The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known all over the globe for its thrilling hitting power of batsmen, high scores, and record-smashing team totals in T20 cricket. The initial six overs determine the overall flow of a game. The first part of the innings presents the best chances for scoring quickly while fielding restrictions remain valid.
This opening section of the innings is known as powerplay. Only two fielders are allowed to stand outside the 30-yard ring, thus, opening batters take chances and try to dominate their opponents in the opening part of the innings. Years of experience showed IPL teams how to use these first six overs to create excitement for fans.
The highest powerplay score in IPL’s history belongs to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who managed to put 125 runs without losing a wicket against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. Battered by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, this performance has become a new level of powerplay batting in T20 cricket. Learn more about the highest powerplay score in IPL’s history, top teams, match statistics, individual players’ contributions, and biggest batting records in the first six overs of a T20 innings.
Quick Overview of Highest Powerplay Score in IPL
| Details | Information |
| Record | Highest Powerplay Score in IPL History |
| Team | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Score | 125/0 |
| Opponent | Delhi Capitals |
| Season | IPL 2024 |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Overs | First 6 Overs |
| Opening Pair | Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma |
What Is Powerplay in IPL?
Powerplay is the first six overs of an IPL innings. During this part of the game, there are certain fielding rules that give an evident advantage to the team which takes the bat because only two fielders are allowed to stand outside the 30-yard inner ring.
Due to big gaps in the outfield, batters use aggressive style of play to score maximum runs before spreading the fielding positions.
High-quality powerplay can:
- Rapidly boost the team’s overall run rate.
- Put immediate psychological pressure on opposition bowlers.
- Establish momentum that carries throughout the 20 overs.
- Provide a solid base for setting or chasing mega totals.
| Powerplay Details | Information |
| Total Overs | 6 Overs |
| Number of Balls | 36 Balls |
| Fielders Outside Circle | Maximum 2 |
| Main Objective | Score Maximum Runs Quickly |
Highest Powerplay Score in IPL History
The record in powerplay batting was established by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024 IPL season at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Faced by Delhi Capitals, SRH opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma demonstrated exceptional hitting skills.
The left-hand pairing of openers scored 125/0 runs in only 36 balls, establishing a new benchmark of IPL powerplays. Their approach was obvious: to take boundaries and punish every length.
Their historic blitz featured:
- Clean boundary clearing across all sectors of the ground.
- Impeccable timing against both pace and spin.
- Exceptional strike rotation combined with relentless boundary hitting.
- Continuous pressure that forced bowlers off their line and length.
SRH 125/0 vs Delhi Capitals: Record-Breaking Powerplay
The clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals became a landmark event in the history of cricket due to the outstanding start by SRH batters. Delhi Capitals captain won the toss and decided to start the game with the bowling.
Head and Abhishek were determined to attack any DC bowler who appeared in the powerplay and scored more than 20 runs per over. By the end of the sixth over, SRH already overcame the line of 100 runs during the powerplay for the first time in the history of T20 cricket.
Match Details Table
| Details | Information |
| Teams | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals |
| Season | IPL 2024 |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| SRH Powerplay Score | 125/0 |
| Overs | 6 Overs |
| Result | SRH Won by 67 Runs |
Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma’s Historic Partnership
The main reason for the extraordinary powerplay performance of Sunrisers Hyderabad was the perfect combination of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Openers scored at amazing strike rates without any risky or awkward swings.
During the initial six overs, Travis Head scored 84 runs in 26 balls while Abhishek Sharma added 40 runs in 10 balls (extra runs being accounted for).
| Player | Runs Contribution (in Powerplay) | Role |
| Travis Head | 84 (26 balls) | Aggressive Lead Attacker |
| Abhishek Sharma | 40 (10 balls) | High-Speed Boundary Striker |
How SRH Created the Highest Powerplay Record?
The record-breaking powerplay of SRH wasn’t created by chance: this result is a consequence of the highly aggressive batting plan that was specifically designed for modern conditions of T20 cricket.
