In a season dominated by mammoth totals and aggressive batting, Punjab Kings (PBKS) scripted history by defending the lowest total ever in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). On April 15, 2025, Punjab defended a modest score of 111 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the New Chandigarh Stadium, Mullanpur.
With this sensational 16-run victory, Punjab Kings have now claimed the record for the lowest total ever defended in IPL history, breaking a 16-year-old record held by Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Are you not entertained? 🥳 pic.twitter.com/tTkKDm8MtZ
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 15, 2025
Punjab Kings’ Historic Defence: IPL 2025
Despite posting just 111/10 in 15.3 overs, thanks to early breakthroughs and a brilliant bowling display led by Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) and Marco Jansen (3/17), Punjab Kings bowled out KKR for just 95 runs in 15.1 overs.
This match will go down in IPL history not just for the result but for the sheer grit shown by the Punjab bowling unit on a pitch where dew favored the chasing team.
Match Highlights:
Punjab Kings: 111/10 (15.3 overs)
Top scorer: Prabhsimran Singh – 30 (15)Kolkata Knight Riders: 95/10 (15.1 overs)
Top scorer: Angkrish Raghuvanshi – 37 (28)Player of the Match: Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28)
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— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 15, 2025
Top 5 Lowest Scores Successfully Defended in IPL History
1. 111 – Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2025)
The latest and most remarkable entry to this list. On a batting-friendly pitch, Punjab Kings stunned KKR by defending the lowest total ever in IPL history. The performance of Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen led to one of the best bowling displays in IPL 2025.
2. 116 – Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab (2009)
During the IPL 2009 season, held in South Africa due to the general elections in India, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) found themselves in deep trouble at the Durban stadium. Batting first, CSK managed to post a modest 116/9 in 20 overs. It was a pitch that offered bounce and seam movement, which CSK failed to capitalize on while batting.
However, under the calm leadership of MS Dhoni, CSK showed tremendous grit. The bowling unit, led by Muttiah Muralitharan, Laxmipathy Balaji, and Manpreet Gony, applied relentless pressure. They slowed down the game and picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals.
The Kings XI Punjab lineup, which included powerful hitters like Yuvraj Singh and Kumar Sangakkara, crumbled under pressure and managed just 92/8 in their 20 overs. The 24-run win not only highlighted CSK’s bowling prowess but also set the record for lowest total successfully defended in IPL history—a record that stood for 16 years until it was broken by PBKS in 2025.
Key Highlights:
Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
CSK Score: 116/9
KXIP Score: 92/8
Key Bowlers: Muralitharan (2/8), Balaji (1/9), Gony (1/18)
3. 118 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians (2018)
In IPL 2018, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), known for their strong bowling unit, shocked everyone with a sensational defence of 118 runs at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai’s fortress for chasing targets. Batting first, SRH were bundled out in 18.4 overs, with Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi being the only contributors in a disappointing batting effort.
However, the second innings was a complete reversal of expectations. The Wankhede pitch, known for aiding batters, had something for the seamers that night. Siddarth Kaul, Basil Thampi, and Rashid Khan ripped through the Mumbai Indians lineup, who had stars like Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, and Suryakumar Yadav.
Mumbai Indians folded for just 87 runs, losing the game by 31 runs, one of their most shocking defeats at home. This game reasserted the belief that SRH’s bowling attack was second to none.
Key Highlights:
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
SRH Score: 118 (18.4 overs)
MI Score: 87 (18.5 overs)
Key Bowlers: Rashid Khan (2/11), Kaul (3/23), Thampi (2/25)
Why These Matches Stand Out
While the IPL is renowned for its high-scoring matches and explosive batting, these low-scoring thrillers prove that bowling wins matches too. When teams defend modest totals under pressure, it highlights:
Tactical brilliance from captains and bowlers
High-pressure execution
The unpredictable nature of T20 cricket
These matches bring balance to a batsman-dominated format and add depth to the narrative of IPL’s most unforgettable moments.
Conclusion
Punjab Kings’ defence of 111 in IPL 2025 is not just a record-breaking feat—it’s a reminder that T20 cricket is unpredictable and anything can happen until the last ball.
In a season where teams are routinely breaching the 200-run mark, this historic low-score defence will be remembered as one of IPL’s most thrilling chapters.
As IPL 2025 continues, fans will hope for more such unexpected, gritty, and edge-of-the-seat performances that redefine what it means to win in the shortest format of the game.
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