The Indian Premier League (IPL) has carved its niche as one of the most exciting cricket tournaments in the world, known for its nail-biting finishes and adrenaline-pumping moments. Throughout its history, fans have witnessed numerous breathtaking matches that went down to the wire, with the outcome decided in the final over. In this article, we present five of the most dramatic last-over finishes in IPL history that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
- Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2008): In the inaugural edition of the IPL, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced off against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a thrilling encounter. Needing eight runs off the final over, the Royals’ Sohail Tanvir smacked a six off the first ball, putting the pressure on the Super Kings. However, with three runs required off the last delivery, Tanvir could only manage a single, resulting in a tie. The Super Over that followed saw CSK emerge victorious, but the intensity of the last over made this match an unforgettable spectacle.
- Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians (IPL 2010): A pulsating contest between the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) unfolded in the 2010 season. Chasing a formidable target of 183, KXIP required 17 runs off the last over with just one wicket in hand. The young West Indian all-rounder, Dwayne Smith, showcased nerves of steel as he hammered two sixes off the first two balls. With two runs needed off the final ball, Smith smacked a boundary, securing an improbable victory for KXIP and etching this match in IPL history.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2014): The 2014 season witnessed an enthralling contest between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Set a target of 191, RCB found themselves needing 35 runs off the last two overs. The equation came down to requiring 12 off the final over, bowled by the experienced James Faulkner. Enter AB de Villiers, who produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing four sixes and clinching a stunning victory for RCB with a ball to spare.
- Delhi Daredevils vs Gujarat Lions (IPL 2017): A high-scoring encounter between the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and the Gujarat Lions in 2017 provided one of the most thrilling last-over finishes in IPL history. Chasing a mammoth total of 209, the Daredevils needed 25 off the final over. Corey Anderson launched an extraordinary assault on the Lions’ bowler Dwayne Smith, hitting him for four sixes and a boundary, taking his team to a remarkable victory with a ball to spare.
- Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab (IPL 2019): The 2019 season witnessed an absolute humdinger between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Pursuing a target of 198, the Mumbai Indians required four runs off the last ball, with Kieron Pollard on strike. He smashed a six, tying the scores, and eventually guided his team to victory in the subsequent Super Over. Pollard’s heroics in the last over ensured an unforgettable and dramatic encounter that will be remembered for years to come.
The Indian Premier League has been a source of countless thrilling encounters, with several matches going down to the wire. The five last-over finishes mentioned above have provided fans with unforgettable moments, leaving them in awe of the sheer excitement and unpredictability of the IPL. These matches showcased the resilience, skill, and nerve of the players involved, making for a captivating spectacle.
From the inaugural season’s intense tie between CSK and RR to the 2019 clash between MI and KXIP that resulted in a Super Over, these last-over finishes demonstrated the competitive spirit and fighting spirit of the teams. They showcased the ability of certain players to rise to the occasion and deliver under immense pressure, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball.
Also, see:
Dhoni’s Captaincy Would’ve Secured RCB 3 IPL Titles
