5 most entertaining playoffs matches in IPL history
The popularity of Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years is one that every Indian can be proud of. As the league is on the cusp of entering into its second decade, the fan following has increased by many folds in the last ten years. The inception of the league in 2008 was viewed with an objective to provide an entertainment package to the millions of fans.
Since then, each game in IPL has been a roller coaster ride, both for players and the viewers watching across the globe. A three-hour package that has all the drama, emotions, nail-biting finishes and ultimately some pure cricketing action is what makes the IPL, the world’s biggest T-20 carnival.
Today we take a look at some of those thrilling business end fixtures that folded to provide the fans with pure entertainment in the midst of some absorbing cricket that took place on the field.
#5 Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2008 Final
It was this edition in 2008 that set the tone for the upcoming years. The season saw some cracking games before it concluded on 1 June in a final that saw Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings that was led by a guy brimming with confidence, battle it out for the trophy.
The contest was worthy of a final. Put into bat by Shane Warne, Chennai managed their way to 163 for five with Suresh Raina being the aggressor to lead the card with a blistering 43 off 30 deliveries.
The Royals didn’t have a great start but it was some middle-order contributions from Yusuf Pathan and Shane Watson that saw them inching towards the target. But that was not it, as the drama unfolded when Pathan was run out by Raina via a direct hit leaving them stranded with 18 required in the final two overs.
The penultimate over went for ten runs before the match reached the final over with eight runs being the difference between the two sides. However, Rajasthan required just a run of the final delivery when Sohail Tanvir stroked it for a boundary to take his side to victory.
The scenes were dramatic as the league had witnessed its first-time winners with much to be expected in the subsequent editions.
Result: Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings by 3 wickets