The Indian Premier League (IPL) has delivered countless unforgettable moments. However, few matches compare to the intensity of the IPL finals.
Every year, the final match becomes a grand spectacle. It is the stage where legends rise and new heroes are born. The IPL final this year will take place on 3 June.
Below, we revisit five of the best IPL finals of all time. These classics feature last-ball thrillers, remarkable comebacks, and emotional rollercoasters.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (2019)
The 2019 final is widely considered the best IPL final ever. Mumbai Indians (MI) faced their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final delivery. MI batted first and posted a modest 149/8 in 20 overs.
Kieron Pollard stood out with 41 runs off 25 balls, providing crucial late runs. Deepak Chahar and Imran Tahir bowled brilliantly for CSK, consistently taking wickets. MI never looked settled but somehow reached a competitive total.
Chasing 150, CSK were in the game for most of the innings. Shane Watson, battling through a knee injury, scored a gutsy 80 off 59 balls. However, the turning point came on the last ball when Lasith Malinga bowled Shardul Thakur out LBW. CSK needed two runs but fell short by just one. It was MI’s fourth title and a final to remember forever.
The Mumbai Indians (1.60) are still in the running to win the IPL this year heading into the playoffs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2016)
The 2016 IPL final was a high-scoring blockbuster between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Batting first, SRH put up an impressive 208/7. David Warner led from the front with a rapid 69 off 38 balls, while Ben Cutting smashed 39 off just 15 to finish strong.
RCB had the firepower to chase it down. Chris Gayle’s 76 off 38 and Virat Kohli’s 54 off 35 gave them a flying start. The packed Bengaluru crowd expected a home win.
However, the SRH bowlers had other plans. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mustafizur Rahman bowled tight overs and took crucial wickets. The dismissal of Kohli and Gayle triggered a collapse. Despite the electric start, RCB ended at 200/7, losing by eight runs. The match remains one of the most thrilling IPL finals ever, underlining the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and boosting interest in online sports betting across the globe.
Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2012)
The 2012 final featured a clash between the experienced Chennai Super Kings and the underdogs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Batting first, CSK piled up 190/3 thanks to Suresh Raina’s explosive 73 off 38 balls. It was a strong total and CSK looked set to defend it.
KKR lost Gautam Gambhir early in the chase, putting pressure on the middle order. But Manvinder Bisla stepped up in a big way. He scored a sensational 89 off 48 balls and formed a 136-run partnership with Jacques Kallis, who added 69 runs.
Although CSK fought back in the death overs, it was not enough. KKR chased down the target with five wickets in hand, securing their first IPL title. It was an inspiring victory for the Kolkata side and proof that belief and teamwork can topple giants.
Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals (2008)
The first-ever IPL final in 2008 set the tone for future seasons. Chennai Super Kings, led by MS Dhoni, posted a total of 163/5. Suresh Raina scored 43 off 30 balls and Dhoni added 29 off 17 to push the score past 160.
In response, Rajasthan Royals (RR) started cautiously but gradually built momentum. Yusuf Pathan played a vital role, hitting 56 off 39 balls. The match went down to the wire with eight runs required off the final over.
Captain Shane Warne and Sohail Tanvir kept their cool to seal a win with just one ball to spare. Rajasthan Royals won by three wickets. The underdogs stunned everyone, proving that anything can happen in cricket. This victory started the IPL legacy in dramatic fashion.
Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant (2017)
The 2017 IPL final was another nail-biter where Mumbai Indians (MI) edged past Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) by just one run. MI had a poor start and struggled to score freely. Krunal Pandya’s 47 off 38 was the only major contribution as they ended with 129/8.
Despite the low target, RPS could not capitalise. Steve Smith scored 51 off 50 balls and anchored the innings. However, MI’s bowlers took key wickets and tightened the game in the final overs.
The climax came in the last over, bowled by Mitchell Johnson. Manoj Tiwary hit a four but was dismissed next ball. Steve Smith followed shortly after. With four needed off the final ball, Daniel Christian managed only two runs. MI claimed their third title in a heart-pounding finish, proving that even low-scoring finals can be among the most thrilling in IPL history.
Conclusion
The IPL final has consistently delivered moments that fans will cherish forever. From dramatic last-ball finishes to underdog triumphs, these matches showcase the magic of T20 cricket. They also fuel the global popularity of online sports betting as viewers follow every twist and turn.
As each season progresses, teams battle through ups and downs in the IPL Points Table. Only the strongest survive the playoffs to reach the final. When they do, they often create memories that last a lifetime.