Indian Premier League has established itself by delivering tension, chaos and suspense till the very last ball of matches played in the finals. Over 18 editions, IPL finals have produced moments which became part of cricketing lore for years to come. There were unbelievable runs chases, nail-biting finishing and incredible skillful performances. IPL has also seen courageous acts which changed the course of games and even seasons. Such moments became more than just games, but stories which were narrated year after year. The Indian Premier League had everything for turning a mundane delivery into a historic one.

All the unforgettable finals have had one aspect in common - the outcome of such games was decided only in the very end. Sometimes one run determines winners and losers. Injuries, pressure and fatigue of athletes were mixed with incredible talent, skills and determination. Such elements of games as a beautiful yorker, risky boundary hit and sudden heroism became the essence of Indian Premier League.

Lasith Malinga’s Last-Ball Yorker Breaks CSK Hearts (2019)

The 2019 IPL final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings resulted in one of the best finales ever witnessed in cricket. Mumbai Indians managed a score of just 149/8 in Hyderabad with Kieron Pollard smashing an unbeaten 41. The chase for Chennai Super Kings depended solely on Shane Watson with his courageous knock of 80* off 59 deliveries.

The game required Mumbai to defend 9 runs in the last over. Despite Lasith Malinga conceding as much as 42 runs in his first 3 overs of the game, Rohit Sharma put full faith in him and backed him. It paid off in spades. While Mumbai only required two runs to clinch the game from the last delivery, Lasith bowled a dipping 112.3kph slow yorker. Shardul failed to hit and was adjudged LBW.

 

Ravindra Jadeja’s Miracle Finish Seals CSK’s Fifth Title (2023)

Rain delayed the IPL 2023 final deep into the night in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Titans hammered 214/4, powered by Sai Sudharsan’s 96 off 47 balls. After the interruption, Chennai Super Kings received a revised target of 171 in 15 overs.

The match swung wildly in the final over. CSK required 10 runs from the last two balls against Mohit Sharma, who had delivered four excellent balls earlier. Ravindra Jadeja then produced a finish for the ages. First came a straight six over long-off. Then came a calm flick past short fine-leg for four on the final ball. CSK reached 171/5 and lifted a record-equalling fifth IPL trophy. Jadeja finished unbeaten on 15 from just 6 balls.

Shane Watson’s Bloody-Knee Knock Becomes Symbol of Grit (2019)

Even in defeat, Shane Watson created one of IPL history’s strongest images. During the same 2019 final, Watson injured his knee early in the chase while diving for a run. The cut became severe, but he continued batting without informing teammates.

As the innings progressed, blood soaked through his yellow trousers. Yet Watson kept attacking Mumbai’s bowlers. He smashed 80 runs with 8 fours and 4 sixes while carrying Chennai’s chase alone. Mumbai dropped him three times, but he still pushed the game to the final over. His run-out while attempting a risky second run ended the effort. Chennai lost by 1 run, while Watson later required six stitches on his injured knee.

Mitchell Johnson Turns a Lost Final into a Mumbai Heist (2017)

The 2017 final looked set for Rising Pune Supergiant after Mumbai Indians struggled to 129/8. Pune captain Steve Smith controlled the chase calmly, and the equation fell to 11 runs needed from the final over.

Mitchell Johnson took responsibility under pressure. Manoj Tiwary struck a boundary off the first ball, but Johnson responded instantly. He dismissed Tiwary and then removed Smith on consecutive deliveries. Pune needed 4 from the last ball, but Dan Christian managed only two runs. Johnson finished with match-winning figures of 3/26 as Mumbai escaped with another unbelievable 1-run victory.

Rajasthan Royals Complete the Perfect Underdog Story (2008)

The first-ever final of IPL was held in 2008 and marked the inception of its exciting identity. Rajasthan Royals with its captain Shane Warne began the season as an underdog, having a relatively inexperienced team. Chennai Super Kings managed to score 163 runs, leaving the chasing team a daunting task ahead.

The game came down to the last delivery, with Rajasthan needing just a single run to emerge winners. Sohail Tanvir coolly played the ball to mid-on before dashing towards the other end and completing their win. Rajasthan won the cup in an incredibly dream-like manner that elevated a bunch of no-namers to be the champions.