Key Reasons Behind Their Success:
| Factor | Impact |
| Aggressive Intent | Applied intense pressure on bowlers from the very first ball. |
| Uncompromising Boundary Hitting | Focused on finding maximums and boundaries rather than settling for singles. |
| Fearless Mindset | Played freely without worrying about losing early wickets. |
| Unbroken Partnership | Kept all ten wickets intact, forcing bowlers into defensive options. |
| Targeting Bad Balls | Punished every minor bowling error with extreme precision. |
Previous Highest Powerplay Score in IPL History
Before SRH set the new bar, the record of the highest IPL powerplay belonged to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
In 2017 IPL season, KKR managed to collect 105/0 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Thanks to the great performance of Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn, this team established a record which stood for 7 years.
| Rank | Team | Powerplay Score | Opponent | Season |
| 1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 125/0 | Delhi Capitals | IPL 2024 |
| 2 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 105/0 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | IPL 2017 |
| 3 | Chennai Super Kings | 100/2 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2014 |
| 4 | Chennai Super Kings | 90/0 | Mumbai Indians | IPL 2015 |
| 5 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 88/1 | Delhi Capitals | IPL 2024 |
Top 10 Highest Powerplay Scores in IPL History
Scoring high in the opening six overs of an innings can shift the momentum of the match completely to the benefit of the batting team. Top 10 IPL powerplay scores represent the most destructive performances of opening pairs in T20 cricket.
| Rank | Team | Powerplay Score | Opponent | Season |
| 1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 125/0 | Delhi Capitals | IPL 2024 |
| 2 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 107/0 | Lucknow Super Giants | IPL 2024 |
| 3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 105/0 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | IPL 2017 |
| 4 | Chennai Super Kings | 100/2 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2014 |
| 5 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 88/1 | Delhi Capitals | IPL 2024 |
| 6 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 88/0 | Mumbai Indians | IPL 2024 |
| 7 | Chennai Super Kings | 87/2 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | IPL 2015 |
| 8 | Mumbai Indians | 83/1 | Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2018 |
| 9 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 82/1 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2015 |
| 10 | Delhi Capitals | 81/0 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2021 |
Kolkata Knight Riders 105/0: Previous IPL Powerplay Record
Until 2024 when the record was broken, the highest powerplay score in IPL’s history belonged to Kolkata Knight Riders.
During the 2017 IPL season, Narine and Lynn shocked Royal Challengers Bengaluru by making a full use of the fielding restrictions. Due to Narine’s 15-ball fifty and powerful boundary shots of Lynn, KKR collected 105 runs in 6 overs without losing a wicket.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Opponent | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Season | IPL 2017 |
| Powerplay Score | 105/0 |
| Overs | 6 Overs |
| Key Performers | Sunil Narine & Chris Lynn |
Top Players Behind Highest Powerplay Scores
Despite the fact that powerplay records are attributed to teams, there are individual players who make these numbers possible. Some batsmen have special talent to take immediate boundaries without warming up.
For instance, Suresh Raina holds the record of the highest individual score by the batter in the IPL powerplay by scoring 87 runs off just 25 balls for CSK against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2014.
| Player | Primary Team | Key Contribution |
| Travis Head | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Scorched 84* (26) during the record 125 powerplay |
| Abhishek Sharma | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Dynamic striker playing aggressive lofted shots |
| Suresh Raina | Chennai Super Kings | Record 87 runs (25 balls) in a single powerplay |
| Sunil Narine | Kolkata Knight Riders | Pinch-hitting masterclass in powerplay overs |
| Chris Lynn | Kolkata Knight Riders | Brute force power hitter against pace bowling |
Travis Head’s Role in SRH Record Powerplay
Travis Head played a crucial role in the record powerplay of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Australian opener attacked from the very first ball, using his fast hands and accurate placement.
