But cricket is unpredictable. Even the strongest batting lineups have collapsed in the powerplay. Early wickets, swing bowling and tough pitch conditions can make scoring very difficult.
The powerplay is the most important phase of a T20 cricket innings. Only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, which should help batters. But not every team has used this advantage well.
In this blog, we will look at the lowest powerplay score in IPL history from 2008 to 2026. These are the moments that shocked fans and changed the result of matches.
What is the Lowest Powerplay Score in IPL?
During the Powerplay in Cricket only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This rule is meant to help batters score freely. But good bowling, swing and early wickets can still make batting very tough in these overs.
The lowest powerplay score in IPL was recorded by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They scored just 2 runs in 1 over against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2015. The match was abandoned due to rain and is not considered a completed powerplay.
If we count only completed powerplays, the lowest powerplay score in IPL belongs to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They scored just 11 runs for 2 wickets against RCB in IPL 2013. This was a rain-reduced match with only 2 mandatory powerplay overs.
Lowest Powerplay Score in IPL History (2008–2026)
Here is the complete list of IPL powerplay lowest score records from 2008 to 2026:
| Rank | Team | Score | Season | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCB | 2/0* | 2015 | Delhi Capitals | Bengaluru |
| 2 | CSK | 11/2 | 2013 | RCB | Bengaluru |
| 3 | RR | 14/2 | 2009 | RCB | Cape Town |
| 4 | SRH | 14/3 | 2022 | RR | Pune |
| 5 | CSK | 15/2 | 2011 | KKR | Kolkata |
| 6 | CSK | 16/1 | 2015 | DC | Raipur |
| 7 | CSK | 16/1 | 2019 | RCB | Chennai |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – RCB 2/0 (2015)
This is the lowest powerplay score in IPL history. In IPL 2015, RCB scored just 2 runs in 1 over against Delhi Capitals in Bengaluru. The match was called off due to rain shortly after it began.
Since the powerplay was never completed, many do not count this as a fair record. But statistically, it still stands as the worst score in IPL powerplay history. No team has ever scored fewer runs in the powerplay phase.
Chennai Super Kings – CSK 11/2 (2013)
This match between RCB and CSK at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru was rain-reduced to 8 overs per side. CSK’s mandatory powerplay was only 2 overs long in this match.
In those 2 overs, CSK could score just 11 runs and lost 2 wickets. Zaheer Khan was outstanding with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/17 and completely strangling the CSK batting lineup.
Rajasthan Royals – RR 14/2 (2009)
In IPL 2009 played in South Africa, RR faced RCB at Newlands, Cape Town. Their Net Run Rate took a big hit as they scored just 14 runs for 2 wickets while chasing RCB’s total.
The conditions at Cape Town heavily favored the bowlers. The ball was swinging and RCB’s pacers made life very difficult for the RR openers in the powerplay overs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH 14/3 (2022)
In IPL 2022, SRH faced RR at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Chasing a huge target of 211 runs, SRH lost Kane Williamson, Rahul Tripathi and Nicholas Pooran inside the powerplay.
Prasidh Krishna and Trent Boult bowled brilliantly to leave SRH at just 14 for 3 after 6 overs. This was the lowest powerplay score in IPL history in India. SRH lost the match by 61 runs.
Chennai Super Kings – CSK 15/2 (2011)
CSK faced KKR at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in IPL 2011 in a rain-affected match. Murali Vijay and Suresh Raina both fell cheaply, leaving CSK struggling at just 15 runs for 2 wickets in the powerplay.
KKR bowlers Iqbal Abdulla and Yusuf Pathan kept things very tight. Even the Strategic Timeout in IPL could not help CSK reset. KKR won the match by 10 runs via the D/L method.
Chennai Super Kings – CSK 16/1 (2015)
CSK recorded the lowest powerplay score in IPL 2015 against Delhi Capitals in Raipur. They scored just 16 runs for 1 wicket in the first 6 overs.
CSK were careful not to lose wickets but this overly cautious approach meant they scored very slowly. This is one of the classic examples of lowest powerplay score IPL fans still remember for the wrong reasons.
Chennai Super Kings – CSK 16/1 (2019)
CSK faced RCB in IPL 2019 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The pitch heavily assisted spinners and RCB’s bowlers used it well, restricting CSK to just 16 runs for 1 wicket in the powerplay.
Even though CSK lost only 1 wicket, their run rate was far too low. This remains one of the worst examples of lowest powerplay score in T20 where a team batted too cautiously and paid the price.
Conclusion
The lowest powerplay score in IPL history shows how important the first six overs are. A poor start like RCB’s 2/0 or CSK’s 11/2 can completely change the outcome of a match.
Whether it is Eden Gardens, Chinnaswamy or any of the Largest Cricket Stadiums a poor powerplay always puts too much pressure on the middle and lower order batters to recover.
Over the years, IPL has seen stunning collapses and brilliant bowling in the powerplay. These lowest powerplay scores in IPL from 2008 to 2026 remind us that T20 cricket is always unpredictable.
