In the ultra-competitive world of the Indian Premier League, it’s not just about smashing sixes — it’s about using every single delivery wisely. Dot balls can kill momentum, break partnerships, and shift the tide of a game. That’s why teams with the least dot balls in IPL history stand out as prime examples of efficient, high-impact T20 batting. These innings, marked by relentless strike rotation and sharp game awareness, are truly masterclasses in modern T20 cricket. Analyzing the teams with the least dot balls in IPL highlights the importance of minimizing waste and maximizing every moment at the crease.
Let’s count down the Top 5 most efficient team innings in IPL history based on minimum dot balls faced, from Rank 5 to Rank 1 — featuring stellar performances, match-winning intent, and a commitment to strike rotation excellence.
List of Top 5 Teams with the Least Dot Balls in IPL History
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings – 2017 (24 Dot Balls)
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, emphasized strike rotation, calculated aggression, and consistent pressure. SRH’s batsmen showcased the importance of minimizing dot balls, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking even without boundaries. This performance highlighted the efficiency and tactical depth required to be among the teams with the least 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 |
4. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2024 (23 Dot Balls)
In 2024, RCB unleashed a near-perfect T20 innings against SRH on their home turf, delivering one of the most fluent performances in IPL history. They faced only 23 dot balls in the entire innings, showcasing their aggressive and calculated approach. This exceptional display put them among the teams with the least dot balls in IPL, a crucial metric in modern T20 cricket. By continuously rotating the strike and finding gaps, RCB maintained pressure on the bowlers from start to finish. Their ability to minimize dot balls highlights how key intent and smart batting are to dominating a high-stakes match.
Virat Kohli and his teammates ensured fluent stroke-play and aggressive intent, while also respecting good deliveries and turning them into singles. The balance between attack and precision in this innings was a spectacle for fans and purists alike.
| Team | Opponent | Year | Total Dot Balls |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2024 | 23 |
3. Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – 2020 (23 Dot Balls)
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 least dot balls in IPL history. In a format where every ball counts, minimizing 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. Such matches highlight the importance of strike rotation for teams with the least dot balls in IPL.
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. Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2025 (22 Dot Balls)
In this thrilling 2025 encounter, 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 least dot balls in IPL history, underlining the importance of strike rotation and intelligent batting. By minimizing dot balls, Gujarat Titans maintained constant scoreboard pressure, proving that quick singles and smart cricket can be just as effective as boundaries. Their display sets a benchmark for other franchises aiming for consistency.
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 |
1. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians – 2024 (22 Dot Balls)
At the top of the list of Teams with the Least Dot Balls in IPL is a jaw-dropping performance by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 season against five-time champions Mumbai Indians. SRH, in front of their 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 Least 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 |
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