IPL 2026: LSG vs DC –The BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium has a reputation for being a graveyard for batters. Known for its slow tracks and large boundaries, this venue in Lucknow has produced some of the most intense low scoring thrillers in IPL history. As Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) struggle to defend a modest total of 141 against Delhi Capitals (DC) tonight, fans are looking back at the record books to see just how low a team can go and still win.
The All-Time Record: RCB Defend 126
The record for the lowest total ever defended at the Ekana Stadium belongs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). On May 1, 2023, RCB managed to score only 126/9 in their 20 overs. While it looked like an easy chase for the home team, the pitch turned into a nightmare for the LSG batters.
Led by Faf du Plessis, the RCB bowlers exploited the grip and turn of the surface perfectly. Lucknow was eventually bundled out for just 108 runs in 19.5 overs. This 18 run victory for Bengaluru remains the gold standard for defensive bowling in Lucknow.
Other Famous Low Score Defenses in IPL
It is not just RCB that has pulled off a miracle here. In April 2023, Gujarat Titans successfully defended a total of 135/6 against Lucknow. In that match, LSG looked set for a win but a dramatic collapse in the final overs handed the game to Gujarat.
Lucknow Super Giants have also defended their own totals here. In 2024, they successfully protected a score of 163/5 against Gujarat. In 2023, they defended 177/3 against a strong Mumbai Indians lineup. These matches prove that any total above 130 is highly competitive on this red soil track.
Low Totals in International Cricket
The trend of low scoring games extends to T20 Internationals as well. The lowest total defended in a T20I at this venue was by Afghanistan, who protected 147/7 against the West Indies in 2019. In One Day Internationals, India famously defended a score of 229/9 against England during the 2023 World Cup, winning the game by a massive 100 runs.
Why is Ekana So Difficult for Batters?
The reason behind these low scores is the nature of the pitch. The surface often offers a lot of “stop and start” bounce, which makes it hard for batters to time their shots. The straight boundaries are 81 meters long, meaning mistimed hits that would go for six elsewhere are easily caught near the ropes.
As the current match between LSG and DC progresses, the history of this ground gives Lucknow hope. Even though they scored only 141 runs, the records show that teams have won with far less on this tricky Lucknow turf.
