IPL is a spectacle of cricketing brilliance, and nothing gets fans on the edge of their seats like a jaw-dropping run chase. Whether it’s last-ball thrillers, unexpected underdog victories, or mind-boggling batting heroics, IPL chases are nothing short of a Bollywood blockbuster.
So, let’s relive the Top 5 IPL chases that made us believe in miracles and left commentators speechless!
1. Rajasthan Royals vs. Kings XI Punjab (2008) – “Yusuf Pathan’s Carnage”
Chasing 215? No Problem!
Let’s take it back to IPL’s very first season when Rajasthan Royals decided to rewrite history. Kings XI Punjab posted a massive 214/4, thanks to Shaun Marsh’s fireworks.
Then came Yusuf Pathan, with one mission—destruction. He smashed a 37-ball 100, sending balls into orbit and fielders into despair.
By the end, Rajasthan pulled off the chase in 19.5 overs, proving that big totals were just numbers when Pathan was in beast mode.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019) – “Russell Muscle Show”
48 off 13 Balls? Russell Laughs at Your Doubts!
If you ever need proof that Andre Russell isn’t human, watch this match again. KKR was dead in the water at 153/5, chasing 206. Enter Russell—who decided logic was overrated.
He bludgeoned 48 runs off 13 balls, crushing sixes like it was batting practice. The equation went from impossible to “Wait… they can win this!”
With just 5 balls left, KKR sealed the chase, and RCB fans were left wondering if cricket was even fair.
3. Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore (2018) – “Thala’s Classic Chase”
MS Dhoni – The Ultimate Finisher
There’s a reason Dhoni is the most clutch finisher in cricket. Chasing 206 against RCB, CSK needed 71 off 30 balls—a mountain too high? Not for Thala!
Dhoni unleashed his vintage six-hitting mode, treating the Bengaluru crowd to his signature helicopter shots. The highlight? A 111m six off Corey Anderson, sending the ball (and RCB’s hopes) into the night sky.
CSK won with two balls to spare, and yet again, Dhoni proved why he’s called Captain Cool.
4. Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings (2021) – “Pollard’s Insanity”
87 Off 34 – You Can’t Script This!
When CSK posted 218/4, most teams would crumble. But Kieron Pollard wasn’t “most teams.”
He single-handedly took down CSK’s bowlers, launching 6s into the stands like they were cricket balls made of cotton. He finished with 87 off 34, staying till the very last ball, guiding MI to a last-ball victory.
MI fans went into absolute delirium, while CSK supporters just nodded—sometimes, you just gotta respect greatness.
5. Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (2014) – “Tewatia’s Redemption”
From Zero to Hero in an Over!
Rahul Tewatia started his innings like a nightmare—struggling to get the ball off the square. Fans were calling for his wicket. Then, he flipped the script.
Needing 51 off 18 balls, he launched five sixes in an over off Sheldon Cottrell, turning the match on its head.
By the end, RR had pulled off an improbable chase, and Tewatia had gone from villain to legend.
Final Thoughts: Why We Love IPL Chases
There’s just something about a great chase that makes IPL so thrilling. The drama, the tension, the belief that “it’s never over until it’s over”—this is why we keep coming back every year.
Which IPL chase is your favorite? Drop a comment below and let’s relive the madness together! 🏏🔥