The Indian Premier League has always been known for explosive starts, big sixes, and high-scoring thrillers.
But every once in a while, fans witness the exact opposite — a batting collapse so dramatic that it becomes part of league history.
That’s exactly what happened when Delhi Capitals stumbled to a shocking 13/6 in the powerplay during IPL 2026, leaving fans stunned and social media buzzing.
But the big question is — was this the lowest powerplay score ever in IPL history? Let’s break it down and also look at the lowest powerplay totals ever recorded in the tournament.
DC’s Nightmare Start: What Went Wrong?
Delhi Capitals’ innings began on the worst possible note. Within the first six overs — the crucial powerplay phase — the team had already lost six wickets while managing just 13 runs.
This kind of collapse is extremely rare in T20 cricket, especially in a league like the IPL where batting depth is usually strong.
Top-order batters failed to settle, poor shot selection added pressure, and disciplined bowling from the opposition made scoring nearly impossible.
The scoreboard pressure kept building, and DC never really recovered from that disastrous start.
Is 13/6 the Lowest Powerplay Score in IPL?
Interestingly, despite how shocking DC’s 13/6 looks, it is not the lowest powerplay score in IPL history.
The unwanted record still belongs to Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful franchises in the league.
CSK has recorded multiple extremely low powerplay totals over the years, showing that even the best teams can have off days.
Lowest Powerplay Scores in IPL History
Here are some of the lowest powerplay scores recorded in IPL history:
- Chennai Super Kings – 10/4 (Lowest ever)
- Chennai Super Kings – 12/3
- Chennai Super Kings – 13/2
- Delhi Capitals – 13/6 (IPL 2026)
- Other teams have also featured, but CSK dominates this unwanted list
This means DC’s 13/6 ranks among the worst, but it still falls short of being the absolute lowest.
Why Powerplay Matters So Much in IPL
In T20 cricket, especially in the IPL, the powerplay (first six overs) is the foundation of the innings. With only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle, teams usually aim to score quickly and build momentum.
A poor powerplay performance often leads to:
- Increased pressure on middle-order batters
- Limited scoring options later in the innings
- Difficulty in setting or chasing a competitive total
That’s why a score like 13/6 is not just low — it can almost decide the outcome of the match in the first six overs itself.
CSK’s Surprising Presence in This List
It may come as a surprise to many fans that Chennai Super Kings appears multiple times among the lowest powerplay scores.
Despite being one of the most consistent and successful teams in IPL history, CSK has occasionally struggled during the early overs.
However, what sets them apart is their ability to recover from such situations, thanks to experienced players and strong finishing ability.
This also shows that even top franchises are not immune to sudden collapses in a format as unpredictable as T20 cricket.
Social Media Reactions and Fan Shock
DC’s 13/6 quickly became a trending topic across platforms. Fans compared it with past collapses, shared memes, and debated whether this was the worst start ever.
Many cricket analysts pointed out that such collapses highlight the importance of temperament and adaptability in T20 cricket.
While aggressive intent is necessary, reckless batting can lead to disastrous outcomes — exactly what happened in this case.
Final Thoughts
Delhi Capitals’ 13/6 in the powerplay during IPL 2026 will be remembered as one of the most shocking starts in league history.
While it isn’t the lowest ever, it certainly ranks among the worst and serves as a reminder of how unpredictable cricket can be.
The IPL continues to deliver drama in every form — from record-breaking centuries to unexpected collapses. And moments like these are what keep fans hooked season after season.