Where nerves tangled, crowds roared, and batsmen rewrote the script—IPL finals that flipped the scoreboard in style
There's no greater thrill in cricket than a chase under lights—with a title on the line. The IPL final isn't just another game; it's a cauldron of nerves, noise, and no-nonsense cricket. Runs don't merely flow—they're fought for. Targets aren't simply numbers—they're mountains waiting to be climbed. Over the years, a few brave sides have done just that—turned uphill battles into crowning glory.
Let's rewind to the five most memorable successful chases in IPL final history, where scoreboard pressure couldn't pin down the chase masters.
Target: 200 | Achieved: 200/7 in 19.3 overs | Beat KXIP by 3 wickets
When Kings XI Punjab posted 199, thanks to a blazing unbeaten 115 from Wriddhiman Saha, it seemed as though the trophy was halfway to Mohali. However, Manish Pandey had other ideas. His 94 off 50 balls anchored the Knight Riders' chase, and despite a few hiccups along the way, KKR kept up with the required run rate.
Credit: India.com
Even when wickets fell, they remained composed. They chipped away at the total, ticking off over after over. It came down to the final few deliveries, but KKR got the job done—with 3 balls remaining and celebrations erupting in gold and purple.
Target: 191 | Achieved: 192/5 in 19.4 overs | Beat CSK by 5 wickets
Chasing in Chennai is no easy task, particularly when the Super Kings set a daunting target of 190, with three batters scoring over 40. Yet, KKR remained unfazed. Manvinder Bisla, often overlooked, delivered the innings of his life—a blistering 89 runs that dismantled CSK's bowling attack.
Credit: The Statesman
He did not achieve this alone; Jacques Kallis provided reliable support with 69 steady runs. Together, they hold on and secure their maiden title with just 2 balls to spare.
Target: 179 | Achieved: 181/2 in 18.3 overs | Beat SRH by 8 wickets
Sunrisers Hyderabad's 178 was respectable but not secure—not with Shane Watson in the mix. After beginning slowly, the Aussie veteran accelerated dramatically. His 117* off 57 balls transformed the chase into a demolition display.
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CSK didn't merely knock on the door—they kicked it wide open. With 9 balls remaining, the Yellow Brigade was victorious, and Watson had authored one of the most destructive innings ever witnessed in an IPL final.
Target (DLS): 171 in 15 overs | Achieved: 171/5 in 15 overs | Beat GT by 5 wickets
This one had it all—rain, chaos, and edge-of-the-seat drama. The Gujarat Titans put up 214, but due to weather interruptions, CSK were given a revised target of 171 in 15 overs.
Credit: ESPN
Thanks to Devon Conway (47) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (26), they got off to a flying start. However, wickets began to tumble, and tension crept in. Nevertheless, Shivam Dube (32) maintained his composure. With 10 runs needed and 2 balls remaining, CSK required a hero, and Ravindra Jadeja delivered.
Target: 164 | Achieved: 164/7 in 20 overs | Beat CSK by 3 wickets
The first-ever IPL final went right down to the last ball. CSK's 163 was competitive, but Rajasthan Royals, led by Shane Warne, were never ones to back down.
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Yusuf Pathan (56) played a blinder—quick runs, a crucial run-out, and a few wickets. The Royals kept nudging towards the target even as wickets fell around him. With one run needed off the final ball, Sohail Tanvir swung his bat—and sealed a historic win.
