The Indian Premier League (IPL) has celebrated its 19th year, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the latest edition by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets. While the final was anticipated, it ended up being one-sided as RCB secured the title, marking their second consecutive win.
This year’s final may not have had much excitement, but the IPL has a history of thrilling final matches. Here are the five most notable finals from the tournament’s past:
5. 2008 (CSK vs RR)
The first final featured Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and takes the fifth spot. CSK set a target of 163/5, highlighted by Suresh Raina’s 43 off 30 balls.
In response, RR, led by Yusuf Pathan’s fifty, kept the pressure on, and the match ended in a nail-biting finish. Lakshmipathy Balaji attempted to defend seven runs in the last over, but RR triumphed by three wickets after scoring the winning run off the last ball.
4. 2014 (KXIP vs KKR)
The 2014 final, featuring Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) versus Kolkata Knight Riders, ranks fourth. KXIP batted first and scored 199, but KKR fought back with Manish Pandey’s explosive 94 off 50 balls.
In a tense final over, needing five runs, Piyush Chawla hit a boundary that secured KKR’s second IPL title.
3. 2017 (RPS vs MI)
The third spot goes to the match between Rising Pune Supergiant and Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad. MI set a modest total of 129. However, their bowlers, including Mitchell Johnson and Jasprit Bumrah, put RPS under pressure.
In a thrilling last over, with 11 runs needed, RPS’s Steve Smith and Manoj Tiwary looked close to victory. But Johnson dismissed both, leading MI to a narrow one-run win.
2. 2023 (GT vs CSK)
The 2023 final is notable as it extended into a reserve day due to rain delays. Initially scheduled for May 28, it was held the next day.
GT batted first and scored 214, led by Sai Sudharsan’s impressive 96 off 47 balls. CSK’s chase was revised to 171 runs in 15 overs due to rain. In a tense finale, with 13 runs needed off the last six balls, Ravindra Jadeja hit a six and a four to secure a famous win for CSK.
1. 2019 (MI vs CSK)
The 2019 final is remembered as one of the most exciting in IPL history. MI struggled to reach 149, thanks to Kieron Pollard’s 41*. CSK’s Shane Watson delivered a remarkable performance with 80 runs, bringing them close to victory.
In a dramatic last over, needing nine runs, Lasith Malinga executed a perfect bowling performance, giving away just seven runs. This allowed MI to win by one run, creating a memorable conclusion to the match.