The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricket tournament; it’s a carnival of emotions. Every season, this cricketing spectacle brings together millions of fans, glueing them to their screens, cheering for every run, every wicket, every dive, and every save.
The Indian Premier League, which commenced in 2008, has become a blockbuster success for the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen significant revenue growth in recent years, with the total revenue for 2023 reaching ₹11,769 crore. With the cash registers ringing during the Indian summer season, the players have also benefitted from its success; resulting in giving us thrilling and nerve-wracking matches.
Well, who can forget the last-ball six by Mumbai Indians’ player Aditya Tare on the bowling of Rajasthan Royals’ James Faulkner? Or Kolkata Knight Rider’s batter Rinku Singh’s exploits in the final over against Gujarat Titans bowler Yash Dayal? The IPL has seen more unforgettable matches over the course of its 18-year history.
In this article, we will be looking at the top 11 nail-biting thrillers played in the Indian Premier League.
- Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings, 2019 Final
One of the most memorable IPL finals, the 2019 showdown between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, was a classic. With just two runs required off the last ball, Lasith Malinga bowled a stunning yorker, trapping Shardul Thakur LBW, and sealing a one-run victory for Mumbai. A finish that left both camps and fans on the edge of their seats!
- Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders, 2009 Super Over
The early days of IPL witnessed the first-ever Super Over, and it was a stunner! Rajasthan Royals tied with Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring contest in Cape Town. The match went to a Super Over, where Yusuf Pathan’s heroic hitting sealed the deal for Rajasthan in a game that was nothing short of a rollercoaster.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Kings XI Punjab, 2016
The 2016 IPL season saw some incredible matches, but RCB vs. Kings XI was something special. Chasing a target of 175, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers went ballistic, scoring at a breathtaking pace. But the real drama unfolded in the last over when RCB needed just 1 run with 3 balls remaining and they lost two wickets before finally getting over the line. It was a match where even the winning fans were left biting their nails!
- Mumbai Indians vs. Rising Pune Supergiant, 2017 Final
The 2017 final was another heart-stopper featuring Mumbai Indians. Batting first, Mumbai posted a modest total of 129. But their bowlers fought tooth and nail, and it all came down to the last over. With 7 needed off the final 4 balls, Pune stumbled, losing by a mere run. It was a game where every single run counted and every ball felt like a final showdown.
- Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2014
A run-fest that turned into a thriller! RCB posted a daunting 195 with Chris Gayle’s blistering innings. In response, KKR needed 9 off the last over. A manic display of power-hitting by Yusuf Pathan ensured they crossed the finish line with three balls to spare, but not before fans had gone through a rollercoaster of emotions.
- Chennai Super Kings vs. Kings XI Punjab, 2010
One of the earliest thrillers of IPL, this match saw Kings XI Punjab pull off an incredible win against Chennai Super Kings. With CSK needing 10 off the last two balls, MS Dhoni smashed a six, bringing the equation down to 4 off the final ball. In a moment of brilliance, Irfan Pathan bowled a perfect yorker to deny Dhoni and snatch a win from the jaws of defeat.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Kolkata Knight Riders, 2021
A recent addition to the list of nail-biters, SRH vs. KKR in 2021 was a low-scoring thriller that kept everyone on edge. Defending a modest total, KKR’s bowlers kept chipping away with wickets, and it all came down to 2 runs off the last ball for SRH. Prasidh Krishna bowled a dot, and KKR won by the slimmest of margins, showing that even low-scoring games can provide heart-stopping entertainment.
- Mumbai Indians vs. Rajasthan Royals, 2014
In a match that defined drama, MI needed to chase down 190 in 14.3 overs to qualify for the playoffs. Corey Anderson played an innings for the ages, but it all came down to the final delivery, with Aditya Tare hitting a six that sent MI through, breaking Rajasthan hearts in one of the most dramatic conclusions to a league stage game.
- Delhi Capitals vs. Kings XI Punjab, 2020
An absolute cliffhanger that went into a Super Over! Both teams ended their innings on 157, forcing the game into a Super Over where Kagiso Rabada showcased his brilliance by defending a low total and leading Delhi Capitals to a memorable win.
- Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2012
The 2012 clash between CSK and RCB saw one of the greatest chases in IPL history. Chasing 206, CSK needed 43 off 2 overs. Albie Morkel turned the match on its head with a blitzkrieg of 28 runs in one over, and Dwayne Bravo finished the job, sealing a last-ball victory. A game that left fans breathless till the very end!
- Kings XI Punjab vs. Mumbai Indians, 2020
This match was nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster, going into two Super Overs! After both teams tied twice, it was eventually Punjab who emerged victorious, thanks to Chris Gayle’s power-hitting and Mohammed Shami’s pinpoint yorkers. It was the first time in IPL history a match had two Super Overs, and fans were treated to cricket at its absolute best.
These nail-biting matches are a testament to the intensity and competitiveness in which the Indian Premier League is played. The thrill of last-ball finishes, the drama of Super Overs, and the unpredictable twists and turns make every match a spectacle. As we prepare ourselves for yet another unpredictable yet entertaining season, we can only wonder “Which IPL teams will make it to this list this season?”
