The first six overs of a T20 innings often shape the direction of the match, as fielding restrictions usually allow batters to score quickly. However, there have been occasions in IPL history when disciplined bowling and early pressure completely changed that pattern.
Several teams recorded some Lowest Powerplay Totals in IPL, When Teams Collapsed Early while losing key wickets. From Delhi Capitals’ historic 13/6 in 2026 to Chennai Super Kings’ cautious 16/1 in 2019, these starts show how early setbacks can strongly influence the final result.
13/6 – DC vs RCB, Delhi, 2026*
DC vs RCB became one of IPL 2026’s most one-sided matches because the game was decided in the first six overs. Delhi Capitals collapsed to 13/6, the lowest Powerplay score in IPL history. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was brilliant with 3 wickets for 5 runs in 3 overs,
While Josh Hazlewood destroyed the middle order with 3 wickets for 8 runs in 3 overs. DC never recovered and were bowled out for 75. RCB then chased the target in just 6.3 overs and won by 9 wickets with complete control.
14/2 – RR vs RCB, Cape Town, 2009
RR vs RCB in IPL 2009 showed how powerful disciplined bowling can be. Chasing 134, the Rajasthan Royals reached only 14/2 after six overs, which later became one of the Lowest Powerplay Totals in IPL records. Praveen Kumar led the attack brilliantly with 2 wickets for 7 runs in 3 overs,
While Dale Steyn gave only 6 runs in 2 overs and built pressure. Rajasthan lost Swapnil Asnodkar and Graeme Smith early. Every dot ball increased tension, proving that strong starts often decide T20 matches.
14/3 – SRH vs RR, Pune, 2022
SRH vs RR in IPL 2022 became a one-sided contest because the Rajasthan Royals dominated from the first over. Chasing 211, Sunrisers Hyderabad were reduced to just 14/3 after six overs, later counted among the Lowest Powerplay Totals in IPL history.
Trent Boult bowled brilliantly with 3 overs for 8 runs and 1 wicket, while Prasidh Krishna was outstanding with 3 overs, 2 runs, and 2 wickets. SRH batters could not handle swing or bounce. That early pressure showed how RR won the match mentally in the Powerplay itself.
15/2 – CSK vs KKR, Kolkata, 2011
KKR vs CSK in IPL 2011 was a match where bowlers controlled the start. Kolkata Knight Riders reached only 33/2 after six overs while chasing, showing how hard scoring was on that pitch. It later stood among notable slow starts near Lowest Powerplay Totals in IPL discussions.
Ravichandran Ashwin was excellent with 2 wickets for 12 runs in 3 overs, removing Morgan and Gambhir. Albie Morkel and Doug Bollinger kept pressure with tight lines. Even with wickets lost, KKR stayed calmer than many teams in similar starts.
16/1 – CSK vs RCB, Chennai, 2019
CSK vs RCB in IPL 2019 was a tense, low-scoring chase, with Chennai starting very slowly. They reached only 16/1 after six overs, making it one of the Lowest Powerplay Totals in IPL records.
Yuzvendra Chahal was superb in 3 overs, conceding 5 runs and taking 1 wicket, removing Shane Watson for 0 off 10 balls. Moeen Ali also controlled the game with 2 overs for only 3 runs. Ambati Rayudu scored 12 from 20 balls, while Raina made 3. RCB’s bowling created real pressure early.
ALSO READ: RCB vs DC, IPL 2026: Dominating Record Win By RCB In Just 6.3 Overs Of Chasing
