IPL playoffs have started in the 2024 season. In the Qualifier 1 match, tabletoppers Kolkata Knight Riders are battling the Sunrisers Hyderabad, and it has been KKR all the way so far at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Although SRH won the toss and opted to bat first, they could only score 159 runs in the first innings.
Captain Pat Cummins chipped in with a crucial 30 in the end. Otherwise, it would have been an embarrassing first innings for Hyderabad. Cummins created a new record with his batting performance. Here are the top five highest scores by batters batting at number nine or below in IPL playoffs matches.
5. Zaheer Khan – 21 vs Chennai Super Kings, 2011 IPL playoffs
Zaheer Khan turned up for RCB in the 2011 season of the IPL. In the final match of that season, Khan scored 21 runs off 21 balls at number 10 against CSK, but the Royal Challengers could only reach 147/8 in response to Chennai’s 205/5.
4. Mohit Sharma – 21* vs Mumbai Indians, 2015 IPL playoffs
Another Indian fast bowler to feature on the list with a score of 21 is Mohit Sharma. Playing for CSK in the final against MI in 2015, Mohit smashed a seven-ball 21 at number 10. He was not out but the 20 overs ended with CSK scoring 161/8 against MI’s 202/5.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 23 vs Mumbai Indians, 2015 IPL
Before that game, Ravichandran Ashwin scored 23 runs at number nine against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 1. He smacked 23 off 12, but CSK were bowled out for 162 against MI’s 187/6.
2. Ramesh Powar – 28* vs Chennai Super Kings, 2008 IPL
It may surprise a few fans but former Indian spinner Ramesh Powar is also present on this list. Playing for Kings XI Punjab in the semifinal against CSK, Powar came out to bat at number nine and hit an unbeaten 28 to guide Punjab to 112/8 in 20 overs. CSK won that game by nine wickets.
1. Pat Cummins – 30 vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2024 IPL
Pat Cummins broke Ramesh Powar’s record by scoring 30 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders earlier tonight. It was a much-needed knock from the SRH skipper who came out to bat at number nine in Qualifier 1.
