5 Closest Encounters in Indian Premier League history

There are only a few days left until the eagerly anticipated Indian Premier League 2023, and what makes it even more unique is that the inaugural match will feature Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. It will undoubtedly be a thrilling game as two heavy hitters are slated to captain opposing teams.

In the fifteen seasons of the cash-rich league, we have seen some of the best clashes ever, making it difficult to rank which one is the best. Let’s go over the top five near calls in IPL history today, which should be on everyone’s list.

#5 Punjab Kings defeated Mumbai Indians (IPL 2008)

In 2008, during the first edition of the IPL, a match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings provided great entertainment for fans. Punjab batted first and scored 188 runs in their 20 overs, with Shaun Marsh contributing 81 runs off just 56 deliveries. Mumbai’s bowling attack failed to make an impact, relying on their batting to win the match.

Sanath Jayasuriya and Sachin Tendulkar opened the batting for Mumbai, but Jayasuriya departed early, leaving Tendulkar to lead the chase. Tendulkar scored 65 runs off 46 balls but was eventually dismissed, leaving Mumbai needing 30 runs from the last 3 overs.

Unfortunately, Mumbai lost the match by one run as three wickets fell in the last over. Yuvraj Singh’s run-out on the final ball was the highlight of the match. Shaun Marsh was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding batting performance.

The match was a close and exciting encounter, with Marsh’s innings and Singh’s run-out being the standout moments. It is always interesting to look back at the early days of the IPL and the performances of the players who helped shape the tournament.

#4 Deccan Chargers defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2009)

During the 2009 IPL season, Kolkata Knight Riders struggled to secure victories. In this particular match, Brendon McCullum captained KKR. They batted first and managed to score 160 runs, with David Hussey being their top scorer, contributing 43 runs off 17 deliveries.

Deccan Chargers started their innings well, with Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs putting on 68 runs for the first wicket. The game slowed down in the middle, and it seemed like KKR would win. However, Rohit Sharma’s arrival changed the game’s direction.

Rohit smashed 32 runs off just 13 balls to ensure that the Chargers won the game. Despite needing 21 runs off the last over, Masrafe Mortaza was expected to defend it. Nevertheless, Rohit hit him for multiple sixes to surprise his fans and lead his team to a glorious victory.

#3 Rising Pune Supergiants defeated Punjab Kings (IPL 2016)

In 2016, during the Indian Premier League, MS Dhoni showed why he is considered one of the best finishers of all time. At that time, he was playing for Rising Pune Supergiants as Chennai Super Kings was banned from the league. The team faced Punjab Kings in a high-scoring match where Punjab scored 172 runs in their 20 overs. Their top scorers were Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Murali Vijay, and Hashim Amla provided a good start.

The match seemed to favor spin bowling with Ravichandran Ashwin picking up four wickets for RPS. Despite a good start by Ajinkya Rahane and Usman Khawaja, they failed to capitalize on their good form. Dhoni came in during the 12th over and remained at the crease till the end. Initially, he played carefully and patiently until the equation came down to 23 runs required from the final over.

In a surprising move, Murali Vijay handed the ball to Axar Patel instead of Rishi Dhawan or Kyle Abbott, who had an over left. Due to Axar’s lack of experience, he failed to defend 23 runs, and MS Dhoni finished the match in style, once again showcasing his finishing abilities.

#2 Mumbai Indians defeated Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2014)

The game between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians is memorable for the reaction of Rahul Dravid after the game ended. This match was a virtual qualification game, and Rajasthan Royals put up an imposing score of 189 runs. Sanju Samson and Karun Nair’s fireworks set the foundation, and Brad Hodge and James Faulkner finished strongly.

Mumbai Indians needed to chase down the target of 190 runs in just 14.3 overs to secure their playoff spot. The target looked unattainable, but Corey Anderson had other ideas. He played a brilliant knock of 95 runs off just 44 deliveries to make the impossible possible.

Even after Anderson’s heroics, Mumbai Indians needed a boundary off the last ball to qualify for the playoffs. Aditya Tare, who was facing James Faulkner, hit a massive six to register a famous victory and enter the playoffs.

#1 Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings (IPL 2019 Final)

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are two of the most dominant teams in the IPL, with a remarkable record over the years. The 2019 final was a memorable match for both giants of the league as they faced off against each other once again.

Mumbai Indians batted first, but despite the many big names in the team, they did not perform up to their potential, managing only 149 runs. Kieron Pollard’s late burst of boundaries and sixes helped them reach that total. Deepak Chahar and Imran Tahir bowled really well for Chennai, picking up five wickets between them.

Chennai started their chase well, scoring 36 runs in the first four overs. It seemed like they would win comfortably, but Krunal Pandya dismissed Faf du Plessis. Shane Watson played regular strokes to keep the Men in Yellow in the game, but a lack of support from the other end cost them in the end. Watson got run out in the last over, leaving Chennai needing 2 runs off the final ball. However, Shardul Thakur was trapped in front of the wicket on the last delivery, securing a historic victory for Mumbai.

Also Read: Top 10 forgotten IPL stars