Top 3 most memorable IPL finals in the history

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been known for its enthralling contests and high-octane drama, but when it comes to the finals, the competition always seems to go a notch higher. In this listicle, we take a look at the three most memorable IPL finals of all time.

3. MI vs CSK – 2019

The 2019 IPL final between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is considered by many as the greatest final in IPL history. Both teams had won the title thrice before the match, and the winner would become the most successful team in IPL history with four titles. A cricket fan could not have asked for more from the championship game.

A high-quality batting lineup of MI struggled against a disciplined bowling performance by CSK, led by veteran spinner Imran Tahir. The 149-point goal was not anticipated to be difficult, yet the contest was close. With 9 runs needed off the last over, Lasith Malinga, the most successful bowler in IPL history, was given the responsibility of bowling the final over. He started the over with a no-ball, which was caught by Kieron Pollard but ruled out.

The next ball saw Shardul Thakur hitting a six, and with two needed off the last ball, Malinga delivered a perfect yorker to dismiss Thakur and help MI lift the trophy. The match had some standout performances, including Shane Watson’s 59-ball 80, which was played with a bloodied knee. However, it was Jasprit Bumrah, who was declared the Man of the Match for his spell of 2 for 14 in four overs, which played a crucial role in MI’s victory.

2. MI vs RPS – 2017

The 2017 IPL final between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) was an intense and closely-fought affair. RPS, playing their second and final season in IPL, had surprised everyone by reaching the final. After a slow start, Krunal Pandya played a crucial knock of 47 to take MI to a modest total of 129.

The total looked too small, but MI’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Johnson and Jasprit Bumrah, put up a splendid show to restrict RPS to 128. The match had an exciting finish, as RPS required 11 runs off the final over. Mitchell Johnson bowled an incredible over, picking two wickets and conceding just ten runs, including a crucial wicket of Manoj Tiwary.

In the end, RPS managed to score only two runs off the final ball, handing MI their third IPL title. The victory was sweet for MI as they had won the title after a gap of four years. Johnson’s heroics with the ball in the final over made him the hero of the match.

1. CSK vs RR – 2008

The inaugural IPL final between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals was a classic encounter that set the tone for the tournament’s future. After winning the toss, CSK decided to bat first and managed to score a total of 163 runs, thanks to Suresh Raina’s half-century.

RR’s chase got off to a bad start as they lost their openers early. However, Yusuf Pathan, who had been one of the tournament’s standout performers, played a blistering knock of 56 to take RR close to the target. The game went down to the wire, with RR needing 8 runs off the last over.

CSK’s Lakshmipathy Balaji bowled a wide on the fourth ball of the over, which was followed by a missed stumping by Parthiv Patel costing them the game in the end.