mumbai victory .
Why Do These Low Totals Happen in IPL?
Low totals in the IPL are rarely the result of just one factor. Usually, a combination of elements creates the perfect storm:
1. Exceptional Bowling Performance
When bowlers find swing, seam movement, or consistent bounce, batting becomes extremely difficult. In RCB’s 49, three bowlers took three wickets each — a clear sign of collective bowling dominance .
2. Difficult Pitch Conditions
Some IPL pitches, especially early in the season or at venues with fresh grass, offer significant help to fast bowlers. Batters who are used to flat decks struggle to adapt .
3. Batting Collapses and Pressure
Once two or three wickets fall quickly, the pressure builds on the remaining batters. In T20 cricket, where aggression is expected, this pressure often leads to rash shots and further wickets. RCB’s 49 was a textbook example of this domino effect .
4. Chasing Pressure
Many of the lowest totals have come while chasing. When the required run rate climbs and wickets fall, teams sometimes lose their shape entirely. Delhi’s 66 against Mumbai in 2017 came while chasing a massive 213 .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the lowest total in IPL history?
The lowest total in IPL history is 49, scored by Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kolkata Knight Riders on 23 April 2017 at Eden Gardens .
2. Which team has been bowled out for the lowest score in IPL?
Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Bengaluru) holds the record with 49 all out. They are the only team to be dismissed for under 50 in IPL history .
3. Has any team been bowled out for less than 50 in IPL?
No. RCB’s 49 in 2017 is the only instance of a team scoring below 50 in the IPL .
4. What is Rajasthan Royals’ lowest total in IPL?
Rajasthan Royals’ lowest total is 58, against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009 at Cape Town .
5. Which IPL match had the lowest scoring total?
The match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore on 23 April 2017 saw RCB bowled out for 49 — the lowest team total in IPL history .
Conclusion
The Lowest Total in IPL is more than just a statistic. It is a reminder that even in a batter’s game, bowlers can dominate on their day. RCB’s 49 against KKR in 2017 remains the ultimate batting collapse, a record that has stood for nearly a decade. From Anil Kumble’s five-wicket haul in 2009 to Rajasthan’s repeat collapse in 2023, these low-scoring matches add a different kind of drama to the IPL. For cricket fans, they are proof that in T20 cricket, anything can happen — and sometimes, nothing goes right for the batting side.
