The Indian Premier League stands as the pinnacle of professional cricket tournaments worldwide. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has maintained an annual tradition. It has showcased the thrilling T20 format, where each team battles it out in just 20 overs per side. In this fast-paced style of play, the powerplay phase emerges as a pivotal moment for teams to establish their dominance early on. During the initial six overs, only three fielders are permitted outside the 30-yard circle. This offers batsmen an opportunity to accumulate runs swiftly and boost their team's chances of victory. Witnessing the highest score in powerplay in IPL history is a spectacle of pure batting dominance. It lays the foundation for monumental totals. Now, let's delve into the record-breaking world of powerplay scores in the IPL, exploring the teams that have reigned supreme in these crucial first six overs.
Highest Score in Powerplay in IPL
On May 7, 2017, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) witnessed a historic moment. KKR's openers Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine recorded the highest score in powerplay in IPL history.
While chasing a target of 159 runs, they demolished the RCB bowling attack. They accumulated an impressive 105 runs in the first six overs. This surpassed the previous record of 100 runs set by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2014.
The dynamic duo exhibited fearless aggression. They launched a barrage of boundaries and sixes from both ends of the crease. Despite the daunting task, they remained unscathed, achieving this remarkable feat without losing a wicket.
Top 10 Highest Score in Powerplay in IPL (2008-2023)
1. Kolkata Knight Riders - 105/0 (2017)
KKR currently holds the record for the highest score in powerplay in IPL. The team has amassed 105 runs within the first six overs of their game against RCB in 2017. Sunil Narine, known for his prowess in the powerplay, contributed significantly by scoring 54 runs from just 16 balls during that period. Notably, he achieved the fastest half-century in IPL history at that time. Chris Lynn, partnering with Narine, also made a significant contribution. He added 49 runs from 20 balls at the other end.
2. Chennai Super Kings - 100/2 (2014)
In 2014, CSK's performance set the bar for the highest score in powerplay in IPL history. The team marked the only instance of a team crossing the 100-run mark during this phase. The match witnessed a flurry of runs right from the start, with KXIP posting an impressive total of 232/6 in their 20 overs. The feat is largely fueled by Virender Sehwag's century, ranking as the seventh-highest total in IPL history.
Facing the daunting task of chasing down such a massive target, CSK realized the importance of a strong start in the powerplay. Despite losing a couple of early wickets, Suresh Raina spearheaded a sensational counter-attack. He smashed 87 runs off just 25 balls, setting a new benchmark for individual runs in the powerplay.
To put Raina's remarkable feat into perspective, his individual tally surpassed the combined runs scored by the top three teams on the list of highest score in powerplay in IPL history.
3. Chennai Super Kings - 90/0 (2015)
CSK makes its second appearance on the list of the highest score in powerplay in IPL history. This time, Suresh Raina is enjoying a break in the dugout. On the other hand, his teammates take on the challenge of surpassing his record for the highest runs scored in the IPL powerplay.
4. Kochi Tuskers Kerala - 87/2 (2011)
Revisiting 2011, this match held the record for the highest score in powerplay in IPL for three consecutive years. It also stands out as one of the most one-sided encounters in IPL history, as Rajasthan was dismissed for a mere 97 runs before Kochi Tuskers chased it down in just 7.2 overs.
Brad Hodge had earlier achieved his career-best bowling figures. He then showcased his batting prowess by smashing 25 runs off 12 balls during the powerplay. Brendon McCullum had appeared for the third time in an innings resulting in the highest powerplay runs. He also contributed significantly with 29 runs from 12 deliveries. This remarkable performance etched Kochi Tuskers into the record books for achieving the highest runs in the powerplay, marking a memorable moment in their second-to-last appearance in the IPL.
5. Punjab Kings - 86/1 (2014)
KXIP secured the fifth-highest score in powerplay in IPL against SRH. The team had a shaky start with the early dismissal of Sehwag on just the second ball of the innings. However, Wriddhiman Saha's explosive 52 off 23 balls and Manan Vohra's quickfire 29 off 11 balls turned the tide.
Their impressive batting display during the powerplay phase paved the way for KXIP to successfully chase down a target of 205 with 8 balls to spare. Notably, their tally of 13 fours in the powerplay matched the record for the most boundaries scored during this phase in the IPL.
6. Rajasthan Royals - 85/1 (2023)
In 2023, the Rajasthan Royals showcased an outstanding batting performance. They posted a massive 203/5 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Opting to bat first, the Royals got off to a blazing start with T20 World Cup-winning England captain Jos Buttler smashing 54 runs off just 22 balls. Rising Indian talent Yashasvi Jaiswal matched Buttler's score with an identical 54. They formed a dynamic opening partnership that accumulated 85 runs within the Powerplay.
Following the departure of the opening duo, captain Sanju Samson continued the momentum with a brisk 55 off 32 balls. However, SRH's T Natarajan emerged as the standout bowler. He pulled back the Royals' charge with a disciplined penultimate over. Natarajan dismissed Samson and conceded only seven runs. Left-arm Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi also contributed with figures of 2 for 41.
7. Mumbai Indians - 84/0 (2018)
In IPL 2018, Jason Roy's unbeaten 91 led Delhi Daredevils to a seven-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. Daredevils needed 11 runs in the final over. Roy scored 10 from the first two balls but struggled with the next three. However, he managed to guide Daredevils to their first win of the season with a boundary off the last ball. Mumbai had a strong start with a 102-run opening partnership between Suryakumar Yadav (53) and Evin Lewis (48). They scored 84 runs in the powerplay. However, they couldn't prevent them from falling short, ending with 194 runs.
8. Deccan Chargers - 84/1 (2009)
Deccan Chargers, an IPL team with a relatively short-lived presence in the league. Nonetheless, they left a significant mark by achieving some remarkable milestones. Deccan Chargers is formerly active in the IPL. The team once recorded the highest powerplay score of 84/1 against the Delhi Capitals, previously known as Delhi Daredevils. Notably, Chargers' batsman Adam Gilchrist played a stellar innings. He scored an unbeaten 85 runs off 35 deliveries for the franchise.
9. Punjab Kings - 83/1 (2022)
In the 2022 IPL season, the Punjab Kings secured the 9th position for the highest score in powerplay in IPL against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite losing their opening batter Glenn Maxwell early, with a score of 17/1 in 2 overs, PBKS displayed resilience. They managed to accumulate 83 runs in the remaining powerplay overs.
10. Mumbai Indians - 83/1 (2021)
The Mumbai Indians have once again claimed a spot among the top ten highest score in powerplay in IPL. In the 2021 season, Mumbai Indians' opener Ishan Kishan delivered an outstanding performance. He scored 84 runs off 32 balls single-handedly. This remarkable feat helped MI set a record of 83/1 in the powerplay overs against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Conclusion
The highest score in powerplay in IPL history highlights teams' mastery in utilizing the first six overs. From KKR's record-breaking performance to MI's consistent dominance, these displays demonstrate the power and strategy behind maximizing the powerplay. IPL's powerplay battles offer fans an exciting glimpse into T20 cricket's rapid pace and strategic risks. As the league progresses, one thing is certain: the powerplay will continue to be a crucial factor. It will influence match outcomes and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
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