In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, power-hitting and six-fests often steal the spotlight, but behind every truly great T20 innings lies something even more crucial: efficiency. Dot balls are the currency of pressure in this format, and the fewer you consume, the more you dictate the game. While brute force can wow the crowd, it’s the ability to keep the scoreboard ticking with every single delivery that separates the good from the legendary.
Some players have elevated this art to perfection, turning nearly every ball into a run-scoring opportunity, dismantling even the best bowling attacks without giving them a moment to breathe. These are innings where boundaries flowed, singles were stolen with finesse, and bowlers were left with no room to recover. In this feature, we take you through the top 5 IPL innings with the fewest dot balls — performances that weren’t just explosive, but almost flawlessly economical in execution.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians – 22 Dot Balls (2024)
Sunrisers Hyderabad, in the 2024 season against the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, in front of SRH’s home crowd, delivered a record-setting innings with only 22 dot balls faced, tying the all-time IPL record. Their aggressive batting approach, combined with precise shot selection and quick running between the wickets, helped them maintain relentless pressure on the opposition. This stunning display not only thrilled the spectators but also highlighted SRH’s place among the elite Teams with the fewest dot Balls in IPL history.
This innings was powered by Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen, who rotated the strike effortlessly and pounced on every scoring opportunity. It was an innings that had everything — firepower, finesse, and flawless planning.
| Team | Opponent | Year | Total Dot Balls |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mumbai Indians | 2024 | 22 |
4. Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – 22 Dot Balls (2025)
Gujarat Titans put on a batting clinic that demonstrated how to dominate in T20s without taking unnecessary risks. With just 22 dot balls in the innings, GT showcased the perfect blend of power and placement. Their performance was a standout example among teams with the fewest dot balls in IPL history, underlining the importance of strike rotation and intelligent batting. By minimising dot balls, Gujarat Titans maintained constant scoreboard pressure, proving that quick singles and smart cricket can be just as effective as boundaries.
This innings featured some top-notch intent, with every batsman focused on ensuring maximum output from every ball. It was a clear sign of how far T20 strategies have evolved.
| Team | Opponent | Year | Total Dot Balls |
| Gujarat Titans | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2025 | 22 |
3. Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – 23 Dot Balls (2020)
Delhi Capitals made full use of the batting-friendly conditions in Sharjah during this high-octane 2020 contest. Facing just 23 dot balls, DC’s approach was relentless and calculated. Their aggressive mindset and smart shot selection put them among the teams with the fewest dot balls in IPL history. In a format where every ball counts, minimising dot deliveries can be the difference between winning and losing. The Capitals’ performance that day reflected a strong intent to rotate strike and maintain pressure on the opposition.
The innings was a symphony of boundaries, smart running, and intelligent shot selection. The DC batters refused to let KKR settle, proving that quick singles and attacking gameplay can coexist beautifully.
| Team | Opponent | Year | Total Dot Balls |
| Delhi Capitals | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2020 | 23 |
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings – 24 Dot Balls (2017)
In the 2017 clash against Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad displayed textbook T20 batting that perfectly aligned with the qualities of teams with the least dot balls in IPL. Their approach, though not resulting in the explosive totals seen in later years, emphasised strike rotation, calculated aggression, and consistent pressure. This performance highlighted the efficiency and tactical depth required to be among the teams with the fewest dot balls in IPL history, setting a standard for intelligent T20 innings focused on momentum and smart shot selection.
They allowed just 24 balls to go unscored, showing disciplined rotation of strike and well-placed shots. The batters worked the gaps, kept the scoreboard moving, and gave the bowlers no room to dominate.
| Team | Opponent | Year | Total Dot Balls |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Punjab Kings | 2017 | 24 |
1. Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings — 24 Dot Balls (2024)
Gujarat Titans crafted an innings that mirrored the hallmark traits of elite T20 batting — intent, precision, and relentless pressure. Matching the efficiency of some of the best teams with the least dot balls in IPL history, GT’s performance was a masterclass in minimising idle deliveries. Their strategy wasn’t built solely on brute force, but on smart cricket — calculated risks, sharp running between the wickets, and a constant hunt for scoring opportunities. Allowing only 24 dot balls in their innings, the Titans ensured CSK never gained control of the tempo.
Every batter wasn’t just batting; it was orchestrated momentum, built on a clear plan to suffocate the opposition with consistent run flow. The Gujarat Titans’ display stood as a shining example of what it takes to join the ranks of teams known for intelligent, low-dot-ball T20 cricket.
| Team | Opponent | Year | Total Dot Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | Chennai Super Kings | 2024 | 24 |
READ MORE:
