Let's take a look at some of the lowest totals defended in the IPL playoffs.

May 21, 2024: The Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs are known for their nail-biting finishes and high-scoring matches. However, there have been instances where teams have successfully defended low totals to book their place in the finals.

Let's take a look at some of the lowest totals defended in the IPL playoffs.

1. Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2011

In the 2011 IPL playoffs, Mumbai Indians defended a paltry total of 147 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. Munaf Patel was the star performer for Mumbai as he picked up four wickets for just 21 runs. Kolkata Knight Riders were bowled out for 122, handing Mumbai Indians a 25-run victory.

2. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals, 2015

In the eliminator of IPL 2015, Royal Challengers Bangalore defended a total of 180 against Rajasthan Royals. The match was held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Chris Gayle's 66 off 44 balls, followed by three wickets from Sreenath Aravind, helped RCB restrict Rajasthan to just 109 runs.

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2017

In the 2017 IPL playoffs, Sunrisers Hyderabad defended a total of 128 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Nathan Coulter-Nile was the pick of the bowlers for the Knight Riders as he picked up three wickets for just 20 runs. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers put up an excellent display as they restricted Kolkata Knight Riders to just 107 runs.

4. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, 2019

In a low-scoring affair, Mumbai Indians defended a total of 132 against Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier of IPL 2019. The match was held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Lasith Malinga was the star performer for Mumbai as he picked up four wickets for just 37 runs. Chennai Super Kings were bowled out for 131, handing Mumbai Indians a one-run victory.

5. Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2022

In the 2022 IPL playoffs, Delhi Capitals defended a total of 136 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for Delhi Capitals as he picked up four wickets for just 20 runs. Sunrisers Hyderabad were bowled out for just 102, handing Delhi Capitals a 34-run victory.

These are some of the lowest totals that have been successfully defended in the IPL playoffs. It goes to show that even in high-scoring matches, a good bowling performance can turn the game on its head. As we enter the business end of the IPL 2024, it will be interesting to see if any team can successfully defend a low total and book their place in the finals.