Lowest Powerplay Scores in IPL History (From 2008 to 2025)

By: Cricbites | October 21, 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been about fireworks, aggression and fearless cricket. Batsmen come out with a clear intention to dominate from the very first ball, taking full advantage of the fielding restrictions in the first six overs. And the game is famously known as the Powerplay.

While some teams have lit up the scoreboard, others have struggled to even reach double figures. These rare occurrences, though few, remind fans that T20 cricket is unpredictable, and even the strongest line-ups can falter! From spin-friendly surfaces to swinging new balls and clever bowling tactics. In this blog, we look at the lowest Powerplay scores in IPL history (2008-2025) and the stories behind those challenging starts.

Understanding the Powerplay in IPL

Before diving into the list, let’s recall why the Powerplay is so important.

In the first six overs of an IPL innings, only two fielders are allowed to go outside the 30-yard circle. This means that batsmen have more distance to find boundaries and, usually, it is the phase when the run rate increases. However, this aggressive intent also brings risks. Bowlers with control and swing can take advantage of the batsmen’s impatience, leading to collapses. A bad start in the Powerplay often leaves a team behind throughout the innings. Now, let’s look at which teams have registered the lowest Powerplay scores and what has gone wrong with them on those days.

Lowest Powerplay Scores in IPL (2008-2025)

1. RCB: 2/0 vs Delhi Capitals (2015)

This match has the lowest Powerplay score in IPL history, albeit by a large margin.

In 2015, a match was played between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) in Bengaluru. RCB could only score 2 runs in the first over, but the match was interrupted due to rain and the match was abandoned after a few minutes.

Although it was not a complete game, this figure is technically considered the lowest Powerplay score.

2. CSK: 11/3 vs RCB (2013)

The second lowest Powerplay score in IPL history belongs to the mighty Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

During a match against RCB in 2013, CSK’s top order collapsed dramatically, scoring just 11 runs for the loss of three wickets in six overs.

Early wickets of key players like Michael Hussey and Suresh Raina left the team in trouble. The pitch at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium had unpredictable seam movement, and RCB’s pace bowlers took full advantage of it.

It was one of those rare days when even Dhoni’s players looked helpless against the new ball.

3. SRH: 14/3 vs RR (2022)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), known for their explosive batting line-ups in recent years, suffered a defeat in IPL 2022.

Against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Pune, SRH lost wickets at a rapid pace and could only manage 14/3 after the first six overs. Trent Boult and the famous Krishna gave a masterclass in swing bowling, taking advantage of the early pace with the new ball.

The top order, including Kane Williamson and Nicholas Pooran, struggled to connect.

4. RR1; 14/2 vs RCB (2009)

In the 2009 IPL held in South Africa, the situation was very different from the subcontinent. In Cape Town, RR struggled against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bowlers, scoring just 14 runs for 2 wickets in the first six overs.

The wet pitch and overcast skies helped the swing, and RR’s batsmen were unable to adapt to the pace and bounce.

It was an early example of how foreign conditions can test even experienced T20 teams. The Royals never really recovered, and the game quickly deteriorated.

5. CSK: 15/2 vs KKR (2011)

Another surprise entry from Chennai Super Kings this time in IPL 2011.

Playing at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Chennai Super Kings faced fiery spells from Brett Lee and Shakib Al Hasan. Early wickets meant that Dhoni’s team could only manage 15 runs in the first six overs, their slowest start ever.

The game proved that even the best batting units can crumble under pressure when the bowlers bowl in the right zone.

6. CSK: 16/1 vs Delhi Capitals (2015)

Once again, CSK appear on the unwanted list. In their game against Delhi Capitals at Raipur in 2015, Chennai could only manage 16/1 in the Powerplay.

The pitch was slow, and the Capitals bowlers, led by Zaheer Khan, kept things very tight. The CSK openers struggled to find boundaries, and their cautious approach backfired as the run rate never increased thereafter.

7. CSK: 16/1 vs RCB (2019)

In the opening match of IPL 2019, when CSK hosted RCB in Chennai, fans were expecting fireworks. Instead, a low-scoring thriller was witnessed on the slow and turning pitch of Chepauk.

Chasing a modest score, CSK were all out for just 16 runs in six overs. The surface made it almost impossible to make shots. This once again proves how a pitch can completely change the complexion of a T20 game.

Conclusion

The charm of IPL lies in its unpredictability, one day, a team can score 90 runs in six overs; the next day, it struggles to reach double figures. While RCB’s 2/0 remains an anomaly, performances like CSK’s 11/3 or SRH’s 14/3 are a reminder that the momentum in T20 cricket can change in just a few balls. As teams evolve with better strategies and data-driven insights, such low Powerplay scores may become rare!

FAQs

Q1. What is the lowest powerplay score in IPL history?

The lowest Powerplay score in IPL history is 2/0 by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Delhi Capitals in 2015. However, the match was washed out shortly after RCB began their innings. The lowest Powerplay score is 11/3 by CSK against RCB in 2013.

Q2. Which team has the most entries in the lowest powerplay records?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) appear on this list the most times, with four entries (2011, 2013, 2015 and 2019). Despite being one of the most successful IPL teams, CSK often get off to a slow start on challenging pitches.

Q3. Why is the powerplay phase so important in T20 cricket?

The powerplay sets the pace early on. Teams that start strong can score big or chase goals effectively.

Q4. Has any team recovered from a poor powerplay to win the match?

Yes, many teams have turned the game around even after a bad start. A disciplined bowling performance can also make up for a low Powerplay score.

Q5. How do modern teams prepare to avoid poor powerplay scores?

Teams now rely on data analytics and match simulations to understand bowler matchups and field settings. Batsmen are also trained to rotate strikes intelligently instead of playing risky shots at the start.