The Indian Premier League (Indian T20) never fails to disappoint its cricket enthusiasts worldwide. This riveting tournament showcases pulsating matches with leading teams, talented players, and gripping performances that keep cricket fans hooked to their screens. But the Indian T20 has an intriguing facet that cricket fans only talk about in hushed tones—the lowest score ever recorded in Indian T20 history.
In this blog, readers will embark on a journey to uncover the lowest scores ever recorded in Indian T20 history. We will delve into the top records, explore the most memorable low-scoring matches, and analyze the performances that led to these unexpected outcomes.
Which Team Holds the Record for the All-Time Lowest Score in Indian T20?
RCB holds the record for the lowest total in Indian T20 history, scoring just 49 runs against KKR at Eden Gardens on April 23, 2017. The second-lowest total was recorded by RR, who managed only 58 runs against RCB in Cape Town on April 18, 2009.
Top 10 Lowest Scores in Indian T20 History
Position |
Team |
Score |
Overs |
Against |
Year |
Location |
1 |
RCB |
49 |
9.4 |
KKR |
2017 |
Kolkata |
2 |
RR |
58 |
15.1 |
RCB |
2009 |
Cape Town |
3 |
RR |
59 |
10.3 |
RCB |
2023 |
Jaipur |
4 |
DD |
66 |
13.4 |
MI |
2017 |
Delhi |
5 |
DD |
67 |
17.1 |
PBKS |
2017 |
Mohali |
6 |
KKR |
67 |
15.2 |
MI |
2008 |
Wankhede |
7 |
RCB |
68 |
16.1 |
SRH |
2022 |
Brabourne |
8 |
RCB |
70 |
17.1 |
CSK |
2019 |
Chennai |
9 |
RCB |
70 |
15.0 |
RR |
2014 |
Abu Dhabi |
10 |
PBKS |
73 |
15.5 |
Pune |
2017 |
Pune |
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Lowest Team Scores in Indian T20 History
Let’s dive deep into the list of the lowest team scores in Indian T20 history. We’ll explore the matches and circumstances that led to these remarkably low totals.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 49
On April 23, 2017, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced a humiliating defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, being bowled out for just 49 runs in 9.4 overs. This dismal performance saw none of the RCB batsmen reaching double digits, with Kedar Jadhav’s 9 being the highest individual score. The devastating KKR pace attack, spearheaded by Nathan Coulter-Nile, Colin de Grandhomme, and Chris Woakes, dismantled the RCB lineup with ease. This match stands as a significant low point in RCB’s history, marking one of their most infamous collapses.
2. Rajasthan Royals – 58
On April 18, 2009, during a match held in Cape Town, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) were bundled out for a mere 58 runs in 15.1 overs against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Anil Kumble delivered a mesmerizing spell, claiming 5 wickets for just 5 runs in 3.1 overs, leaving the RR batsmen struggling to handle the South African conditions. Only Tyron Henderson, Yusuf Pathan, and Ravindra Jadeja managed to reach double digits, each scoring 11 runs, while the rest of the batting lineup faltered. RCB went on to win the match comfortably by a margin of 75 runs, thanks to Kumble’s brilliance and the overall dominance of their bowlers.
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3. Rajasthan Royals – 59
On May 14, 2023, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced a crushing defeat against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Jaipur, being bowled out for a mere 59 runs in just 10.3 overs. Wayne Parnell and Michael Bracewell delivered devastating spells, dismantling the RR batting lineup. Despite Shimron Hetmyer's valiant effort, scoring 35 runs, five RR batsmen were dismissed for ducks, showcasing a dramatic collapse. The disciplined bowling attack of RCB ensured a resounding victory, adding another unwanted record to RR's history books.
