
What is Powerplay in IPL?
The powerplay is the first six overs of each innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). At this time, teams have only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle. This rule gives the batting side the chance to score runs quickly with less field coverage. Success in this period often sets up a strong score for the rest of the match. Batsmen aim to hit aggressively, pile on as many runs as possible and avoid losing key wickets early on.
The fielding team faces the task of containing runs. Captains deploy strategies such as placing fast bowlers at the start. Some captains use spin bowlers instead, hoping to catch batsmen off-guard and disrupt their scoring rhythm.
Outcomes here can change the course of the match. Teams chart plans that maximize efficiency in scoring runs and defense during these overs.
Highest Powerplay Score in IPL History (2008-2024)
IPL teams have scored big in Powerplay overs over the years. Some teams have set record numbers, surprising fans and opponents. Here’s a list of the top 15 highest powerplay scores in IPL history.
Team | Powerplay Score | Opposition | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Sunrisers Hyderabad | 125/0 | Delhi Capitals | 2024 |
Kolkata Knight Riders | 105/0 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2017 |
Chennai Super Kings | 100/2 | Punjab Kings | 2014 |
Punjab Kings | 93/1 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2024 |
Chennai Super Kings | 90/0 | Mumbai Indians | 2015 |
Kolkata Knight Riders | 88/1 | Delhi Capitals | 2024 |
Delhi Capitals | 88/2 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2024 |
Kochi Tuskers Kerala | 87/2 | Rajasthan Royals | 2011 |
Punjab Kings | 86/1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2014 |
Kolkata Knight Riders | 85/0 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2024 |
Rajasthan Royals | 85/1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2023 |
Mumbai Indians | 84/0 | Delhi Capitals | 2018 |
Deccan Chargers | 84/1 | Delhi Capitals | 2009 |
Punjab Kings | 83/1 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2022 |
Mumbai Indians | 83/1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2021 |
A Look Into The Highest Powerplay Scores
This tab explores the top Powerplay scores in IPL history. It covers notable matches where teams scored high in the first six overs. Check the details to see how these teams achieved such scores.
125/0 Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad achieved the highest powerplay score in IPL history of 125/0 against Delhi Capitals in 2024. Every over delivered high runs for SRH, starting with 19 off Khaleel Ahmed’s initial bowling. Next, Lalit Yadav conceded 21 runs as SRH continued strong.
The third over featured South African Anrich Nortje, who couldn’t stop the momentum with another 22 runs. SRH persisted with aggression in the next overs. Even afterward, spinners Lalit and Kuldeep Yadav faced difficulty defending their deliveries. Each gave away more than twenty runs. Head played a key role with an explosive inning of 84 runs from just 26 balls. He hit six sixes and eleven fours in the short span of powerplay overs. Abhishek maintained similar intensity from the other end and gathered 40 off ten balls.
In total, SRH openers notched up twenty-four boundaries. Among these were thirteen fours and eleven maximums within the crucial powerplay phase.
105/0 Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders scored 105/0 in the powerplay against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2017. The match took place at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB set a target of 158/6 in their innings. Lead batsman Head contributed with an unbeaten 75 runs for RCB.
KKR’s openers Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn launched an aggressive start and reached 105 without loss. Aniket Choudhary conceded 14 runs in the first over to Lynn. Samuel Badree controlled the next over but couldn’t maintain that through his spells. The breakthrough came in the fourth over when Narine hit 25 off Badree. Sreenath Aravind faced harsh results and made another 26 runs in the fifth. Yuzvendra Chahal’s last over went for another 20 runs.
Narine recorded a fast half-century from just 15 balls. He made 54 not out, while Lynn scored 49 not out from his end. Both KKR batsmen struck eight sixes and eleven fours in these overs.
100/2 Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings set a milestone in IPL history in 2014. They achieved 100/2 in the Powerplay against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). This match was the Qualifier 2 of the IPL season. Kings posted a massive score of 226/6 in their innings, led by Virender Sehwag with his remarkable 122-run effort.
Chennai needed a strong start to chase such a big total. Faf du Plessis quickly fell on the second ball and scored just nine runs. Suresh Raina stepped up with an incredible performance. He hit four boundaries in the second over and helped CSK gain 18 runs.
Raina continued his attack on Mitchell Johnson next and got 20 runs off his bowling. In the final Powerplay over from Parvinder Awana, CSK added 33 more runs to total exactly 100 runs for two wickets down. Raina alone smashed 87 from just 25 balls.
93/1 Punjab Kings
In 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders were bowled out for 93/1 against Punjab Kings in a powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh struck a quick 18-ball fifty. He made 4 fours and 5 sixes to make a powerful start for his team. Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow’s innings of 108 off 48 balls was impressive. An unbeaten 68 off 28 deliveries from Shashank Singh also contributed.
Punjab Kings surpassed their best of 86/1 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 by reaching this total in the powerplay. Over 520 runs were combined in under 39 overs during the match against KKR. With 262/2 in 18.4 overs, this successful chase was one of the biggest chases in IPL history.
90/0 Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings scored 90 runs without losing a wicket in the Powerplay against Mumbai Indians in 2015. The match took place at the Wankhede Stadium, where Mumbai Indians set a target of 183/7. CSK needed a good start to chase this total.
CSK openers Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith began cautiously and scored six runs in the first over bowled by Pawan Suyal. In the next over, Lasith Malinga conceded 12 runs. The third over saw Jagadeesha Suchith give away 11 more runs. Malinga’s second over went for 21 runs as CSK reached 50 after just four overs.
Suchith’s fifth over allowed CSK to add another 22 runs. Harbhajan Singh then gave away 18 runs in the final Powerplay over. Smith finished with 50 from 22 balls, while McCullum contributed 36 from just 15 balls. Eventually, CSK chased the target in 16.3 overs and completed their innings with a score of 189/4.
Conclusion
Record scores in powerplay overs have been the icing on the cake for IPL fans. Teams use these key first six overs to their advantage and aim for high runs and strong starts. Expect more thrilling records and tactics in future IPL seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Powerplay in IPL?
Powerplay in IPL refers to the first six overs of each inning where only two fielders stay outside the 30-yard circle.
Which team holds the highest Powerplay score in IPL history?
Sunrisers Hyderabad holds the highest Powerplay score with 125/0 against Delhi Capitals in 2024.
Does success in Powerplay affect match outcomes?
Yes. A strong Powerplay often sets a team up for a solid total and can influence the direction of the match.