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Written by TigerBook » Updated on: April 01st, 2025
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the epitome of cricketing entertainment since its inception in 2008. Over the course of 18 seasons, it has produced countless thrilling matches that have kept fans on the edge of their seats, creating unforgettable memories in the process. From nail-biting finishes to epic comebacks, the IPL has seen some of the best cricketing action in the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most iconic and best matches from the first 18 seasons of the IPL that stand out for their excitement, drama, and historic moments.
The inaugural season of IPL set the stage for what would become the world’s most-watched cricket league. The final between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings is a classic example of how thrilling IPL finals could get. With Rajasthan Royals chasing a target of 164, they were in a difficult spot at 111/6 in the 16th over. But the skipper Shane Warne, in a vintage captaincy performance, led his team to victory, with Graeme Smith and Yusuf Pathan playing crucial roles. The final was an exciting affair that established Rajasthan Royals as the first-ever IPL champions.
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In 2013, the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings faced off in the second qualifier, a match that became one of the most thrilling encounters in IPL history. Mumbai, chasing a target of 174, were down and out at 114/6, needing 60 runs from the final 24 balls. Kieron Pollard had other plans. With an explosive 17-ball 41, Pollard turned the match on its head, and with a nervy finish, Mumbai managed to win the match and advance to the final. Mumbai Indians went on to win their first-ever IPL title after defeating Chennai in a dramatic final. The Pollard blitz remains one of the best cameos in IPL history.
One of the most thrilling and dramatic matches in IPL 2014 took place between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad. RCB, led by Virat Kohli, had a daunting task ahead of them after they posted a total of 200/7. The match was a perfect example of high-pressure cricket. Despite some brilliant batting performances from David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan, Sunrisers fell short by just 5 runs. The high-scoring nature of the game, coupled with the intense finishing moments, made this one of the most memorable encounters in IPL history.
The 2016 season of IPL saw some of the most heart-pounding matches, but one particular match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions stood out for its sheer drama. Gujarat Lions set a challenging target of 178, and RCB, with the explosive duo of Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, was on course for an easy win. But Gujarat’s bowlers made it interesting with a late surge in the game, bringing the match to the final over. It was a nail-biting finish with RCB managing to win the game in the dying moments, thanks to a calm finish by AB de Villiers. This match epitomized the drama that IPL matches are famous for.
The rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings has been one of the most exciting aspects of the IPL. The Qualifier 1 in 2019 was an absolute thriller, with both teams playing at the top of their game. Mumbai set a challenging total of 170, but Chennai, led by the ever-cool MS Dhoni, was expected to chase it down easily. However, Mumbai’s bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, had other ideas. Bumrah’s precision and skill in the death overs, combined with some stunning fielding, helped Mumbai to defend their total, winning the match by just 6 runs. This match became iconic because of the rivalry, the pressure, and the incredible performances by players from both sides.
In IPL 2014, the match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Kings XI Punjab ended in one of the most memorable finishes: a Super Over. After both teams scored 199/4, the match was tied, which led to a Super Over to decide the winner. The Super Over, played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, saw KKR edge out Kings XI Punjab by 3 runs, thanks to some tight bowling from Sunil Narine and cool-headed batting from Yusuf Pathan. The drama and intensity of a Super Over added a new level of excitement to the IPL.
The 2017 IPL final between Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians was a match filled with high drama, nail-biting finishes, and remarkable individual performances. Mumbai Indians set a target of 130 for Pune, which seemed like a manageable chase. However, Pune’s top-order collapse left them needing 11 runs off the final over. The drama unfolded as MS Dhoni tried to lead a fightback, but in the end, Mumbai managed to defend their total with some superb bowling, claiming their third IPL title. This was an incredible match that highlighted the never-say-die attitude of both teams.
In the 2020 IPL season, one of the most intense matches took place between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In a match filled with spectacular performances from both teams, DC managed to chase down RCB's total of 171/7 with just one ball to spare. Shimron Hetmyer played an excellent knock, providing the much-needed finishing touch in the final overs. This match was special for its consistent intensity, high-quality cricket, and thrilling finish, marking DC’s rise as one of the top contenders in the 2020 season.
Another classic encounter between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings came in the IPL 2019 final, where the match went right down to the wire. Mumbai posted a challenging total of 149, and Chennai seemed to be in control at 114/2, with Shane Watson playing a match-defining knock. However, the final twist came when Chennai’s batting collapsed in the final overs, giving Mumbai a thrilling win by just 1 run. The game was an emotional rollercoaster, showcasing the unpredictable nature of IPL finals.
The IPL 2018 final, between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, had everything a cricket fan could ask for. The match turned into a one-sided contest for a while as Sunrisers Hyderabad looked poised to defend their total of 178. However, KKR’s late surge and the brilliance of Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell almost led them to an improbable win. But it was the disciplined bowling and superb fielding by Sunrisers Hyderabad that ultimately handed them their first-ever IPL title. The 2018 final was a classic that displayed both individual brilliance and team effort.
The IPL has always been known for its unpredictability, excitement, and unmatched drama. The 18 seasons of IPL have witnessed some of the most thrilling encounters that will go down in history as benchmarks for cricketing excitement. Whether it’s nail-biting finishes, high-pressure games, or individual brilliance, these matches are a testament to the growing popularity and legacy of the Indian Premier League. Fans eagerly await each season to experience more such thrilling encounters, as the IPL continues to deliver unforgettable moments year after year.
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