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In the 31st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL), held at Eden Gardens, an electrifying clash unfolded between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). KKR set a daunting target of 224 runs for RR, highlighted by an outstanding century from Sunil Narine, who scored 109 runs off just 56 balls. However, in a display of sheer resilience and skill, RR managed to chase down the target on the last ball of their innings, securing a remarkable victory by two wickets. Jos Buttler emerged as the hero for RR, showcasing a brilliant performance with his aggressive knock of unbeaten 107 runs off 60 balls at an impressive strike rate of 178.33.
IPL has been a breeding ground for nail-biting encounters, jaw-dropping innings, and thrilling chases. One of the most exhilarating aspects of this T20 extravaganza is the art of successfully chasing down colossal targets. Over the years, fans have witnessed several memorable instances where teams have defied the odds and chased down mammoth totals. Let’s take a closer look at the highest targets successfully chased in the history of the IPL.
Five highest run chases in IPL’s history
1. 224 – Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings, Sharjah, 2020:
RR scripted a remarkable chase against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a high-scoring encounter at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in IPL 2020. Powered by Sanju Samson’s scintillating 85 off 42 and valuable contributions from the rest of the batting lineup, the Royals chased down the daunting target of 224 with sheer determination and skill.
2. 224 – Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Kolkata, 2024:
Fast-forward to 2024, RR once again found themselves in the record books with a sensational chase against the KKR. With the likes of Buttler and Riyan Parag (34 of 14) firing on all cylinders, RR etched their name in IPL history by successfully chasing down 224 runs in Kolkata.
3. 219 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, Delhi, 2021:
In a clash between two IPL powerhouses, Mumbai Indians (MI) showcased their batting prowess against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Delhi. Led by clutch innings of 87 runs in 34 balls from one of the greatest T20 power hitters, Keiron Pollard, MI, pulled off a stunning chase to overhaul the target of 219 on the last ball of the match.
Also READ: Top 5- Highest combined team totals in IPL history
4. 215 – Rajasthan Royals vs Deccan Chargers, Hyderabad, 2008:
The inaugural edition of the IPL witnessed an extraordinary chase by the RR against the Deccan Chargers (now defunct) in Hyderabad. Yusuf Pathan’s explosive innings of 61 off 28 propelled RR to chase down the target of 215 runs, setting the tone for their title-winning campaign under the astute leadership of Shane Warne.
5. 215 – Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings, Mohali, 2023:
In a thrilling encounter at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, MI once again displayed their batting dominance by chasing down a daunting target of 215 against PBKS. A collective effort from Ishan Kishan (75 off 41) and Suryakumar Yadav (66 off 31) ensured a memorable victory in a match’s run-fest.
These extraordinary chases demonstrate the power-packed entertainment that the IPL offers and highlight the sheer talent and skill of the players involved. Whether chasing down a target in a high-scoring shootout or holding nerves in a pressure-cooker situation, these matches epitomize the essence of T20 cricket, where anything is possible until the last ball is bowled. As fans eagerly await more thrilling encounters in the upcoming seasons, these memorable chases will remain etched in the annals of IPL history.
