The IPL is a stage for electrifying matches and thrilling displays of cricketing excellence. Since its inception in 2008, the league has witnessed numerous matches in which teams have stunned opponents and spectators with gigantic scores.
From strategic starts to blistering finishes, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed innings that have redefined limits. Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders have consistently set and challenged high-score records, turning games into one-sided affairs with their aggressive play.
Key matches from 2008 to 2024 highlight these incredible feats, showcasing how strategy, power-hitting, and sometimes sublime chaos contribute to unforgettable cricketing moments.
Introduction to IPL and Team Scores
Throughout IPL history, several team scores have become truly iconic, demonstrating the exciting potential for high performance in the league. One of the most memorable was recorded by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who scored a staggering 263/5 against Pune Warriors India in 2013.
This match is still remembered for Chris Gayle’s breathtaking performance when he smashed a humongous 175 on just 66 balls.
Adding to the list of remarkable scores, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) set a new benchmark in 2024 by amassing an unprecedented 287/3 against RCB, marking the highest team score in IPL history. In the same year, SRH showcased their batting prowess again by achieving a massive total of 277/3 against Mumbai Indians.
Adding to these extraordinary feats, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) recorded an impressive 272/7 against Delhi Capitals, underscoring their capability to dominate with the bat.
Top 10 Highest Team Scores in IPL
S. No | Team | Team Score | Against | Location | Date |
1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 287/3 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Bengaluru | April 15, 2024 |
2 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 277/3 | Mumbai Indians | Hyderabad | March 27, 2024 |
3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 272/7 | Delhi Capitals | Visakhapatnam | April 3, 2024 |
4 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 266/7 | Delhi Capitals | Delhi | April 20, 2024 |
5 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 263/5 | Pune Warriors | Bengaluru | April 23, 2013 |
6 | Punjab Kings | 262/2 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | April 26, 2024 |
7 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 262/7 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | April 15, 2024 |
8 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 261/6 | Punjab Kings | Kolkata | April 26, 2024 |
9 | Delhi Capitals | 257/4 | Mumbai Indians | Delhi | April 27, 2024 |
10 | Lucknow Super Giants | 257/5 | Punjab Kings | Mohali | April 28, 2023 |
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Bengaluru on April 15, 2024. This score marks the highest in IPL history, showcasing SRH’s terrifying batting lineup.
- SRH – 277/3 against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Hyderabad on March 27, 2024. Another massive total from the orange army reflects their consistent explosive form that year.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 272/7 against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Visakhapatnam on April 3, 2024. A masterclass in aggressive batting, KKR dominated the scoring.
- SRH – 266/7 against DC in Delhi on April 20, 2024. Continuing their high-scoring streak, SRH proved their batting depth and strength.
- RCB – 263/5 against Pune Warriors at Bengaluru on April 23, 2013. Previously the highest score before being surpassed, RCB’s performance remains legendary due to Chris Gayle’s explosive innings.
- Punjab Kings – 262/2 against KKR at Eden Gardens on April 26, 2024. Capitalising on favourable conditions, Punjab Kings delivered an impressive performance.
- RCB – 262/7 against SRH in Bengaluru on April 15, 2024. Another standout performance by RCB was marked by strategic prowess and batting power.
- KKR – 261/6 against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens on April 26, 2024. Displaying consistency, KKR scored heavily in asserting dominance.
- Delhi Capitals (DC)—257/4 against MI in Delhi on April 27, 2024. DC displayed exceptional power-hitting and teamwork.
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 257/5 against Punjab Kings in Mohali on April 28, 2023. LSG’s adept batting ensured they achieved one of the highest team scores of the season.
Related Read: Top 10 Highest Powerplay Scores in IPL with Complete Stats
Detailed Breakdown of Top 10 Highest Team Scores of IPL
1. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 287/3 vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Bengaluru, April 15, 2024
In a record-breaking match on April 15, 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted the highest-ever IPL total of 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with Travis Head smashing a blistering century (102 runs off 39 balls) and Heinrich Klaasen contributing a quickfire 67 runs, leading to SRH winning the match by 25 runs; RCB managed 262/7 in reply, with Dinesh Karthik scoring a valiant 83 off 35 balls.
Key Points About The Match:
- Highest IPL total ever: SRH’s 287/3 is the highest team total ever recorded in IPL history.
- Travis Head’s century: Head’s 102 runs off 39 balls was a crucial factor in SRH’s record-breaking score.
- Heinrich Klaasen’s quickfire knock: Klaasen played a vital role with his 67 runs off a quick pace.
- RCB’s chase: Despite a brilliant knock by Dinesh Karthik, RCB fell 25 runs short of the target.
- Match result: SRH defeated RCB by 25 runs.
2. SRH – 277/3 vs. Mumbai Indians (MI), Hyderabad, March 27, 2024
In a landmark match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) set a new record for the highest total in IPL history, scoring an impressive 277/3 against Mumbai Indians (MI).
