Top 5 Highest Successful Run Chase in IPL history

Ever since the Indian Premier League (IPL) came into existence, the popularity of T20 grew manyfold. The idea of seeing world-class players from different nations coming together and participating in a two-month-long tournament was once a dream. 

Every year, the fans witness some breathtaking games, which tend to go down to the wire. Over the years, the teams have put on some mammoth scores. On many occasions, these scores have been chased down as well. 

We all love watching high-scoring encounters, don’t we? Fortunately, the Indian Premier League has served those on many occasions.  

On that note, here’s a look at the top five successful run-chase in IPL:

1. Punjab Kings – 262 vs KKR in 2024

The highest run-chase ever belongs to Punjab Kings, who did it against KKR at Eden Gardens in 2024. The hosts got off to a flying start, thanks to Phil Salt and Sunil Narine. Both the openers smashed the bowlers all round the park. While Salt scored 75 off 37, Narine got 71 runs to his name in just 32 deliveries. Contributions from Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell boosted KKR’s total to 261.

Coming out to chase, the Mohali-based franchise also got a terrfic powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh smashed 54 runs taking just 20 balls before his got run-out. However, Jonny Bairstow kept on going and remained unbeaten on 108. Not to forget Shashank Singh’s 68 run off 28 balls, which changed the dynamics of the game towards the end.

2. Rajasthan Royals – 224 vs Punjab Kings in 2020

The ninth match of IPL 2020 took place between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Given the smaller dimensions of the ground, a high-scoring game was on the cards. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal put an exhibition of sixes in the first innings with the latter being the aggressor. Mayank Agarwal took the bowlers on a leather hunt as he smashed 10 fours and 7 sixes en-route to his 106 off 50 balls.

KL Rahul, on the other hand, played an anchor role, having scored 69 off 54 balls. The duo batted till the 16th over, before Agarwal departed in the 17th over. A heart-warming 8-ball 25-run cameo from Nicholas Pooran finished Punjab Kings at 223 for 2 in the first innings.  Sheldon Cottrel sent Jos Buttler back to the Pavillion in the second innings to add further misery to Rajasthan Royals.

However, what followed was a brilliant partnership between Steve Smith and Sanju Samson, who added 81 runs off 40 balls. Steve Smith got out after scoring a handful half-century but Samson took the match as deep as possible. Mohammad Shami finally sent the RR skipper back to the Pavillion after scoring 85 off 42 balls. Not many people would have placed their bet on RR to win the game after Samson’s wicket.

However, what followed was five sixes in the 18th over to turn the table in RR’s favour.  Rahul Tewatia smashed Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in one over to take the game away from Punjab’s hands. It brought down the equation to 21 off the final 2 overs. Jofra Archer hit 2 sixes to tilt the game completely in RR’s favour. Sanju Samson and Co. eventually chased down the total in 19.3 overs.

3. Rajasthan Royals – 224 vs KKR in 2024

This epic run-chase happened during the 31st match of the IPL 2024. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were hosting Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a packed Eden Gardens at night. Batting first, the hosts got a solid start in the powerful despite losing a wicket. Sunil Narine, who opened the innings, went on to smash his maiden IPL ton. A quick cameo of 20 from Rinku Singh took the side to a total of 223.

In reply, the visitos had a similar start where they lost one of their openers early. However, Jos Buttler kept fighting for the Rajasthan-based franchise. He maintained a healthy strike-rate throughout the innings despite getting no support from the other end. A 26 off 13 from Rovman Powell with Buttler providing the finishing touches did the job for their side as they chased down the mammoth target on the last ball.

4. Mumbai Indians – 219 vs CSK in 2021

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings never fail to disappoint their fans whenever they take on each other in IPL. The 27th match of IPL 2021 was one of the highlights of this year’s IPL. Batting first, CSK posted a mammoth 218-run total in the first innings. Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali set the foundation for a big total early in the innings, putting together a 108-run partnership for the second wicket.

Faf scored 50 off 28 balls, while Moeen Ali amassed 58 runs off 36 balls. Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu produced an exhibition of sixes in the latter half of the innings, scoring 72 runs off just 27 balls and thereby helping CSK posted a huge 218-run total.  Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock gave a rollicking start to Mumbai Indians in the second innings, smashing 71 runs in 7.4 overs before Rohit Sharma got out off Shardul Thakur on 35 off 24 balls. 

Quinton de Kock scored 38 off 28 balls, while Krunal Pandya amassed 32 off 23 balls. Runs were flowing but CSK managed to take wickets at regular intervals. However, the Men in Yellow couldn’t stop Pollard, who produced a belter of a knock to guide his team home. Kieron Pollard smashed 87 runs off 34 balls and chased down the total on the final ball of the match.

5. Rajasthan Royals – 215 vs Deccan Chargers in 2008

In the inaugural edition of IPL, Rajasthan Royals and Deccan Chargers produced a spectacle and left all the fans spellbound. Rajasthan Royals chased down a total of 214 runs, which remained as the highest total chased in IPL for 12 years. 

Andrew Symonds’s 117-run knock took Deccan Chargers to 214 in the first innings. The Australian cricketer wreaked havoc as the target seemed beyond RR’s reach. However, the fireworks didn’t stop in the second innings as Yusuf Pathan took the bowlers on a leather hunt. He scored 61 runs off just 28 balls, while Graeme Smith amassed scored 71. Rajasthan Royals, however, would still fell short had Shane Warne not produced a match-winning 22-run cameo of just 9 balls. Rajasthan Royals eventually chased down the total in 19.5 overs. 

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