The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a goldmine of heart-stopping matches since it all began. One of the most nail-biting scenarios in cricket is when a team posts a low total while batting first in the final. It’s like serving a plate of plain rice and hoping to win a culinary contest. Despite the pressure and sky-high stakes, some teams have miraculously defended these modest scores to lift the trophy, while others have crumbled faster than a cookie in milk. Let’s take a look at the lowest scores by teams batting first in IPL finals, and whether they turned out to be heroes or ended up as the punchline of the season.
The lowest total ever recorded by a team batting first in an IPL final belongs to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In the 2024 final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), SRH were bowled out for a mere 113 runs in just 18.3 overs. With an average of 11.30 per wicket and a run rate of 6.10, SRH’s batting performance was underwhelming. KKR chased down the target comfortably, making SRH’s 113 the lowest-ever first-innings score in an IPL final.
Mumbai Indians (MI) have a storied history in the IPL, but their 2017 final against Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) was a tense affair. Batting first, MI posted a total of 129 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. With an average of 16.12 per wicket and a run rate of 6.45, MI’s batting was below par. However, their bowlers rose to the occasion, restricting RPS to 128 and securing a nail-biting 1-run victory.
In the 2022 final, Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. RR managed to score 130 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Their batting struggled to get going, with a modest average of 14.44 per wicket and a run rate of 6.50. GT’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding kept RR under constant pressure. In response, GT chased down the target with relative ease, winning the final by seven wickets.
The 2009 IPL final saw Deccan Chargers (DC) scoring 143 for 6 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Johannesburg. With an average of 23.83 per wicket and a run rate of 7.15, DC’s batting performance was steady but not spectacular. Despite the modest total, DC’s bowlers put in a stellar performance, restricting RCB to 137 and winning the final by 6 runs.
Mumbai Indians appear again on this list, with their 148 for 9 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2013 final at Eden Gardens. With an average of 16.44 per wicket and a run rate of 7.40, MI’s innings was a mixture of brief partnerships and regular wickets. MI’s bowlers, however, restrict CSK to 125 and clinch the title.
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