The extraordinary innings featured rapid fifties from both Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who reached their first milestones off just 18 and 16 balls, respectively. This explosive performance earned Abhishek Sharma the Player of the Match accolade.
Despite MI winning the toss and opting to field first, they could not contain the onslaught and eventually succumbed to a 31-run defeat. The match was also notable for recording the most runs and maximums—38 sixes—in a T20 encounter, reflecting the explosive batting display from both sides.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 272/7 vs. Delhi Capitals (DC), Visakhapatnam, April 3, 2024
KKR performed spectacular batting against Delhi Capitals, focusing on aggressive power plays that left DC scrambling for answers. West Indies power-hitter Sunil Narines smashed his career-best knock to help Shreyas Iyer’s KKR post 272-7 in 20 overs.
Opener Narine smoked seven sixes and seven fours in his match-winning knock. Moreover, a late surge from lower-order batters added vital runs, ensuring KKR reached this formidable total.
4. SRH – 266/7 vs. Delhi Capitals (DC), Delhi, April 20, 2024
On April 20, 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured a commanding victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, triumphing by 67 runs. SRH posted a formidable total of 266/7, anchored by Travis Head’s explosive innings of 89 runs.
In response, DC could only muster 199 all out despite a promising start led by Jake Fraser-McGurk. Their innings faltered significantly, largely due to a stellar bowling display from T Natarajan, who sent 4 players back to the pavilion while conceding only 19 runs. This comprehensive win emphasised SRH’s dominance in both batting and bowling on the day.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 263/5 vs. Pune Warriors, Bengaluru, April 23, 2013
On April 23, 2013, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) achieved their highest-ever IPL total, amassing 263/5 against Pune Warriors at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
This landmark feat was highlighted by Chris Gayle’s extraordinary innings, in which he scored an unbeaten 175 runs off just 66 balls—a performance acclaimed as one of the most destructive in IPL history.
Gayle’s explosive batting set a new record for the highest individual score in T20 cricket then, propelling RCB to a comprehensive victory over the now-defunct Pune Warriors. This match remains celebrated for showcasing Gayle’s unparalleled hitting prowess.
6. Punjab Kings – 262/2 vs. KKR, Eden Gardens, April 26, 2024
On April 26, 2024, Punjab Kings (PBKS) achieved a remarkable victory at Eden Gardens, completing the most successful chase in T20 cricket history by scoring 262/2 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who had set a daunting target of 261/6.
Jonny Bairstow was the standout performer, delivering a blistering unbeaten century with 108 runs, while Shashank Singh contributed a vital 68* runs to secure an 8-wicket win for PBKS. This historic triumph highlighted Bairstow’s exceptional performance. It marked a momentous achievement for Punjab Kings in pursuing glory against KKR.
7. RCB – 262/7 vs. SRH, Bengaluru, April 15, 2024
In an electrifying encounter on April 15, 2024, at Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 25 runs in the highest-scoring T20 match ever.
SRH set a record total of 287/3, thanks mainly to Travis Head’s brilliant century, scoring 102 runs. In reply, RCB managed 262/7, with Dinesh Karthik contributing a rapid 83 runs.
This match not only highlighted the batting prowess of both teams but also set a new record for the highest aggregate score in a T20 game, with 549 runs.
8. KKR – 261/6 vs. Punjab Kings, Eden Gardens, April 26, 2024
On April 26, 2024, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted a score of 261/6 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), but Punjab successfully chased down the target to win by 8 wickets, with Jonny Bairstow scoring a blistering unbeaten century (108 runs) and setting a new record for the highest successful chase in T20 cricket; key details include KKR’s score of 261/6, PBKS chasing it down with 8 wickets remaining, and Jonny Bairstow’s Player of the Match performance.
Key Points About The Match:
- High-scoring encounter: KKR put up a strong total of 261/6, with significant contributions from their top order.
- Bairstow’s heroics: Jonny Bairstow played a dominant knock, scoring an unbeaten 108 runs, leading PBKS to a successful chase.
- Record-breaking chase: Punjab Kings achieved the highest success in T20 cricket history.
9. Delhi Capitals (DC) – 257/4 vs. MI, Delhi, April 27, 2024
In a high-scoring IPL 2024 match on April 27th, Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 10 runs, posting a massive 257/4 on the board thanks to a blistering knock by Jake Fraser-McGurk (84 runs off 27 balls), while MI could only manage 247/9 in reply; key highlights include Fraser-McGurk’s explosive batting, Rasikh Salam taking 3 wickets for DC, and Tilak Varma’s fighting 63 runs for MI.
Key Points About The Match:
- Score: Delhi Capitals 257/4, Mumbai Indians 247/9
- Venue: Delhi
- Man of the Match: Jake Fraser-McGurk
- DC’s top scorers: Jake Fraser-McGurk (84), Tristan Stubbs (48)
- MI’s top scorer: Tilak Varma (63)
- Key bowler for DC: Rasikh Salam (3 wickets)
10. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 257/5 vs. Punjab Kings, Mohali, April 28, 2023
On April 28, 2023, in Mohali, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) scored a massive 257 runs for the loss of only 5 wickets against the Punjab Kings, marking the second-highest total ever recorded in IPL history. Key contributors were Marcus Stoinis (72 runs off 40 balls), Kyle Mayers (54 runs off 24 balls), and Nicholas Pooran (45 runs off 19 balls); LSG went on to win the match by a comfortable 56-run margin.
