the absolute classics. The kind of IPL matches that fans talk about years later, that define seasons, and leave your heart pounding. Here’s a curated list of the greatest IPL matches of all time — based on thrill, drama, stakes, and unforgettable performances:
🔥 1. MI vs CSK – IPL 2019 Final
🗓️ Date: May 12, 2019
🏆 Result: MI won by 1 run
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The ultimate nail-biter. Last ball. CSK needed 2 to win.
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Malinga bowled a slower yorker, trapped Shardul Thakur LBW.
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Mumbai Indians won their 4th title — by a single run!
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One of the most tactically intense and emotionally charged finals ever.
🌪️ 2. RCB vs PWI – Gayle Storm (2013)
🗓️ Date: April 23, 2013
🏆 Result: RCB won by 130 runs
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Chris Gayle smashed 175 off 66 balls* — the highest individual score in T20 history.
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RCB posted 263/5, the highest team total in IPL.
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Total dominance and an iconic solo show.
🧊 3. CSK vs RCB – Dhoni’s Chase Masterclass (2018)
🗓️ Date: April 25, 2018
🏆 Result: CSK won by 5 wickets
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CSK needed 45 off 18 balls.
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MS Dhoni smashed 70 off 34 balls*, with 7 sixes — a vintage finisher's masterclass.
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It reestablished Dhoni as the undisputed king of chases.
💥 4. RR vs KXIP – Tewatia’s Redemption Knock (2020)
🗓️ Date: September 27, 2020
🏆 Result: RR won by 4 wickets
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Chasing 224, Rahul Tewatia struggled badly… then hit 5 sixes in an over off Cottrell.
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RR pulled off the highest successful chase in IPL history (then).
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Talk about turning boos into cheers!
🧠 5. GT vs RR – IPL 2022 Final
🗓️ Date: May 29, 2022
🏆 Result: Gujarat Titans won by 7 wickets
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New franchise, new captain (Hardik Pandya), and a dream season.
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Clinical performance with bat and ball.
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Marked a rare instance of a team winning the title in its debut season.
🏹 6. MI vs CSK – IPL 2012 Final Over Thriller
🗓️ Date: May 6, 2012
🏆 Result: MI won by 2 wickets
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Chasing 174, MI were 105/7.
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Dwayne Smith, almost forgotten, smashed 14 off the final 3 balls to seal a win.
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One of the most unbelievable turnarounds in a chase.
⚔️ 7. KKR vs RR – Super Over Chaos (2014)
🗓️ Date: May 5, 2014
🏆 Result: RR won via boundary count after Super Over
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Both teams scored 152. Then the Super Over was tied as well.
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RR won because they had hit more boundaries.
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The first time IPL used the boundary count rule, like the 2019 WC final.
🧱 8. SRH vs RCB – IPL 2016 Final
🗓️ Date: May 29, 2016
🏆 Result: SRH won by 8 runs
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Virat Kohli’s record season, but David Warner’s SRH defended 208 under pressure.
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Ben Cutting’s 39 and 3 wickets* turned the match.
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A high-scoring final that delivered pure entertainment.
🎯 9. MI vs PBKS – Double Super Over Drama (2020)
🗓️ Date: October 18, 2020
🏆 Result: Punjab Kings won after 2 Super Overs
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Match tied → 1st Super Over tied again → 2nd Super Over won by PBKS.
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KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal & Mohammed Shami were heroes.
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A rollercoaster of nerves and insane drama.
🪄 10. CSK vs GT – IPL 2023 Final
🗓️ Date: May 29, 2023
🏆 Result: CSK won on the last ball
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GT posted a massive 214 (Sai Sudharsan 96).
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Rain reduced CSK’s target → 171 off 15 overs.
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Ravindra Jadeja hit 10 off the final 2 balls to win it for CSK.
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A fairytale win for MS Dhoni in possibly his last season.
🏁 Want More?
I can build a countdown-style blog, trivia quiz, or even a YouTube script based on these legendary matches. Just say the word!