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The Indian Premier League (IPL) finals are often anticipated with great excitement and high expectations for nail-biting, closely contested matches. Fans and analysts alike look forward to the culmination of the tournament, hoping for a thrilling encounter that keeps them on the edge of their seats until the last ball.
The drama of a close chase, the tension of a last-over finish, and the spectacle of star players performing under pressure make the IPL finals a blockbuster event. Historic matches, such as the IPL 2019 final between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), decided by just 1 run, set the bar high for thrilling finales. These moments contribute to the IPL’s reputation as one of the most entertaining cricket leagues in the world, where every final is expected to be a grand spectacle of sportsmanship and skill.
One-sided matches and pressure crumbles
However, the reality of IPL finals sometimes diverges from these high expectations, resulting in one-sided matches where one team crumbles under the immense pressure of the summit clash. There have been numerous instances in the 17-year history of the IPL where teams have succumbed to the high stakes, leading to lopsided outcomes.
For example, in the IPL 2013 final, CSK struggled to chase down a modest total set by MI, ultimately falling short by 23 runs. Similarly, in the IPL 2024 final, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were bowled out for just 113 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), making it an easy win for KKR. These instances highlight that the pressure of the final can often lead to underwhelming performances, where the nerves and expectations get the better of players and teams, resulting in matches that fail to deliver the anticipated thrill and competitiveness.
Also READ: IPL 2024: Fans go berserk as Sunil Narine and Gautam Gambhir lifts each other, smiles together after KKR’s title triumph
IPL final history: 5 lowest scores ever recorded
1. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2024 Final
- Total Score: 113 all out (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Match Date: May 25, 2024
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match Summary:
In the IPL 2024 final, SRH faced KKR. Batting first, SRH struggled against the disciplined KKR bowling attack, getting bowled out for just 113 runs in 19.2 overs. KKR’s bowlers, particularly Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell, were exceptional. In response, KKR chased down the target comfortably, scoring 114/3 in 15.3 overs, thereby securing the championship.
2. Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2013 Final
- Total Score: 125/9 (Chennai Super Kings)
- Match Date: May 26, 2013
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Match Summary:
In the 2013 IPL final, CSK faced MI. MI batted first and scored 148/9 in their 20 overs. CSK, in reply, struggled with their batting lineup failing to build substantial partnerships. Despite a fighting 63* from MS Dhoni, CSK managed only 125/9 in their 20 overs, resulting in a 23-run victory for MI. MI’s bowlers, especially Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga, played crucial roles in restricting CSK.
3. Rising Pune Supergiant vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2017 Final
- Total Score: 128/6 (Rising Pune Supergiant)
- Match Date: May 21, 2017
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
Match Summary:
In the IPL 2017 final, MI batted first and posted a modest 129/8 in their 20 overs, with Krunal Pandya top-scoring with 47 runs. Rising Pune Supergiant (RPSG), in their chase, fell just short, scoring 128/6 in their 20 overs. Despite a well-fought 51* from Steve Smith, MI’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Johnson, held their nerve to secure a one-run victory.
4. Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant – IPL 2017 Final
- Total Score: 129/8 (Mumbai Indians)
- Match Date: May 21, 2017
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
Match Summary:
In the same IPL 2017 final, MI’s score of 129/8 when batting first was one of the lowest winning totals in IPL final history. This low score created a highly competitive match, with MI’s bowlers ultimately defending the target by a slender margin. The thrilling finish underscored the importance of disciplined bowling and fielding in T20 cricket.
5. Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans – IPL 2022 Final
- Total Score: 130/9 (Rajasthan Royals)
- Match Date: May 29, 2022
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match Summary:
In the IPL 2022 final, Rajasthan Royals (RR) batted first against Gujarat Titans (GT) and posted 130/9 in their 20 overs. Hardik Pandya and Yash Dayal bowled excellently for GT. Chasing 131, GT comfortably reached 133/3 in 18.1 overs, with Shubman Gill top-scoring. This victory marked GT’s maiden IPL title in their debut season, with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over RR.
