Despite having a roster full of life-threatening cricketers like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh, and buoyant overseas sights like Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, et al. over the seasons, the franchise has formed a history of mid-innings batting implosions. These collapses inevitably come in critical contests and doom their playoff aspirations while disappointing a rabid fanbase.
The article navigates through the overall IPL Lowest team totals by Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), the context behind these horror performances, noteworthy stats, the key problems in a nutshell and a couple of moments of redemption. We look at why these collapses keep on happening and what the franchise needs to do to break free of this pattern as IPL 2026 approaches.
PBKS Lowest Team Totals in IPL History (Top 10)
So now, for the updated list of lowest scores for Punjab Kings in IPL (As in May 2026):
| Rank | Score | Against | Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 73 All Out | Rising Pune Supergiant | 2017 | Pune | Lost by 9 wickets |
| 2 | 88 All Out | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2018 | Indore | Lost by 4 wickets |
| 3 | 88 All Out | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2015 | Bengaluru | Lost by 138 runs |
| 4 | 96 All Out | Mumbai Indians | 2022 | Mumbai | Lost by 6 wickets |
| 5 | 101 All Out | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2025 | Mullanpur | Lost by 8 wickets |
| 6 | 106/8 | Rajasthan Royals | 2012 | Jaipur | Lost by 31 runs |
| 7 | 111 All Out | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2025 | Mullanpur | Won by 16 runs (Defended) |
| 8 | 114 All Out | Delhi Capitals | 2021 | Abu Dhabi | Lost by 7 wickets |
| 9 | 118 All Out | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2019 | Mohali | Lost by 45 runs |
| 10 | 120 All Out | Gujarat Titans | 2024 | Ahmedabad | Lost by 3 wickets |
73 All Out against Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017 stands as the lowest score ever posted by PBKS in IPL history. Batting first on a slow pitch in Pune, they were dismantled in just 15.5 overs, managing only 73 runs. This collapse set an unwanted benchmark for the franchise.
Detailed Analysis of PBKS Batting Collapses
1. 73 All Out vs Rising Pune Supergiant (2017, Pune)
This match is still considered as the lowest point in the history of PBKS. Instead, they opted to bat not having to chase a modest total collapsing miserably. The likes of Washington Sundar and others made best use of the conditions after Shardul Thakur struck forthcoming key blows. And the top-order fell quickly — and when you take out Iftikhar, the middle-order provided no resistance. Their batting line-up was exposed early on and would be vulnerable for years as they were bowled out cheaply.
2. 88 All Out vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2018, Indore)
In a venerable high-scoring venue, like Indore, PBKS could not take advantage. Less so with respect to the middle-order chinks that were exposed by Yuzvendra Chahal’s guile and Umesh Yadav’s pace variations. It was a far cry from an impressive beginning, but poor shot selection under pressure, along with a miserable lack of depth, led to this collapse.
3. 88 All Out vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2015, Bengaluru)
Another obliteration by RCB, this time by 138 runs The obviously weakened batting order imploded to a variety of spin and seam and suffered perhaps the franchise’s most lopsided defeat. This encounter is often referred to as an example of the long history of away struggles for PBKS.
4. 96 All Out vs Mumbai Indians (2022, Mumbai)
MI bowling unit shone with Jasprit Bumrah at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. PBKS just couldn’t cope with the changes and the swing, folded out for a disappointing total. The nature of that display cast doubt over their readiness to combat leading pace attacks on lively pitches.
5. 101 All Out vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2025, Mullanpur)
Under such familiar home-like conditions at Mullanpur, PBKS succumbed to a late-2025 collapse, The defeat to RCB did not just have impact on the playoff dreams of KKR but also indicated that despite efforts to strengthen the squad over the years, old issues had not been fixed.
6. 111 All Out vs KKR (2025, Mullanpur) – A Historic Silver Lining
This low total was then defended successfully by PBKS against Kolkata Knight riders, which is one of the most incredible comebacks in IPL of all times. Bowled out for 111, yet limited KKR to 95, it won by 16 runs. The achievement marked the lowest total ever defended in IPL history. With the ball, Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh were instrumental. This has emphatically proven, if one was at all in doubt, that on days when batting fails miserably, bowling and fielding can work miracles.
