Lowest Team Scores in IPL History: RCB’s Unwanted Record Tops the List
Patiala, 25 April (Shahi)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its high-scoring encounters and batting dominance in T20 cricket. However, there have been moments when bowlers have stolen the spotlight, skittling teams for embarrassingly low totals. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hold the dubious distinction of registering the lowest score in IPL history, bowled out for just 49 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2017. This remains the only instance of a team failing to cross the 50-run mark in the tournament’s history.
Below is a detailed look at the lowest team totals in IPL history, with RCB featuring prominently in the unwanted record books.
Lowest Team Totals in IPL
| Score | Team | Opposition | Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | RCB | KKR | 2017 |
| 58 | RR | RCB | 2009 |
| 59 | RR | RCB | 2023 |
| 66 | DC | MI | 2017 |
| 67 | DC | KXIP | 2017 |
| 67 | KKR | MI | 2008 |
| 68 | RCB | SRH | 2022 |
| 70 | RCB | CSK | 2019 |
| 70 | RCB | RR | 2014 |
| 73 | KXIP | RPS | 2017 |
RCB’s Record-Low 49 vs KKR (2017)
In a shocking collapse at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, RCB were dismissed for 49 in 9.4 overs while chasing a modest 131 set by KKR in IPL 2017. The chase unraveled rapidly, with none of the RCB batters reaching double digits. Kedar Jadhav top-scored with a paltry 9 off 7 balls, while three players—Chris Gayle, Travis Head, and Stuart Binny—were dismissed for ducks. KKR’s bowlers, led by Nathan Coulter-Nile, Umesh Yadav, and Chris Woakes, ran riot, wrapping up the innings before the halfway mark. This remains the only sub-50 score in IPL history.
watch….Punjab Kings’ Historic 262 Chase Against KKR Sets IPL Record
Other Notable Low Scores
Before RCB’s 49, Rajasthan Royals (RR) held the unwanted record with a score of 58, bowled out by RCB while chasing 134 in IPL 2009. RR reclaimed a spot on the list in 2023, collapsing to 59 against RCB, their second-lowest total.
RCB feature four times in the list of scores of 70 or below, with additional totals of 68 (vs SRH, 2022), 70 (vs CSK, 2019), and 70 (vs RR, 2014), making them the only team with such frequent batting failures.
Lowest Scores by IPL Teams
Here’s how the lowest totals stack up across current and former IPL franchises:
| Team | Lowest Score | Opposition | Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 49 | KKR | 2017 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 58 | RCB | 2009 |
| Delhi Capitals | 66 | MI | 2017 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 67 | MI | 2008 |
| Punjab Kings | 73 | RPS | 2017 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 79 | MI | 2013 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 82 | GT | 2022 |
| Mumbai Indians | 87 | SRH | 2018 |
| Gujarat Titans | 89 | DC | 2024 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 96 | MI | 2019 |
| Kochi Tuskers Kerala | 74 | DC* | 2011 |
| Deccan Chargers | 82 | RCB | 2010 |
| Rising Pune Supergiant | 108 | DC (DD) | 2017 |
| Pune Warriors | 99/9 | KXIP | 2013 |
Among the 10 active IPL franchises, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 96 against Mumbai Indians in 2019 (17.4 overs) is the highest of the lowest totals. Rising Pune Supergiant stands out as the only team to avoid being bowled out under 100, with their lowest being 108 against Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) in 2017.
Historical Context
- Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings: Their lowest totals (66 and 67 for DC, 73 for PBKS) were recorded when they were known as Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab, respectively.
- Lowest Defended Total: Punjab Kings hold the record for the lowest successfully defended total in IPL history. In IPL 2025, they defended 111 against KKR, bowling them out for 95, showcasing a remarkable bowling effort.
Conclusion
While the IPL is celebrated for its run-fests, these low-scoring games highlight the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where bowlers can occasionally dominate. RCB’s 49 remains an infamous milestone, a stark reminder of their batting vulnerabilities despite their star-studded line-ups. With four appearances in the sub-70 list, RCB’s unwanted record is a chapter they’d prefer to forget in their pursuit of IPL glory.
