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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its high-octane drama, power-packed batting, and nail-biting finishes. Over the years, the league has witnessed some of the most audacious run chases in T20 cricket, where teams have defied towering targets and pressure-cooker scenarios. The 2025 season added a new chapter to this legacy, with Punjab Kings (PBKS) scripting a memorable chase to secure their berth in the IPL 2025 final. As the last game of a thrilling season approaching, let’s revisit the top five highest successful run chases in IPL playoffs history, with a special spotlight on PBKS’ latest heroics.
Here are the top 5 run chases in IPL playoffs history:
5. CSK vs SRH – 181 for 2 in 18.3 overs
- Target: 179
- Chasing Team: Chennai Super Kings
- Opposition: Sunrisers Hyderabad
In 2018, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) returns to the IPL with a bang. Facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final at the Wankhede, CSK was asked to chase 179, a challenging score given SRH’s strong bowling attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan. But Shane Watson had plans, the Australian all-rounder put on an exhibition, scoring an unbeaten 117 off 57 balls, single-handedly crushing SRH’s hopes. His innings, which included 11 fours and 8 sixes, remains one of the most ionic knocks in IPL history. CSK cruised to victory with 9 balls to spare, clinching their third IPL title and signaling a triumphant return to the league.
Also READ: Top 5 highest successful run chases in the history of IPL ft. RCB
4. GT vs RR – 191 for 3 in 19.3 overs
- Target: 189
- Chasing Team: Gujarat Titans
- Opposition: Rajasthan Royals
The champions of 2022 edition Gujarat Titans (GT), delivered one of their standout performances came in Qualifier 1 against Rajasthan Royals (RR). RR batted first and posted a formidable 188, thanks to Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson. However GT’s batters never panicked as David Miller produced a match-winning unbeaten 68 off 38 balls. His finishing skills, especially in the death overs, proved to be the difference as Gujarat stormed home with three balls to spare. This win not only secured GT a place in the final but also showcased their incredible depth and belief.
3. KKR vs CSK – 192 for 5 in 19.4 overs
- Target: 191
- Chasing Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Opposition: Chennai Super Kings
The third in the list is KKR and another historic final. In the 2012 IPL final, CSK posted an intimidating 190/3, with Murali Vijay and Suresh Raina at the top of their game. The Chennai crowd was electric anticipating a third title for their team. However, KKR had other plans. Despite the loss of their skipper Gautam Gambhir, Manvinder Bisla took the game by storm with an explosive 89 off 48 balls. His unexpected heroics overshadowed the more fancied names and stunned the defending champions. With Jacques Kallis anchoring the innings and some late blows from the middle order, Kolkata crossed the line with two balls remaining.
2. KKR vs KXIP – 200 for 7 in 19.3 overs
- Target: 200
- Chasing Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Opposition: Kings XI Punjab
KKR scripted another historic run chase in a high pressure final. Having up against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), who had put up a formidable 199 on the board, thanks to Wriddhiman Saha’s blistering century. In reply KKR lost their openers early, but Manish Pandey had other plans who scored a memorable innings of 94 off just 50 balls. His shot selection, temperament, and attacking approach kept the scoreboard ticking and the pressure on the bowlers. Despite a slight collapse in the latter half of the innings, the Knight Riders held their nerve and reached the target with three balls to spare sealing their second IPL title. This chase remains one of the most iconic moments in IPL finals history.
1. PBKS vs MI – 207 for 5 in 19 overs
- Target: 204
- Chasing Team: Punjab Kings
- Opposition: Mumbai Indians
On top of the list is the recently concluded Qualifier 2 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing a massive target of 204 runs, PBKS stood tall with a scintillating knock from Shreyas Iyer. After being asked to bat first, Mumbai Indians (MI) posted a formidable total of 203 runs, with valuable contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. In response, PBKS lost both of their openers in quick succession. However, Iyer and Nehal Wadhera stitched together a crucial 84-run partnership. Iyer played a match-winning knock of 87 runs off just 41 deliveries.
Also READ: Top 5 lowest team scores in the IPL playoffs history
