List of Best IPL Matches in the History of IPL : A Glimpse of Thrills, Drama, and Unforgettable Moments

1. IPL 2016 Final: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore

Best of KKR vs SRH's match

The 2016 IPL final between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is often regarded as one of the most thrilling encounters in the history of the league. RCB, led by Virat Kohli and boasting power hitters like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, had been the tournament favorites. However, SRH, with their calm and composed leader David Warner, emerged victorious in a high-pressure encounter.
RCB set a challenging target of 209/7, thanks to a scintillating 54 from Kohli and 40 from De Villiers. However, it was the SRH bowlers, led by Ben Cutting and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who kept the chase in check. In a dramatic finish, SRH crossed the line in the 20th over with Ben Cutting’s quickfire cameo of 39 runs off 15 balls, securing the title for SRH. This match is a perfect example of how teamwork can triumph over individual brilliance.

2. IPL 2018 Qualifier 1: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Kolkata Knight RidersThe 2018 IPL Qualifier 1 between SRH and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remains an iconic game, not just for the quality of cricket but also for the sheer intensity of the battle. KKR, chasing SRH’s total of 174/7, found themselves in a precarious position. With a formidable target in front of them, they needed an extraordinary chase.
KKR’s Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell had other plans. Russell played one of the most destructive knocks in IPL history, scoring a blistering 49 runs off just 25 balls. However, SRH’s bowlers, led by the brilliant Rashid Khan, kept their nerves and pulled off a stunning win, holding KKR to just 160/9, sending SRH to the final.

3. IPL 2019 Final: Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super KingsThe 2019 IPL final between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was a contest between two of the most successful teams in IPL history. This thrilling match saw MI narrowly edge CSK in a nail-biting finish, making it one of the most exciting finals ever.

Mumbai Indians take on Men in Yellow.

CSK, chasing a modest target of 150 runs, fell just short, losing by a mere 1 run. The match was filled with moments of high drama, including a crucial miss from Dwayne Bravo and a game-changing over from MI’s Jasprit Bumrah. The final over, with CSK needing 9 runs to win, saw a tense sequence of deliveries that kept fans on the edge of their seats. MI clinched their fourth IPL title, further cementing their place as one of the most dominant teams in the league's history.

4. IPL 2013: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Kings XI PunjabOne of the most dramatic encounters in IPL history took place in 2013 when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in a high-scoring encounter. This game is memorable for its thrilling finish, as both teams battled to outdo each other in a match that went down to the wire.
KXIP, led by Adam Gilchrist, posted an imposing total of 190/3, but KKR, with Gautam Gambhir at the helm, came close to pulling off a miraculous chase. The match ended in a cliffhanger, with KKR winning in the final over with a few balls to spare. The crowd was left in awe of the sensational hitting and quick-fire runs that defined the end of this match.

5. IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals vs. Rajasthan RoyalsThe 2020 IPL season saw a game between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) that became an instant classic. Rajasthan Royals, who were chasing 226 runs for victory, found themselves in an almost impossible situation. Enter Sanju Samson and Steve Smith, who initially kept the chase alive with some stunning batting.
However, it was Rahul Tewatia who turned the match on its head. Tewatia, after struggling in the initial overs, unleashed a series of sixes, including five consecutive maximums off Kagiso Rabada, to turn the game in Rajasthan’s favor. Tewatia’s match-winning knock of 53 runs off 31 balls helped RR chase down the target with just three balls to spare, leaving everyone in disbelief.

6. IPL 2015: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Mumbai IndiansThe 2015 IPL match between RCB and MI is one that every IPL fan remembers fondly. In a high-scoring encounter, RCB posted a massive total of 235/1, with Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli putting on a show. However, Mumbai Indians, with Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard, refused to back down.

Battle of supremacy between RCB and MI

In a thrilling chase, MI came agonizingly close to pulling off an unlikely victory, only to fall short by 39 runs. Gayle’s spectacular innings of 90 runs off 50 balls and Kohli’s 82 runs off 50 balls were pivotal in helping RCB set such a challenging target.

The IPL has given us countless memories, with every season featuring intense battles, high-octane cricket, and unforgettable moments. From last-ball finishes to breathtaking centuries, the league continues to be a platform for thrilling contests that keep fans coming back year after year. The best matches, whether decided by a brilliant individual performance or a team effort, have always showcased the excitement and unpredictability of the sport. These IPL matches, with their drama and intensity, will forever be etched in the minds of cricket lovers around the globe.


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