The powerplay plays a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of an IPL match. It offers batters a golden window to accelerate the scoring rate, often setting the tone with quick boundaries and aggressive intent. On the flip side, bowlers use this phase to apply pressure, aiming to dismiss key batters early and disrupt momentum. The unpredictability of the powerplay means anything can happen—flurries of fours and sixes or dramatic top-order collapses. IPL 2025 has already delivered several explosive powerplays, showcasing both blistering batting and standout bowling efforts. However, one big question remains: Which team has been the most effective with the ball during these critical first six overs? Let’s dive into the numbers and find out.

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5 low-scoring powerplays in IPL 2025

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Chennai 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enjoyed a memorable outing in Chennai, securing a vital win against the Chennai Super Kings at their fortress, Chepauk. The match turned in RCB’s favor right from the powerplay, where their bowlers delivered a masterclass in discipline and aggression. CSK, known for their dominance at home, were restricted to just 30 runs in the first six overs while also losing three key wickets during this crucial phase. This early breakthrough gave RCB the upper hand, and they maintained control throughout the game. The powerplay performance proved to be a game-changer, laying the foundation for RCB’s eventual victory and highlighting the impact of a strong bowling strategy in the opening overs of an IPL match.

2. CSK vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai

In another low-scoring powerplay at Chennai, Chennai Super Kings struggled once again, managing just 31 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first six overs. The slow start put them on the back foot early in the match. Kolkata Knight Riders capitalized on this early advantage, maintaining pressure throughout the game. Despite a valiant effort from CSK, the poor powerplay performance cost them dearly, and KKR emerged victorious. The lack of momentum in the early overs was a key factor in CSK’s defeat, as they couldn't recover from the early setbacks in their innings.

3. KKR vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Kolkata 

Eden Gardens, known for its high-scoring powerplays in the past, witnessed a different story in this match. Kolkata Knight Riders dominated the powerplay, leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad struggling. SRH managed only 33 runs in the first six overs while losing three key wickets. The early setbacks put SRH on the back foot, and they couldn't recover from the pressure. KKR's disciplined bowling and tight fielding made the difference, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Despite efforts to recover, SRH couldn't overcome the early loss of wickets, and KKR secured a comfortable win.

4. RCB vs Gujarat Titans (GT), Bengaluru 

Gujarat Titans' bowlers delivered a brilliant performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore, dominating the powerplay. RCB's batters struggled, managing just 38 runs while losing 3 crucial wickets. The Titans' bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, ensuring that RCB could not capitalize on the early overs. This solid powerplay performance gave Gujarat an early advantage, and they continued to apply pressure throughout the match. Despite RCB's efforts to recover, GT's well-executed strategy and dominant bowling helped them secure a convincing win. It was a complete display of bowling discipline that turned the game in Gujarat's favor.

5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS), Lucknow 

Punjab Kings' bowlers delivered a dominant performance, restricting Lucknow Super Giants to just 39/3 in the powerplay, leaving little room for the LSG batters to get going. PBKS maintained tight pressure, and the early breakthroughs set the tone for the rest of the match, leading to a well-earned victory. These performances, particularly from teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, have been the standout bowling figures in IPL 2025 so far. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have faced continuous struggles, often finding themselves in uncomfortable situations early on, making them one of the unluckiest teams in the competition.