The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been the home of explosive batting, where teams consistently push the boundaries of what is possible in the shortest format of cricket. Since its inception in 2008, the league has witnessed numerous high-scoring encounters that have thrilled fans across the globe. Over the years, teams have posted mammoth totals, setting new records and redefining the benchmarks for team scores in T20 cricket. This article delves into the Top 10 highest team scores in IPL history, highlighting the unforgettable batter displays and match contexts behind these towering totals.
1. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 287/3 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 15, 2024)
The highest team score in IPL history belongs to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who stunned cricket fans with a colossal 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The innings was led by an outstanding century from Travis Head, who scored 102 runs, anchoring the innings with aggressive stroke play. SRH’s batting lineup showcased ruthless power-hitting and fierce intent, putting on a run rate of over 14 runs per over. This mammoth total, which is also the highest by any T20 franchise worldwide, marked a significant milestone in IPL history, illustrating the evolving batting prowess in the modern game.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 286/6 vs Rajasthan Royals (March 23, 2025)
Closely following their record-breaking innings, SRH again posted one of the highest totals in IPL history, 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Hyderabad. This innings came with a blistering run rate of 14.3 runs per over and featured several explosive contributions from their top order, including a commanding display of power-hitting across the batting order. SRH’s sustained aggression, along with smart cricketing shots on a batting-friendly pitch, helped them reach this mammoth score, making it another highlight for SRH’s dominance in the league.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 278/3 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (May 25, 2025)
Another remarkable total from the same season came when SRH scored 278/3 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a high-voltage clash. This score is among the few 270-plus team totals scored in IPL history and reflects SRH’s relentless batting approach that season. The innings was powered by elegant stroke-making combined with clinical finishing from the middle and lower order, affirming their supremacy in the tournament.
4. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 277/3 vs Mumbai Indians (March 27, 2024)
In yet another dominant performance, SRH reached 277/3 against Mumbai Indians (MI), one of IPL’s most successful franchises. The innings was fast-paced and featured solid partnerships and aggressive hitting. SRH’s cadence in this match underscored their ability to consistently post challenging totals regardless of the opposition’s reputation or the venue.
5. Kolkata Knight Riders – 272/7 vs Delhi Capitals (April 3, 2024)
On April 3, 2024, KKR thrilled fans by posting 272/7 against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Visakhapatnam. This was a remarkable team effort, boosted by strong individual performances such as Sunil Narine’s quickfire 75 and Dinesh Karthik’s rapid 50. The team’s aggressive batting display at the top and middle order laid the foundation for this high score, making it one of the highest IPL totals ever recorded.
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 266/7 vs Delhi Capitals (April 20, 2024)
SRH once again made their mark with an imposing 266/7 against DC in Delhi. This innings demonstrated SRH’s dominance across different venues and against varied bowling attacks. The team’s ability to accelerate at every stage of the innings and rotate the strike effectively helped them achieve this impressive total.
7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 263/5 vs Pune Warriors (April 23, 2013)
Before the dominance of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had already set high standards with their 263/5 against Pune Warriors in 2013. This innings featured Chris Gayle’s explosive batting, continuing his reputation as one of the most feared T20 batsmen ever. RCB’s power-hitting approach was on full display, making this one of the early highest team totals in IPL history.
8. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 248/3 vs Gujarat Lions (May 14, 2016)
RCB again posted a daunting total of 248/3 against Gujarat Lions in 2016. This innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play and important contributions from multiple players. The ability to sustain such a high scoring rate over the 20 overs showcased RCB’s strength in setting challenging targets.
9. Chennai Super Kings – 246/5 vs Rajasthan Royals (April 3, 2010)
CSK, one of the most successful IPL franchises, posted a massive total of 246/5 against RR in 2010. This innings was memorable for Murali Vijay’s magnificent 127 runs off just 56 balls. His powerful hitting inspired the team to post one of the top IPL totals of the early years of the tournament.
10. Kolkata Knight Riders – 245/6 vs Kings XI Punjab (May 12, 2018)
KKR’s commanding 245/6 against Kings XI Punjab in 2018 was powered by dynamic batting performances from Sunil Narine and Dinesh Karthik. Narine’s quick 75 and Karthik’s late innings blitz ensured KKR crossed the 240-run mark, adding another high total to IPL’s history of thrilling batting battles.
Evolution of IPL Batting Archetypes
The top 10 highest team scores in IPL history primarily showcase the transformation of the batting style in T20 cricket. Early on, scores above 220 were considered competitive, while the past few seasons have featured more frequent postings above 250 runs. The escalation has been driven by factors including improved batting techniques, powerful bats, shorter boundaries, and evolving cricket strategies emphasizing aggressive and fearless batting.
Notably, Sunrisers Hyderabad stands out as the dominant team in this list, having scored four of the top team totals, including the top three highest ever scores. The 2024 and 2025 IPL seasons were especially remarkable, with multiple teams crossing the 270-run mark multiple times, raising the bar for all franchises.
Conclusion
The IPL continues to be a thrilling platform for the world’s best cricketers to showcase explosive batting talent. The top 10 highest team scores in IPL history are a testament to the evolution and excitement of the league. These towering totals inspire teams and fans alike, driving future players to push limits further. As the IPL progresses with new talent and innovative strategies, cricket buffs eagerly await the next high-octane innings that could rewrite these records yet again.