Travis Head’s ability to lift the new ball over the extra cover and pull the short deliveries made it impossible for Delhi Capitals to restrain him during the fielding restrictions.
| Player Details | Information |
| Player | Travis Head |
| Team | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Batting Style | Left-Handed Batter |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| Key Strength | Explosive boundary hitting against fresh bowling |
Abhishek Sharma’s Contribution in Record Partnership
Abhishek Sharma has cemented his reputation as one of the most destructive openers in Indian T20s. The fact that he attacked both spin and pace made him an ideal partner for Travis Head at the top of the order.
In the record game against Delhi, there was no fear in Abhishek’s batting as he managed a run rate of over 400 in the limited period he spent in the powerplay.
| Player Details | Information |
| Player | Abhishek Sharma |
| Team | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Batting Style | Left-Handed Batter |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| Key Strength | Fearless lofted hitting down the ground |
Why Powerplay Is Important in IPL?
The opening six overs lay the foundation for the remaining 20 overs in the innings. The powerplay takes advantage of fielding limitations to allow teams to build momentum, put pressure on their opponents, and control the run rate.
How a successful powerplay helps a team:
- Maximize run scoring with fewer fielders on the boundary.
- Unsettle key opposition bowlers early in their spells.
- Shift match momentum decisively toward the batting team.
- Give middle-order batters flexibility to build or finish the innings.
| Powerplay Advantage | Impact |
| Field Restrictions | Makes boundary clearing far easier. |
| Hard New Ball | Comes onto the bat smoothly for stroke play. |
| Infield Gaps | Allows ground shots to reach the fence quickly. |
| Early Momentum | Puts chasing or defending teams in control early. |
Batting Strategy Behind Highest Powerplay Scores
There is a good batting strategy behind all the record powerplay scores made by teams.
1. Attacking From First Over
Modern-day batsmen don’t wait to study the pitches; they aim to get boundaries right from the start.
2. Targeting Specific Bowlers
Before the game, analysis is done based on the data available to select certain bowlers to target.
3. Maintaining Strike Rate
The focus on boundaries instead of singles keeps the run rate high.
4. Avoiding Unnecessary Risks
Along with power hitting, good technique is used to avoid losing early wickets.
| Strategy | Purpose |
| Instant Offense | Elevate run rate immediately. |
| Boundary Priority | Score runs in multiples of 4 and 6. |
| Smart Shot Selection | Target high-yield areas while keeping risk managed. |
| Partnership Rhythm | Ensure both openers score freely without stalling. |
Role of Pitch Conditions in High Powerplay Scores
Apart from other factors, the conditions of the pitch contribute largely to the powerplay run scores. Even bounces on flat pitches allow batters to extend their arms to hit the ball through the line easily.
However, many other aspects including the size of the ground, outfield speed, and night dew contribute to making powerplays highly productive.
| Pitch Condition | Effect |
| Flat Pitch | Offers true bounce, favoring aggressive shot-making. |
| Fast Outfield | Rewards timed ground shots with quick boundaries. |
| Short Boundaries | Increases six-hitting frequencies substantially. |
| Dew Factor | Makes the ball slick, hindering bowling grip and control. |
Why Are Powerplay Scores Increasing in IPL?
There have been many reasons behind rising scores in the powerplay in the IPL.
Main Reasons:
- The introduction of the Impact Player rule, providing teams with extra batting depth.
- Shift toward fearless, boundary-first batting mentalities.
- Modern bat technology yielding greater power on off-center hits.
- In-depth match analytics helping batters exploit specific bowler weaknesses.
- Shorter boundary configurations at modern venues.
| Reason | Effect |
| Impact Player Rule | Removes fear of collapses, encouraging early risks. |
| Data Analytics | Helps batters plan attacks against specific matchups. |
| Improved Power Hitting | Enables batters to clear boundary ropes with ease. |
| Better Equipment | Boosts energy transfer even on mis-timed shots. |
Team-Wise Highest Powerplay Score Records in IPL
Several IPL teams have made some of the most destructive opening partnerships in the history of IPL. Teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings rank high among the top powerplay scorers in IPL.