7. Other Notable Collapses
PBKS are a veteran of being bowled out under 120 runs on multiple occasions in IPL history. Their inconsistency is further illustrated by matches like 114 against Delhi Capitals in 2021 and 118 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019. Those repeat disappointments nearly always went hand in hand with expectations, especially with these strong rosters on paper.
Why Does PBKS Frequently Record Low Scores?
A few systemic issues contribute to the Punjab Kings’ tendency to post low scores While, their middle order continues to be brittle, depending heavily on openers and few overseas finishers. Middle order tends to fail under pressure when the top order flops as there is no anchor available. The team has also seemed to struggle with adaptation to the conditions such as on slow and turning pitches at Chennai. Even a Pune or Mullanpur is a nightmarish setting for them where every quality spin bowling knocks the stuffing out of them.
One of the bigger problems of this team is its reliance on stars. With the team overlyDepending on people Like Shreyas Iyer or KL Rahul, the remaining batting order finds it tough when such players are dismissed in the initial overs. Add to it the frequent modifications in leadership and combinations, where regular captaincy shifts and tinkering with the playing XI have derailed team chemistry and confidence. The shortage of dependable finishers is also apparent — despite having power-hitters in the side, the team lacks through-the-innings middle-order batters who could not just rotate strike, but are also adept at playing situations, with the result being consistent middle-order collapses.
PBKS enter IPL 2026 with some aggressive intent having chased down a number of high-scoring targets in record time. However, the trend of under par batting collapses resurfaces which they haven’t been able to shake off not before time.
Key Records Related to PBKS Lowest Scores
Punjab Kings twice bowled under 100 runs in IPL history 73 and 88 (twice). They boast the unwanted record for the lowest score batting first in the history of the league a meager 73 against Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017. On the other hand, they also hold the unwanted records for the lowest successful assasult in IPL history as they had held a successful defence of 111 vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025.
Of PBKS 10 lowest totals, eight have ended in a loss, the only victory in that extreme case of defending 111. Another loss like this has severely dented their Net Run Rate (NRR) and realistically cost them a handful of points in seasons where every point counted. Yes, others sides witness completely awful performances like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (49 all out) and Rajasthan Royals (58) have completed even lower all-time totals but the number of sub-120 scores now adds to a worry list for PBKS as another season of IPL where they never managed to win the title(interface) and previously promising performances in finals.
Impact on PBKS Performance
These low totals have consistently been PBKS’s undoing in their quest for a playoff spot. Heavy defeats translate into high NRRs and recovery in a points-based league is all but impossible. Supporters on social media complain and say that team management never invests in squads that can handle the pressure and need to do more.
But there are flashes like the 111 defense that you can take hope from. They demonstrate that with better bowling plans and a little more mental fortitude, the team can indeed convert weaknesses into strengths. Matters are only going to get tougher for PBKS even as IPL 2026 is underway, with a renewed focus for the franchise set to be on domestic talent, which appears inconsistent at best, and tactical flexibility for maximising the bowling contingent.
Conclusion
From a torturous 73 all out in 2017 and so many other & so many subhundreds to the side who went this year & went till 111 & never gave up defending 111 in 2025 where PBKS Lowest Score in IPL pains the loyalists. The franchise is loaded with great squads almost every season, yet, the top order continues to be the biggest stumbling block for them win their maiden IPL title.
With IPL 2026 ongoing, mid-order wobbles and surface-speficity will be key Punjab Kings has this new found resilience and understands that they can now fight their way to victory even from the most hopeless of positions. And with an appropriate adjustment or two, their status can shift from collapse-prone to championship and conference-title contenders.
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FAQ
What is the lowest score by PBKS in IPL history?
Punjab Kings’ lowest score in IPL is 73 All Out against Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017.
Has PBKS ever defended a very low total in IPL?
They successfully defended 111 All Out against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025 — the lowest total successfully defended in IPL history.
How many times has PBKS been bowled out under 100 in IPL?
Three times (73, 88, and 88).
Who destroyed PBKS batting most severely?
Bowlers like Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Umesh Yadav have featured prominently in their biggest collapses.
Why does PBKS struggle with low scores frequently?
Poor middle-order stability, inability to handle spin on slower pitches, over-reliance on top-order batters, and frequent team changes are the primary reasons.
