Lowest Score: The Indian Premier League (IPL), known for its high-scoring games and thrilling finishes, has also witnessed some spectacular batting collapses. While teams often post massive totals, there have been moments where strong lineups faltered under pressure, leading to embarrassingly low scores. The record for the lowest team score in IPL history is held by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who were bowled out for just 49 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 23, 2017.
Let’s delve into the details of this historic match, analyze other low scores, and understand the factors contributing to such collapses in the IPL.
RCB’s 49 All Out: A Night to Forget
On April 23, 2017, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, RCB endured a nightmare. Chasing a modest target of 132 set by KKR, RCB crumbled under the pressure of disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. None of the RCB batsmen managed to reach double figures, and the team was dismissed for the lowest score in IPL history.
Match Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Date | April 23, 2017 |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Target for RCB | 132 |
| RCB’s Final Score | 49 all out in 9.4 overs |
| Top Scorer for RCB | Kedar Jadhav (9 runs) |
| Best Bowling for KKR | Nathan Coulter-Nile (3/21) |
| Result | KKR won by 82 runs |
Key Highlights of the Match
- KKR’s Modest Total: KKR batted first and managed to score 131 runs in 19.3 overs, thanks to Sunil Narine’s quickfire 34 off 17 balls. Despite the low score, KKR made a strong comeback with the ball.
- RCB’s Batting Collapse: RCB’s innings was a nightmare from the start. The top order, including Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers, fell cheaply, leaving the middle and lower order exposed.
- Disciplined Bowling: KKR’s bowlers, led by Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Woakes, and Colin de Grandhomme, exploited the pitch conditions to perfection, with all bowlers chipping in with wickets.
- Record Collapse: RCB’s score of 49 remains the lowest in IPL history, with their innings lasting just 57 balls. The team also failed to hit a single six during their innings.
Top 5 Lowest Scores in IPL History
RCB’s infamous 49 all out is at the top of the list of lowest scores in IPL history. Here’s a look at other low scores that have made the record books:
| Rank | Team | Score | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 49 | Kolkata Knight Riders | April 23, 2017 | Kolkata |
| 2 | Rajasthan Royals | 58 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | April 18, 2009 | Cape Town |
| 3 | Delhi Daredevils (now DC) | 66 | Mumbai Indians | May 6, 2017 | Delhi |
| 4 | Delhi Daredevils (now DC) | 67 | Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) | April 30, 2017 | Mohali |
| 5 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 67 | Mumbai Indians | May 16, 2008 | Mumbai |
RCB’s Record Collapse in Context
RCB’s 49 all out remains a significant outlier, not just because of the score but also because of the team’s otherwise strong batting lineup. Here’s how RCB’s collapse compares to other instances of low scores in IPL:
RCB’s Top Order Performance
| Batsman | Runs Scored | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 7 | 17 |
| Virat Kohli | 0 | 1 |
| AB de Villiers | 8 | 6 |
| Kedar Jadhav | 9 | 12 |
Reasons for Low Scores in IPL
- Swing and Seam-Friendly Conditions: Matches played in venues like Kolkata, Mohali, and Cape Town often offer swing and seam movement, making it challenging for batters.
- Pressure of a Low Target: When chasing modest totals, teams can falter due to over-aggression or over-caution.
- Quality Bowling: The IPL has always attracted world-class bowlers, who can exploit weaknesses in batting lineups on their day.
- Lack of Partnerships: Low scores often result from the inability of batsmen to build partnerships and stabilize innings after early wickets.
Conclusion
The IPL, while celebrated for its high-scoring matches, has also seen its share of batting collapses. RCB’s 49 all out against KKR in 2017 remains a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in cricket. It underscores the unpredictable nature of the game and the importance of adaptability, even for the best teams and players. As the IPL evolves, this record might be challenged, but for now, it stands as a cautionary tale for teams to respect every phase of the game.