From RR’s demolition job to CSK’s commanding chases—these playoff wins weren’t just victories, they were statements
When the intensity of the IPL playoffs escalates, teams either rise to the occasion or are left behind. Over the years, there have been a few knockout matches where the outcome was evident long before the final ball was bowled. These weren’t merely victories—they were comprehensive defeats, the kind that remain in highlight reels and scoreboard memories.
Let’s rewind to five such unforgettable drubbings—matches in which one team simply overpowered the other, leaving fans in disbelief and opponents amazed.
In the inaugural edition, Rajasthan Royals didn’t just win games—they dominated them. The clash against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in semifinal 1 was proof of that. After being asked to bat, the Royals amassed a commanding 192 for 9. Shane Watson led the charge with a brisk 52 off just 29 balls, and Yusuf Pathan provided vital support with 45.
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What followed was chaos. Delhi never found their rhythm, collapsing to 87 all out in 16.1 overs. Munaf Patel and Watson tore through the batting order, claiming 3 wickets each. The margin—105 runs—remains one of the most decisive in IPL playoff history.
Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) entered this semifinal clash with confidence. However, Chennai Super Kings, cool and clinical, had other plans. After restricting KXIP to a meagre 112 for 8, thanks to a tight spell from Manpreet Gony (2 for 14) and a fiery Makhaya Ntini (2 for 23), CSK transformed the chase into a training session.
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Parthiv Patel and Suresh Raina cruised to fifties, guiding CSK home with 31 balls to spare. It was all one-way traffic, and Punjab never stood a chance.
When Murali Vijay gets going, there’s usually no stopping him. In the 2012 qualifier 2, he dazzled with a scintillating 113 off 58 balls, helping CSK post a monstrous 222 for 5. Boundaries flowed, the crowd roared, and Delhi Daredevils appeared dazed even before picking up a bat.
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Chasing 223 under pressure, Delhi folded for 136. Ashwin contributed with three wickets, and the final result—a victory margin of 86 runs—was as crushing as the mood in the DD dugout.
If there was ever a spell to remember, it came from Akash Madhwal in the Eliminator of 2023. After the Mumbai Indians set a target of 182 for 8 (thanks to Cameron Green’s 41), it was over to Madhwal—and what a performance he delivered. A spell of 5 for 5 tore through Lucknow’s chase.
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LSG were bowled out for 101 in just 16.3 overs. The margin? 81 runs. The message? Never underestimate MI in a knockout.
It’s not often that a playoff feels like a walk in the park, but that’s precisely what it was for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the third-place playoff of 2010. The Deccan Chargers collapsed for 82, with Anil Kumble weaving his old magic, finishing with figures of 4 for 16.
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In response, RCB chased down the target in 13.5 overs, losing just one wicket. Rahul Dravid anchored the chase with 35 not out, sealing the win with an impressive 37 balls to spare.