4. Delhi Daredevils – 66
On May 6, 2017, the Delhi Daredevils (DD) faced a catastrophic defeat against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at their home ground in Delhi, being bowled out for a paltry 66 runs in 13.4 overs. Despite the presence of the formidable pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins, Delhi couldn't avert a dramatic batting collapse. Mumbai’s bowlers, led by Harbhajan Singh and Karn Sharma, swiftly dismantled the Daredevils' lineup. This dominant performance allowed the Mumbai Indians to secure a comprehensive victory by a massive margin of 146 runs, highlighting the stark contrast between the two teams on that day.
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5. Delhi Daredevils – 67
On April 30, 2017, the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) were dismissed for a meager 67 runs in 17.1 overs by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Mohali. Sandeep Sharma spearheaded the bowling attack, taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs, leaving the Daredevils in disarray. Corey Anderson top-scored with 18 runs, while Karun Nair and Kagiso Rabada managed to add 11 runs each. This match highlighted the inconsistency that has long plagued the Delhi franchise, showcasing yet another disappointing performance in their history.
6. Kolkata Knight Riders – 67
On May 16, 2008, during the inaugural season of the Indian T20, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were bowled out for just 67 runs in 15.2 overs against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The Mumbai attack, led by Rohan Rajesh, Shaun Pollock, and Dwayne Bravo, made early inroads and never allowed KKR to settle. Captain Sourav Ganguly and Ajit Agarkar were the top scorers with 15 runs each, while eight other KKR batsmen failed to reach double digits. This early match highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Indian T20, setting the stage for many surprising outcomes in the league's history.
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7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 68
On April 23, 2022, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were bowled out for a mere 68 runs in 16.1 overs by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Brabourne Stadium. Marco Jansen's fiery opening spell, combined with T Natarajan's precise bowling, left RCB struggling to build any momentum. Suyash Prabhudessai top-scored with 15 runs, followed by Glenn Maxwell with 12 runs. In response, the Sunrisers chased down the modest target in just nine overs, securing a commanding victory by nine wickets with a staggering 72 balls to spare.
8. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 70
RCB found themselves on the wrong side of history yet again on March 23, 2019, when they were bowled out for a paltry 70 runs in 17.1 overs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chennai. Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir, each claiming three wickets, spun a web around the RCB batsmen, who struggled to counter the relentless spin attack. Parthiv Patel managed to score 29 runs, while the rest of the batting lineup, including captain Virat Kohli, fell for single digits. CSK comfortably chased down the target, winning the match by seven wickets with 14 balls to spare.
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9. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 70
In a match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 26, 2014, held in Abu Dhabi, RCB was bundled out for 70 runs in 15 overs, equalling their own lowest score record. Pravin Tambe's leg-spin bamboozled the RCB batsmen, securing an easy victory for RR. Tambe picked up four wickets, while Kane Richardson claimed two. Virat Kohli top-scored for RCB with 21 runs, but it was not enough to build a competitive total. RR chased down the target effortlessly, winning the match by six wickets with 42 balls to spare.
10. Kings XI Punjab – 73
On May 14, 2017, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) faced a crushing defeat against Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in Pune, being bowled out for just 73 runs in 15.5 overs. The disciplined bowling of Shardul Thakur and Jaydev Unadkat, who collectively took five wickets, dismantled the Punjab batting order. Axar Patel top-scored for Punjab with a modest 22 runs, but his efforts were not enough to set a competitive total. RPS chased down the target comfortably in 12 overs, securing a decisive victory.
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Summing Up
The history of the Indian T20 is dotted with dramatic collapses and dismal scores, showcasing the unpredictable nature of cricket. From RCB’s infamous 49 all out against KKR in 2017 to KXIP’s meager 73 against RPS in 2017, these low scores highlight the challenges and pressures teams face in the high-stakes environment of T20 cricket. For those eager to stay updated with the latest cricketing news and to put their cricket knowledge to the test, downloading the First Games app is a must. Not only can you keep track of all the cricketing action, but you can also engage in thrilling fantasy cricket games, with the chance to win up to 20 crore. Don't miss out—download the First Games app today and turn your cricket insights into exciting rewards!