From Punjab Kings to CSK: Teams that have mastered the art of defending lowest totals in IPL

Lowest totals defended: Scoring runs may grab headlines in the IPL, but it's the teams that defend the unthinkable that etch their names into cricketing folklore.

On Tuesday, Punjab Kings added their name to an elite list by defending just 110 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders — the lowest total ever defended in the history of the tournament.

Over the years, a handful of teams like Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians have showcased masterclass bowling performances to turn low scores into match-winning ones. Here's a closer look at the most incredible low-score defences in IPL history.

Here’s a look at Punjab’s incredible achievement, followed by four other matches where teams defied the odds and defended extremely low totals in IPL history.

Chennai Super Kings – 116/9 vs Kings XI Punjab

Prior to Punjab’s heroics, Chennai Super Kings held the record for the lowest successful defence in IPL history for nearly 15 years. In a match during the 2009 season held in Durban, CSK posted a modest total of 116/9, with Parthiv Patel top-scoring with 32 off 23 balls.

Despite the seemingly underwhelming total, CSK’s bowlers — marshalled brilliantly by skipper MS Dhoni — kept things tight, never allowing Punjab’s batters to break free. The pressure paid off as CSK restricted KXIP to just 92/8, securing a 24-run win in a low-scoring classic.

Sunrisers Hyderabad – 118 vs Mumbai Indians

In 2018, Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off one of the most memorable defences in IPL history at the Wankhede Stadium — a venue notorious for favouring batters. After being bowled out for just 118, SRH’s bowling unit, led by Siddarth Kaul (3/23) and Basil Thampi (2/4), stunned the Mumbai Indians.

Veteran leg-spinner Rashid Khan kept things on lockdown with his miserly spell of 2/11. The result? MI collapsed for just 87, handing SRH a 31-run victory in a game that remains one of the most incredible turnarounds in league history.

Kings XI Punjab – 119/8 vs Mumbai Indians

Back in the 2009 edition, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) produced another nail-biting win while defending a modest 119/8 in Durban. Kumar Sangakkara’s 45 anchored the innings, but it was the bowlers who held their nerve in the final overs.

Jean-Paul Duminy threatened to take the game away with a fighting 59*, but with wickets tumbling at the other end, Punjab closed out the game by just 3 runs, showcasing their knack for defending tight totals even then.

Sunrisers Hyderabad – 119/8 vs Pune Warriors India

This 2013 clash saw Sunrisers Hyderabad successfully defend 119/8 against Pune Warriors India. The total seemed below-par until SRH’s bowlers came into the picture — led by the ever-reliable Amit Mishra, who not only spun a web with 4/19 but also contributed a handy 30 with the bat.

Pune never found their rhythm in the chase and folded for 108, giving SRH an 11-run victory. Mishra’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award in this gripping contest.