IPL’s biggest Qualifier 2 margin wins that ended in heartbreaking Final losses
In IPL history, teams often reach the final, brimming with confidence after a dominant Qualifier 2 win. Yet, momentum from a strong playoff performance doesn’t always guarantee a title. Between 2011 and 2023, several teams powered through Qualifier 2 only to falter at the final hurdle. Others, however, turned their knockout form into ultimate glory. Let’s explore how those key Qualifier 2 victories translated — or didn’t — into success on the IPL’s biggest stage.
The Gujarat Titans entered the 2023 Qualifier 2 full of confidence and did not disappoint. Shubman Gill tore through the Mumbai Indians’ bowling, smashing a fearless 129 off just 60 balls, including ten towering sixes. The Titans posted a daunting total of 234 runs, leaving Mumbai under enormous pressure. Despite fighting knocks from Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, Mumbai’s middle order collapsed, and they were bowled out for 171 — a crushing 62-run defeat.
Riding high from their dominant win, Gujarat was the favourite to lift the trophy. But the final had other ideas. The Titans fell agonisingly short against Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling rain-affected match. B Sai Sudharsan’s valiant 96 and steady support from Wriddhiman Saha helped GT reach 214, but CSK’s late fireworks sealed the game. Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja starred, with Jadeja’s last-ball six clinching a dramatic five-wicket victory, leaving Gujarat stunned.
In 2022, Rajasthan Royals showed their strength in Qualifier 2 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Their bowlers struck early and often, with Prasidh Krishna and Obed McCoy tearing through RCB’s lineup to restrict them to 157. Jos Buttler then took centre stage, smashing a brilliant unbeaten 106 to guide the Royals to a comfortable seven-wicket win well before the innings ended. Rajasthan looked unstoppable as they surged into their first final in over a decade.
Despite Rajasthan’s powerful Qualifier performance, the final told a different story. Gujarat Titans rose, dismantling Rajasthan’s batting for just 130 runs. Hardik Pandya’s fiery bowling kept the Royals in check while Gujarat’s batters easily chased the target. Shubman Gill’s steady 45* and David Miller’s calm 32* wrapped up the title in style. In their debut season, the Titans stunned the IPL world by converting their favourite status into championship glory.
Back in 2012, Chennai Super Kings flexed their muscles in Qualifier 2 against Delhi Daredevils with a dominant performance. Murali Vijay’s explosive 113 off 58 balls propelled CSK to a mammoth 222/5 — the highest total of that IPL season. Delhi’s gamble of bowling to an inexperienced offspinner backfired as their chase crumbled early, wickets falling under mounting pressure. CSK sealed a convincing 86-run victory, looking every bit the champions.
However, the IPL final that year delivered a surprise twist. Chasing a challenging target, Kolkata Knight Riders found unlikely heroes in Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis. Bisla’s fearless 89-ball 89 and Kallis’ steady 69 powered KKR to a historic win. Despite CSK’s strong batting display, they couldn’t defend their total. KKR’s calm under pressure and timely flourish stunned the favourites, handing CSK a rare final defeat.
In 2011, Royal Challengers Bangalore dominated Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, fueled by Chris Gayle’s explosive 89 off 47 balls. The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, supported by Mayank Agarwal’s quickfire 41. RCB set a challenging 185-run target, and their bowlers, led by Daniel Vettori’s tight spells, choked Mumbai’s chase. Despite a promising start from Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai never found their rhythm, falling short by 43 runs.
Just days later, Chennai Super Kings reasserted their dominance in the 2011 IPL final. Openers Michael Vijay and Michael Hussey stitched a record 159-run partnership to set a massive 205/5 total. CSK’s bowlers then dismantled RCB’s batting lineup, with Ravichandran Ashwin striking early. Though AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli showed resistance, RCB’s chase faltered. CSK cruised to a commanding 58-run victory, showcasing why they were the team built for finals.a
