Top 5 Lowest Totals in IPL Playoffs
The curtains fell on the 2024 Indian Premier League season with Kolkata Knight Riders clinching their third title in a commanding 8-wicket victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 final at the M Chidambaram Stadium on 26th May.
Despite the grand finale lacking its usual high-octane drama, where Sunrisers Hyderabad posted the lowest-ever score in the final of the tournament after scoring the highest score in the same campaign, the playoffs prior to it retained the pulsating intensity synonymous with the IPL.
Within these nerve-wracking battles lies another facet of cricket’s drama – the shockingly low scores that occasionally emerge under immense pressure as happened in the final encounter of the IPL 2024. These encounters characterised by nail-biting finishes and epic batting collapses range from last-ball squeakers to historic meltdowns, each leaving an indelible mark on IPL folklore.
Through tales of perseverance, strategic brilliance, and, at times, sheer misfortune, these matches encapsulate the essence of T20 cricket’s unpredictable nature, showcasing the sport’s ability to surprise and enthrall. So, let’s journey through the history of IPL and revisit the top five lowest totals in playoff matches.
#5 Deccan Chargers: 104 vs Chennai Super Kings vs Deccan Chargers (IPL 2010 Semi-Final)
In the pivotal second semifinal of the 2010 IPL season, Chennai Super Kings squared off against the Deccan Chargers at DY Patil Stadium, eyeing a berth in the finals. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, CSK faced early setbacks, finding themselves reeling at 29/3 within 4.5 overs.
Despite the shaky start, resilient performances from S Badrinath, Srikkanth Anirudha, and skipper MS Dhoni propelled CSK to a modest total of 142/7. In the chase, MS Dhoni’s side put up a disciplined bowling display, consistently chipping away at the Deccan Chargers’ batting lineup.
The Chargers’ pursuit faltered from the beginning, with the middle order failing to provide substantial resistance. CSK maintained a stranglehold on the match, eventually restricting Deccan Chargers to a mere 104 runs. With this commanding performance, CSK emerged victorious by 38 runs, securing their place in the IPL finals.
#4 Lucknow Super Giants: 101 vs Mumbai Indians (IPL 2023 Qualifier 2)
In the high-stakes 2023 Eliminator, Lucknow Super Giants clashed with Mumbai Indians at Chennai’s M. Chidambaram Stadium, vying for a spot in Qualifier 2. Mumbai, batting first, recovered from a shaky start to post 182 runs, propelled by pivotal contributions from Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, and Nehal Wadhera.
Lucknow’s chase stumbled early, though Marcus Stoinis fought gallantly to guide his team toward the target. However, Akash Madhwal’s devastating spell triggered a collapse, reducing Lucknow from 69/3 to 92/7.
Despite Stoinis’ resilience, Lucknow ultimately fell short, bundled out for 101, concluding their campaign in disappointment. Notably, Akash Madhwal’s exceptional performance earned him a fifer, conceding only five runs in his 3.3 overs, adding to Lucknow’s woes in the crucial encounter.
#3 Delhi Daredevils: 87 vs Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2008 Semi-Final)
Rajasthan Royals bundled out Delhi Daredevils for just 87 runs in IPL 2008 semi-final
In the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League, Rajasthan Royals emerged as the dark horse, storming into the knockout stage and setting up a thrilling clash with Delhi Daredevils in the league’s first-ever semi-final. With contributions spanning their batting lineup, including a crucial half-century from Shane Watson, Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable total of 192 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
The chase for Delhi was fraught with challenges from the start, as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and eventually folded for a mere 87 runs. Watson’s brilliance extended beyond his batting prowess, as he and Munaf Patel shared the spotlight with the ball, each claiming three wickets. Rajasthan’s resounding victory by 105 runs stands tall as one of the most memorable triumphs in the history of IPL knockout matches
#2 Royal Challengers Bangalore: 86/1 vs Deccan Chargers (IPL 2010 Third Place Play-off)
During the early seasons of the league, the third-spot playoffs were a common fixture, pitting the semi-final losers against each other in a bid to salvage some pride. One such encounter unfolded at the DY Patil Stadium in 2010 featuring Deccan Chargers against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
RCB skipper Anil Kumble led from the front as he scalped four wickets helping his side bundle out Deccan Chargers for a paltry score of 82 runs and the Vijay Mallya-owned side later, chased down the score in just 13.5 overs with nine wickets in hand.
Rahul Dravid guided the team home with an unbeaten 35-run innings off 30 deliveries while Kevin Pietersen provided the late charge with an innings of 29 runs off 21 balls.
#1 Deccan Chargers: 82 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL 2010 Third Place Play-off)
In the aforementioned encounter, the Deccan Chargers put in a disappointing performance with the bat. Opting to bat first, Deccan Chargers suffered an early setback with the loss of their skipper, Adam Gilchrist, in the opening over. It set the tone for a challenging innings.
Despite a partial recovery led by Anirudh Singh and Venugopal Rao, the team struggled to gain momentum and found themselves in dire straits at 35/5. Wickets kept falling in small intervals and they were eventually bowled out for 82 runs on the board.