The Indian Premier League is known for its thrills, drama, and excitement. From the first ball, something is happening in the IPL that we simply cannot afford to blink our eyes away from. From first-ball wickets to first-ball sixes The Indian Premier League has enough for everyone. Among the many thrillers in the Indian Premier League, there were a few run chases in particular that were simply too good to be true. We’ve compiled a list of incredible run-chases to make you nostalgic all over again!
The following are the top five run chases:
Rajasthan Royals (226/6) vs Punjab Kings – IPL 2020
Rajasthan broke their own 12-year record in a spectacular match this season in Sharjah. Batting first, Punjab Kings scored 223 runs, led by a brilliant 100 from Mayank Agarwal, a fifty from KL Rahul, and a cameo from Nicholas Pooran at the end. Despite the enormous score, there were still fears of the target being pursued due to the small measurements of the ground.
The Rajasthan Royals began ineffectively and appeared to be losing the diversion, and this is when Sanju Samson began to make his presence felt. He made a gleaming 85 out of only 42 balls. However, his expulsion in the 17th round appeared to have rung the death knell for the Rajasthan Royals. But an unsung hero, Rahul Tewatia, who had battled for the majority of the innings and was 8 off 17 balls at one point, took the responsibility. He crushed Sheldon Cottrell for 30 runs, including five sixes, in the 18th over, swinging the game dramatically in the Rajasthan Royals’ favour.
Mumbai Indians (219/6) vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2021
The Mumbai Indians were expected to struggle to chase this total with their misfiring middle order. But, in the end, it was the middle order, and specifically Kieron Pollard, who pulled off an incredible chase. Kieron Pollard, the mastermind behind this chase, took the crease with MI needing 138 off 10 overs. Pollard, like Rayudu, saw the ball as if it were a football.
While Bumrah, Boult, and Dhawal appeared clueless in the face of Rayudu, Shardul, Curran, and Lungi appeared helpless in the face of the mighty Pollard. Pollard smashed 87 off 34 balls with six fours and eight sixes against his favourite opposition. Pollard sealed a double to help MI win a thriller against their favourite opponent on the final ball of the match.
Rajasthan Royals (217/7) vs Delhi Capitals – IPL 2008
In the first season of the Indian Premier League, we witnessed a record run chase that would go on to be the greatest chase in IPL history for the next 12 years. The Deccan Chargers scored 214 points thanks to Andrew Symonds’ capable 117*. The target appeared to be a little too steep for the Rajasthan Royals’ batting lineup. But Rajasthan, who had a fantastic season in 2008, rose to the occasion and proved everyone wrong. With a 71 from Graeme Smith, a swashbuckling 61 off fair 28 balls from Yusuf Pathan, and minimal contributions from the rest of the team, the Rajasthan Royals were able to accomplish the impossible and have their names etched in the record books.
Delhi Capitals (214/3) vs Gujarat Lions – IPL 2017
The 42nd match of the Indian Premier League 2017 was the game that changed the fortunes of the Delhi Capitals from a struggling squad to a powerful one. The reason for this is that it was in this game that the team’s pivot, Rishab Pant, really came into his own.
The top five in Delhi had almost no international experience. Despite this, their achievement in reaching the massive target set by the Gujarat Lions is truly remarkable. The chase was built around Sanju Samson and Pant’s 143-run stand. While Sanju exited at 61, Pant blasted through the diversion, accumulating nine sixes and six boundaries. The duo eventually won the game with 15 balls to spare.
Punjab Kings (211/4) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2014
The Punjab Kings had one of their most successful seasons in 2014, with everything they touched turning to gold. The Punjab Kings aced everything in 2014, whether it was individual exhibitions or a full team show. It was the latter that was on display during the chase in question.
The Punjab Kings set a lofty goal of 206 points. However, given their current state, the score appeared achievable. Although Sehwag’s early dismissal shook the team’s trust, a genuine performance by other team members helped Punjab Kings get close to the finish line.
While Wriddhiman Saha hit a fifty, Manan Vohra and Glenn Maxwell made impressive cameo appearances before captain George Bailey completed the formalities with a 19-ball 35. It was a flawless and palatable execution by one of the most powerful groups the Punjab Kings have ever worked with within the Indian Premier League.
Let us know which has been your favourite run chase during the 15 years of the Indian Premier League.