| Team | Highest Powerplay Score | Opponent | Season |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 125/0 | Delhi Capitals | IPL 2024 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 105/0 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | IPL 2017 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 100/2 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2014 |
| Mumbai Indians | 83/1 | Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2018 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 82/1 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2015 |
| Delhi Capitals | 81/0 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2021 |
Highest Powerplay Score in IPL by Season
Just like T20 cricket, the standard required to make top powerplay scores in the IPL has kept increasing with the passage of time.
| Season | Team | Powerplay Score | Opponent |
| IPL 2024 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 125/0 | Delhi Capitals |
| IPL 2023 | Chennai Super Kings | 79/0 | Gujarat Titans |
| IPL 2022 | Delhi Capitals | 81/0 | Punjab Kings |
| IPL 2021 | Delhi Capitals | 81/0 | Punjab Kings |
| IPL 2020 | Rajasthan Royals | 86/1 | Punjab Kings |
| IPL 2017 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 105/0 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| IPL 2014 | Chennai Super Kings | 100/2 | Punjab Kings |
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Aggressive Batting Approach in IPL 2024
In the year of IPL 2024, the Sunrisers Hyderabad team made a revolution in the conventional approach to T20 powerplay. Following tactical instructions, the top-order batters played ultra-aggressive cricket.
Under the leadership of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, SRH managed to score over 100 runs in powerplay in a single season – something that has never been done in T20 cricket before.
Their batting philosophy centered on:
- Going all-out in the powerplay regardless of the pitch.
- Viewing fielding restrictions as an invitation to hit maximums.
- Pushing opposition captains into defensive field placements early.
- Utilizing batting depth provided by the Impact Player rule.
| Batting Approach | Result |
| Fearless Intent | Shattered historic powerplay world records. |
| Boundary Focus | Consistently achieved run rates above 15 per over. |
| Sustained Pressure | Disrupted bowling plans before overs could settle. |
Highest Powerplay Score vs Highest Team Score in IPL
A high powerplay score lays down the foundations for a big score but still, a massive powerplay score doesn’t guarantee the highest score in a match. Nevertheless, scoring aggressively in 6 overs makes giant scores much easier.
| Record | Team | Score | Opponent / Details |
| Highest IPL Powerplay Score | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 125/0 | vs Delhi Capitals (2024) |
| Highest IPL Team Total | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 287/3 | vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024) |
| Previous Record Powerplay | Kolkata Knight Riders | 105/0 | vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2017) |
Impact of Opening Partnerships on Powerplay Records
Highly productive opening partnerships are crucial in setting powerplay records. With two openers in fine form, the pressure on the bowling side is doubled automatically.
A dominant opening pair delivers:
- Swift scoring from both ends of the pitch.
- Reduced risk of early middle-order collapses.
- Clear communication and sharp running between wickets.
- Intimidation factor against opposition captain’s plans.
| Opening Partnership Quality | Impact |
| Balanced Aggression | Prevents dot balls and maintains momentum. |
| Boundary Rotation | Keeps main bowlers off their lengths. |
| Wicket Preservation | Allows freedom to attack throughout the remaining overs. |
Interesting Facts About Highest Powerplay Score in IPL
- Sunrisers Hyderabad hold the record for the highest powerplay score in IPL history with 125/0 against Delhi Capitals in 2024.
- During SRH’s 125-run powerplay, Travis Head raced to 84 off 26 balls*, making it one of the most explosive individual starts ever recorded.
- Suresh Raina holds the record for the highest individual score in an IPL powerplay, smashing 87 runs off 25 balls against Punjab Kings in 2014.
- SRH crossed the 100-run mark inside six overs twice during IPL 2024 (125/0 vs DC and 107/0 vs LSG).
- Prior to SRH’s performance, KKR held the record for seven years with 105/0 against RCB in 2017.
- The introduction of the Impact Player rule in 2023 significantly increased team aggression during powerplay overs.
- Only three times in IPL history has a team scored 100 or more runs within the first six overs.
- Short boundary lengths and flatter pitches have contributed directly to higher modern powerplay totals.
- Left-handed opening pairs (like Head-Abhishek and Narine-Lynn) account for the top two highest powerplay scores in IPL history.
