Why Teams Batting First Are Performing Better in IPL 2025
In IPL 2025, one of the most interesting shifts has been the success rate of teams batting first. Out of 54 valid matches, 25 have been won by the team that set a target — a noticeable improvement compared to past seasons, where chasing was often the preferred strategy.
Let’s explore what’s driving this change, using hard data.
1. Winning Scores Are Slightly Lower, But Still Effective
In IPL 2025, the average winning score while batting first is 183.98, compared to 189.59 in IPL 2024. While the number has slightly dipped, the fact that teams are still successfully defending these totals shows that scoreboard pressure combined with smart bowling plans is working.
This proves that teams don’t always need 190+ totals — a well-executed 180+ total can still win games in the current season.
2. Improved Death Over Bowling by First-Innings Teams
The key factor behind the success of first-innings teams lies in how well they’re bowling in the death overs.
- In IPL 2025, teams bowling second (i.e., after setting a target) have an economy rate of 10.06 in the death overs.
- More importantly, they take a wicket every 11.08 balls, showing how effectively they’re breaking partnerships and stopping momentum.
Compare this with IPL 2024, where:
- The economy rate was 9.80, slightly better.
- But the balls per wicket ratio was 12.50, meaning teams took fewer wickets per over in the death.
This year, teams defending totals are focusing more on taking crucial wickets in the final overs, even if it comes at the cost of a few extra runs. This strategy is clearly working — killing the chase before it can peak.
Conclusion: Teams batting first in IPL 2025 are not just setting competitive totals — they’re backing them up with better bowling, especially in the final overs. By striking more often and keeping the run flow in check during the death, they’ve made chasing more difficult.
The numbers show it all — 25 first-innings wins out of 54 games and a clear shift in how teams approach the second half of the match.
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