Top five run chases in the history of IPL

The Indian Premier League is an adrenaline-filled competition that has consistently had us on the edge of our seats with thrilling climaxes and amazing game surprises. There have been numerous games with a one-run victory margin throughout the tournament. The IPL has hosted some of the most memorable T20 games in history.

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After all, we're here to talk about the five matches that lead the list of the most successful run chases in IPL history.

5. Delhi Daredevils vs Gujarat Lions, 2017 (Target - 209)

Delhi Daredevils vs Gujarat Lions (Source: Twitter)

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This goes back to IPL 2017 when the Delhi franchise was still known as the Daredevils and the Gujarat Lions were still active. Delhi made the wise decision to bowl at the Feroz Shah Kotla, and they got off to a great start by getting the explosive pair of Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum out early.

However, Suresh Raina, the captain of the Lions, and Dinesh Karthik took the initiative in the rescue effort. The second-wicket partnership of 133 runs allowed the Lions to score a massive 208/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

They had no idea what was going to happen to them, though. Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant destroyed the Lions' attack in a show of supreme force at one end and utter finesse at the other. Almost every replacement bowler was damaged, and by the time Samson was out for a 31-ball 61, the total was 167/2 after the 14th over.

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Only three runs separated Pant from a century, and the target was reached with 15 deliveries remaining. Before Shreyas Iyer and Corey Anderson provided the finishing touches and destroyed the Lions, the pair combined for 16 sixes of their own.

4. Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2023 (Target - 213)

Lucknow Super Ginats vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (Source: Twitter)

The first six overs saw 56 runs scored by RCB batters. They lost their first wicket after 11.3 overs and 96 runs. Kohli's 61 runs from 44 balls included four fours and four sixes. Later, Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis performed amazingly and assembled a second-wicket partnership of 115 runs.

Maxwell hit six sixes and three fours in his 59 runs off 29 balls. The RCB captain had 79* runs off 46 balls, including five fours and five sixes, and he was still unbeaten. Therefore, they scored 212 runs for two wickets in 20 overs, which was a tremendous total. Just Mark Wood and Amit Mishra each took one wicket for the LSG.

After that, KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers started the chase. Mayers nevertheless only managed a three-ball duck. With 23 runs in four overs, they lost two more wickets and were in serious trouble. Marcus Stoinis then arrived and played some lovely shots. After 30 balls and 65 runs, including six fours and five sixes, he was finally out.

Rahul's struggle ended as he made 18 runs off of 20 balls, stopping it. But Nicholas Pooran scored 62 runs off 19 balls and displayed remarkable six-hitting prowess. He made four fours and seven sixes. Following that, the RCB bowlers put up a fight, and the situation was down to one run needed from one delivery with one wicket in hand. LSG finally won the game with a bye run in the final ball.

3. Rajasthan Royals vs Deccan Chargers, 2008 (Target - 215)

Rajasthan Royals vs Deccan Chargers (Source: Twitter)

The Rajasthan Royals entered the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad to take on the Deccan Chargers during the first IPL season. They were struck by Andrew Symonds, a storm that appeared in the guise.

The Maverick Australian batsman powered the Chargers to a massive 214/5 with an unbeaten 117 off just 53 deliveries. But because of Yusuf Pathan and Graeme Smith, the Royals could handle the situation.

A second-wicket stand of 98 runs restored parity in the match. Smith ensured the pursuit continued despite Pathan's departure for 61 off just 28 balls and the regular intervals at which wickets fell. It appeared the Royals were out of gas after he went down, and others did too.

But then Shane Warne appeared. After the last over, 17 runs were required, which changed to 14 runs needed after 4. The RR captain hit four and two sixes, the second of which included an amazing slice over extra cover, to help his team set a record for 13 seasons.

2. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, 2021 (Target - 219)

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (Source: Twitter)

A special from Kieron Pollard versus his preferred foe. Over the years, Pollard, the Chennai Super Kings' constant kryptonite, has given them many nightmares, and in IPL 2021, he was back at it, this time at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Choosing to bowl first, MI quickly got rid of Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, the Super Kings were able to reach a total of 218/4 in their 20 overs thanks to quick half-centuries from Moeen Ali and Faf du Plessis and an outstanding blitz from Ambati Rayudu, who amassed a 27-ball unbeaten 72.

The aim appeared unattainable, even for MI's formidable batting lineup. Despite Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock getting off to a strong start, CSK took the lead after Suryakumar Yadav and their dismissals.

MI needed a huge 125 runs off of 8 overs to win. Game over, I assume. Not when Kieron Pollard is present, though. The Trinidadian destroyed the CSK, who also buried it behind an avalanche. A six-hitting spree in which Pollard had helpful assistance from the Pandya twins, Krunal and Hardik, reduced the number of runs required off the last over to 16.

For the second-highest successful chase in IPL history, Pollard ran a brace and caught a Lungi Ngidi yorker wide far on with the final ball. Outside of the two wickets he took with the ball, his 34-ball 87 earned him Player of the Match honours.

1. Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab, 2020 (Target - 224)

Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab (Source: Twitter)

A timeless Sharjah classic, the IPL 2020 match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Kings XI Punjab (as they were known then) featured small boundary dimensions and a level deck, making it a batter's dream.

The Kings ransacked 223/2 in their 20-over allotment because of a magnificent century by Mayank Agarwal, a cool half-century by KL Rahul, and a Nicholas Pooran blitz. The early firing of Jos Buttler was the last thing the Royals would have wanted since it put a spanner in their plans.

Sanju Samson and skipper Steve Smith joined him in taking control. In his 42-ball 85, the latter batted like a million dollars, smashing seven sixes. Yet, it was unexpected that Rahul Tewatia was inserted before Robin Uthappa and Riyan Parag, and the left-hander appeared to be completely out of his element.

With Samson back in the shed, RR needed 51 off the next 3 overs because his timing was wrong, and time was running short. Another twist emerged as the Kings believed they had the game in hand. To reduce the equation to 21 off the final two overs, Tewatia let loose and regained his mojo, hammering Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes off the 18^th over.

Tewatia was not present to witness his team's victory, but the Royals broke their mark for the most successful chase in IPL history thanks to Tewatia's redemption. The expression "Can he pull off a Tewatia?" commonly describes Houdini's acts as Tewatia became a cult icon in the IPL.