IPL Powerplay Quiz (10 Questions With Answers)
1. Which team holds the record for the highest powerplay score in IPL history?
A) Chennai Super Kings
B) Kolkata Knight Riders
C) Sunrisers Hyderabad ✔
D) Mumbai Indians
2. How many runs did SRH score during their record-breaking powerplay against DC?
A) 105 Runs
B) 115 Runs
C) 125 Runs ✔
D) 130 Runs
3. Against which team did SRH score 125 runs in the powerplay?
A) Mumbai Indians
B) Delhi Capitals ✔
C) Chennai Super Kings
D) Royal Challengers Bengaluru
4. In which IPL season was the 125/0 powerplay record created?
A) IPL 2022
B) IPL 2023
C) IPL 2024 ✔
D) IPL 2025
5. Who were the opening batters during SRH’s 125-run powerplay?
A) Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma ✔
B) David Warner and Jonny Bairstow
C) Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan
D) Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis
6. How many overs make up the powerplay phase in an IPL innings?
A) 4 Overs
B) 5 Overs
C) 6 Overs ✔
D) 10 Overs
7. Which team held the record for the highest IPL powerplay score before SRH broke it in 2024?
A) Chennai Super Kings
B) Kolkata Knight Riders ✔
C) Rajasthan Royals
D) Mumbai Indians
8. Who holds the record for the highest individual score by a batter inside an IPL powerplay?
A) Travis Head
B) Suresh Raina ✔
C) Chris Gayle
D) Abhishek Sharma
9. Why do field restrictions in the powerplay benefit batters?
A) Bowlers are not allowed to bowl bouncers
B) Only two fielders are permitted outside the 30-yard circle ✔
C) Umpires award extra runs for boundary hits
D) Batters cannot be given out LBW
10. How many runs did KKR score during their famous powerplay against RCB in 2017?
A) 95 Runs
B) 100 Runs
C) 105 Runs ✔
D) 110 Runs
Conclusion
The history of highest powerplay score in the IPL shows us how modern-day T20 batting has evolved significantly. The phenomenal 125/0 powerplay score of Sunrisers Hyderabad against Delhi in IPL 2024 has created a new standard of team aggressiveness and boundary scoring.
With fearless openers, flat pitches, and tactical awareness, the powerplay phase will continue to remain the most exciting part of the IPL matches. Expect some more boundary fest in the opening phase in coming seasons.
FAQs
1. What is the highest powerplay score in IPL history?
The highest powerplay score in IPL history is 125/0, recorded by Sunrisers Hyderabad against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024.
2. Who holds the record for the highest individual score in an IPL powerplay?
Suresh Raina holds the record, having scored 87 runs off 25 balls against Punjab Kings in IPL 2014.
3. Which players opened the batting during SRH’s 125-run powerplay?
Travis Head (84 off 26 in PP) and Abhishek Sharma (40* off 10 in PP) opened the batting for SRH.
4. How many overs are included in the IPL powerplay?
The powerplay comprises the first six overs (36 deliveries) of each innings.
5. Which team held the highest powerplay record before IPL 2024?
Kolkata Knight Riders held the previous record, scoring 105/0 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2017.
6. Has any team scored over 100 runs in a powerplay more than once?
Yes, Sunrisers Hyderabad accomplished this twice during IPL 2024 (125/0 vs DC and 107/0 vs LSG).
7. Does scoring a high powerplay total guarantee a win?
While not a guaranteed win, a massive powerplay total creates immense scoreboard pressure and gives the batting side a huge advantage.
8. What role did the Impact Player rule play in raising powerplay scores?
The Impact Player rule added an extra batter to lineups, giving openers the confidence to attack without fear of leaving the middle order exposed.
9. What was SRH’s final total after scoring 125 in the powerplay vs DC?
SRH went on to finish their innings at 266/7 and won the match by 67 runs.
10. What is the maximum number of fielders allowed outside the circle in the powerplay?
Only a maximum of two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard inner circle during the first six overs.
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