Key Points About The Match:
- Highest score: LSG’s 257/5 is the second-highest total recorded in IPL history.
- Star performers: Marcus Stoinis, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran were the standout batters for LSG.
- Winning margin: LSG won the match by a convincing 56 runs.
Also Read: Top 10 Batters with the Highest Runs in a IPL One Season
Analysis of Trends in Team Scores Over the Years
A key driver of this trend is the emphasis on power hitting and the rise of all-rounders, which contribute to more dynamic batting lineups. Players like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers set early benchmarks for aggressive scoring, inspiring teams to draft similar power hitters.
As a result, scores that once seemed formidable are now regularly matched or surpassed, pushing teams to innovate continuously in their batting approaches.
Technological advancements and data analytics have also enabled teams to assess opponents and tailor real-time strategies. This includes identifying optimal batting positions for key players, exploiting field placement weaknesses, and enhancing scoring efficiency. Today, teams analyse pitch conditions meticulously, allowing batters to maximise scoring opportunities even on traditionally bowler-friendly surfaces.
Another factor contributing to escalating scores is the improved quality of T20-specific training. Modern players undergo rigorous physical conditioning and skills development tailored to this format, enabling them to sustain high-intensity performances over 20 overs.
Highest IPL Final Score Details
In the thrilling IPL 2023 final at Ahmedabad, the Gujarat Titans set a formidable target with their score of 214/4. The Chennai Super Kings, facing a revised target of 171 runs in 15 overs due to the DLS method, clinched victory by 5 wickets with no balls to spare. This intense match highlighted Sai Sudharsan’s impactful performance for Gujarat Titans, earning him Cricinfo’s MVP honours.
However, Devon Conway’s crucial 47 off 25 deliveries helped secure the win for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), making him the Player of the Match. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was recognised as the Player of the Series. He showcased remarkable consistency by amassing 890 runs throughout the tournament, underscoring his vital role for the Titans.
Also Read: Who is the Baap of IPL: Which Player is True Father of IPL?
Record-Breaking Performances in IPL
Some of the most notable record-breaking performances in IPL history include:
- Highest individual score: Chris Gayle’s 175* runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India.
- Fastest century: Chris Gayle, scoring a century off just 30 balls.
- Most sixes in a match: Chris Gayle with 17 sixes in a single match.
- Most runs in an IPL season: Virat Kohli with 973 runs in 2016.
- The highest team score was for Sunrisers Hyderabad, which scored 287 runs for losing 3 wickets.
- Most wickets in IPL history: Yuzvendra Chahal
Other notable record-breaking performances:
Brendon McCullum’s 158* runs in the first IPL match, AB de Villiers’ 133* runs, David Warner’s 126 runs, and Shane Watson’s 117* runs.
Impact of Venue on Team Scores
Certain stadiums, like the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, are known for their flat pitches and smaller boundaries. These conditions often serve as a paradise for batters, resulting in high-scoring games. These conditions favour aggressive batting and encourage teams to set or chase large totals, making thrilling matches frequent.
Conversely, venues like the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai often showcase slower, spinning tracks. Batters face challenges timing their shots here, resulting in more moderate scores. Such conditions favour teams with strong spin attacks and tactical depth.
Moreover, altitude and humidity, such as at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, affect ball swing and seam movement, impacting both batting and bowling performances. Teams adapting to these nuances leverage these conditions to their advantage, tailoring strategies to maximise their strength and minimise weaknesses.
Also Read: Which IPL Team Has Most Fan Following? (2024)
Players Who Contributed to Highest Scores
Some record-breaking IPL player performances include Virat Kohli, who holds the record for most runs scored in the IPL with 8,004 runs and most centuries (8), Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, who are the most successful captains with 5 and 6 titles each, and Chris Gayle, who holds the record for the highest individual score in an IPL match with a 175 not out.
Other notable record-breaking performances:
- Most runs in a single IPL season: Virat Kohli with 973 runs in 2016
- Highest strike rate in an IPL season: AB de Villiers with a strike rate of 187.04 in 2016
- Most wickets in an IPL season: Yuzvendra Chahal with 27 wickets in 2018
- Most catches in an IPL season: Manish Pandey with 14 catches in 2018
- Most sixes in an IPL career: Chris Gayle
Conclusion and Future Expectations for Team Scores
The IPL has continually set new scoring benchmarks, reflecting the dynamic nature of T20 cricket. As teams become more strategic and players leverage advanced training techniques, we can expect even higher scores in future seasons. The future of IPL scoring promises unmatched thrills and surprises, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
With extensive performances and promising batters, we can expect more additions to the list of the highest team scores in IPL in the coming editions.
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