Unfortunately, I do not have any such data. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has kept dishing out some of the most sensational and nail-biting moments in cricket history for fans.
Through the years, we all have witnessed an endless chain of enthralling episodes that make us addicted to the screens with their last-ball sixes, intense crunch endings, miracle comebacks, and brilliant performances, whether it’s a spectacular chase or a nerve-wracking finish. The IPL promises to never leave any stone unturned in terms of entertainment: Here are the Top 10 Thrillingly Unforgettable IPL Matches of All Time, Breath-Stealers!
- IPL 2008 – Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab (Now Punjab Kings)
The first season of IPL had a match that was heart-stopping when Rajasthan Royals took on Kings XI Punjab. The match was one to remember as Ravindra Jadeja and Graeme Smith just lit up the innings, chasing down the mammoth target of 210, for it was during Yusuf Abdulla’s spell that their chase was threatened. Rajasthan stayed calm under pressure in the end to win with a last-over thriller. Indeed, this match was some sort of premonition to what IPL had in store!
- IPL 2013 – Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders
So this was a classic, twists upon turns. Kolkata Knight Riders were given the task of chasing down the impossible target of 190, and it looked as if the match was in the bag with CSK ahead, but then Shakib Al Hasan raised his game and turned it on its head. Last over, CH’s Ben Hilfenhaus needed to hold on to 9. With a finish that no one would have imagined, KKR had seen a solid turbulence of brilliant bowling.
- IPL 2014 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab (Now Punjab Kings)
The 2014 IPL final had enough lights to call it a full-blown spectacle. Punjab had put up a challenging score of 199, KKR started very slow but kept both their wickets and runs in their meters. KKR again became the one to watch because they needed 20 in the last over. They smashed the hell out of the final ball, took a long ball up field, and scored with it to take it in and chase it down the last ball. This: the victory of frenzy stamped the approval of KKR’s second IPL win and sealed its chapter in history.
- IPL 2016 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Lions
One of the highest-scoring matches ever seen in India involved some explosive batting. Gujarat Lions set a very tall target of 200 runs against RCB. Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli were at their peak, but the match grew tense as a few quick wickets fell for RCB. The game hung in the balance with all eyes on the last overs; in fact, it went down to the last over, where RCB sealed it with a blaze of boundaries, thus confirming the thrill of the encounter.
- IPL 2017 – Rising Pune Supergiants vs Kings XI Punjab (Now Punjab Kings)
This game was one that kept every fan on the edge of their seats. Kings XI Punjab had set a lofty total of 174 runs to chase, and the Pune team chased it down with minimum credit. The final over eventually came with 10 runs needed by Pune, and with a mix of calm and aggressive hitting by MS Dhoni, who had been under pressure all season, Pune managed to steal a thrilling win and show what type of match makes the IPL so electrifying.
- IPL 2018 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
That was a do-or-die match for RCB, as they were fighting not only against star-studded opponents but also against time and death. Sunrisers batted decently, putting up 146 but lost early wickets, which had everyone worried about RCB’s fate. It was the brilliant batting of AB de Villiers that revived them in the game, but it was in the final over of the match with RCB needing to hit big to win that real drama unfolded. RCB won it with two balls to spare in a high-hitting chase.
- IPL 2019 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (Final)
In what one would call among the greatest IPL finals in history, Mumbai Indians beat Chennai Super Kings in a nail-biting finish. Chennai scored a modest yet reachable target of 149. Tight bowling and well-set fielding contributed to dramatic chase suspense. Going into the last over, Mumbai required just 9 runs to win. Mumbai paid a stupendous price for the final 9 runs, sealing their fourth IPL title in one of the closest-ever finals.
- IPL 2012 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils (Now Delhi Capitals)
This match is remembered for its unforgettable twists and the brilliance of Gautam Gambhir’s leadership. Kolkata Knight Riders were chasing a mighty 180 runs for victory when the middle order collapsed and threw them into a tough spot. At that time, with KKR needing 40 off the last 3 overs, it looked as if Delhi would take the match. But there was a game-changer when Shakib Al Hasan played a phenomenal innings for KKR and achieved a thrilling victory, going ahead to win their first IPL title that year.
- IPL 2010 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (Final)
The final saw all Mumbai Indians play an exhilarating match against Chennai Super Kings in 2010, and viewers could expect everything – drama, big shots, and extraordinary performances – in such a match. Chennai scored 168, and Mumbai began with steady starts from their important players. However, style points were diminished as tension settled into an unbelievably tense atmosphere when the Mumbai middle order fell apart. Mumbai fell short on the last ball with 16 runs needed off the last over, and CSK took home their first IPL championship. A thrilling encounter that had fans on the edge throughout!
- IPL 2015 – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
This was a high-scoring match, and the viewers enjoyed some fantastic performances as both teams went out to entertain. With a total exceeding 190, Rajasthan was close to this. At their best were AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, and it reached the climax when RCB needed just 8 off the last over. Rajasthan kept their cool with some smart bowling and fielding, then won the match by a couple of balls. Thrilling and exciting, this match is among the best in IPL history.
Conclusion
The IPL will serve with many such Maharashtrian moments which will truly glorify these T20s-in the good, bad, and ugly sense. From fabulous chases to last-ball finishes, at every season of the IPL, it has provided the fans with a bumpy train ride. These 10 matches truly represent the heart-thumping thrill and drama, which makes it one of the most exciting sporting events in the world. These are the same types of encounters that would remind us why we love cricket and will be etched in the minds of IPL fans forever. For all things cricket and IPL, make sure to check out Kheloexch for the most recent news, match highlights, and player performances!