In the fast-paced world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), defending low scores has been an art perfected by many teams, and one of the franchises renowned for this is Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Over the years, RCB has been involved in some thrilling matches where they managed to defend seemingly inadequate totals, earning them a spot in the history of Lowest Scores Defended by RCB in IPL.
Let’s look at the Lowest Scores Defended by RCB in IPL history:
1. RCB Defending 126 Runs vs CSK (112/8) in IPL 2008
The lowest score ever defended by RCB came in the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. RCB’s batting efforts were underwhelming, with a mere 126 runs on the board, thanks to Rahul Dravid’s fighting knock of 47 runs. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by the explosive opening partnership, looked to cruise to victory after adding 60 runs. However, RCB’s bowlers turned the match around dramatically. This victory marked one of the most remarkable Lowest Scores Defended by RCB in IPL, with Anil Kumble’s 3/14 playing a pivotal role in reducing CSK from 84/2 to 109/8. MS Dhoni’s team fell short by 14 runs, and RCB clinched an incredible victory.
| Runs Defended | Opposition | Standout Bowler |
|---|---|---|
| 126 | CSK | Anil Kumble (3/14) |
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2. RCB Defending 126 Runs vs LSG (108) in IPL 2023
In the IPL 2023 season, RCB faced Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in an unforgettable clash at the Ekana Stadium. Batting first, RCB posted a challenging 126 runs on a difficult pitch. Contributions from captain Faf du Plessis (44) and Virat Kohli (31) kept them in the game. Despite LSG’s strong start with 60 runs from the openers, RCB’s bowlers kept their composure. This match became one of the memorable Lowest Scores Defended by RCB in IPL, as RCB’s bowlers picked wickets in the powerplay and maintained pressure throughout, ultimately bowling LSG out for 108. RCB won the match by 18 runs.
| Runs Defended | Opposition | Standout Bowler |
|---|---|---|
| 126 | LSG | Mohammad Siraj (3/19) |
3. RCB Defending 133 Runs vs RR (58) in IPL 2009
RCB’s first match in IPL 2009 saw them face Rajasthan Royals (RR). Batting first, RCB posted a modest total of 133 runs, thanks to Rahul Dravid’s 66 and Kevin Pietersen’s 33. It looked like Rajasthan Royals would easily chase down the total, but Anil Kumble had other plans. This became one of the most historic Lowest Scores Defended by RCB in IPL. Kumble’s magical bowling performance of 5/5 dismantled RR’s batting lineup, dismissing them for just 58 runs. RCB won the match by a massive 75-run margin.
| Runs Defended | Opposition | Standout Bowler |
|---|---|---|
| 133 | RR | Anil Kumble (5/5) |
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4. RCB Defending 145 Runs vs PBKS (137/7) in IPL 2009
In another nail-biting encounter in IPL 2009, RCB faced Punjab Kings (PBKS). Batting first, RCB managed only 145 runs, with contributions from Jacques Kallis (27) and Roelof van der Merwe (37). PBKS seemed in control with a strong opening partnership of 70 runs. However, RCB’s bowlers executed a perfect plan, picking up wickets at regular intervals and reducing Punjab to 137/7. This game became part of the Lowest Scores Defended by RCB in IPL, as RCB secured a narrow victory by 8 runs, with Praveen Kumar, Roelof van der Merwe, and Anil Kumble each contributing with two wickets.
| Runs Defended | Opposition | Standout Bowler |
|---|---|---|
| 145 | PBKS | Roelof van der Merwe (2/15) |
5. RCB Defending 149 Runs vs SRH (143/9) in IPL 2021
In the 2021 season, RCB faced Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a thrilling encounter. Batting first, RCB managed to post 149 runs, thanks to a crucial 59 from Glenn Maxwell and 33 from Virat Kohli. While SRH’s openers, including David Warner (54), gave them a good start, RCB’s bowlers didn’t let them get away. This match added to the list of Lowest Scores Defended by RCB in IPL. Shahbaz Ahmed’s 3-wicket haul turned the game in RCB’s favor. Despite SRH’s late surge, RCB held their nerve and restricted them to 143/9, winning by 6 runs. This victory became another notable entry in the history of Lowest Scores Defended by RCB in IPL.
| Runs Defended | Opposition | Standout Bowler |
|---|---|---|
| 149 | SRH | Shahbaz Ahmed (3/26) |
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