Cricket is always a game of uncertainty. No one can predict the path of the match as it progresses through the overs. On the basis of the excitement and blood rush caused IPL can be called as the Mother of this uncertainty. Let's see some of the greatest matches in the history of IPL knockout.
Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings-2013
The first qualifier match of the season 2013 was held on May 21 between CSK and MI. These two rival teams, who always pumps fire through the veins of the spectators played face to face that day. Chennai Super Kings won the toss and decided to bat first. Proving that their decision to bat first was right, Mike Hussey and Suresh Raina scored 86 and 82 runs respectively making a total of 192 runs in the scoreboard with only one wicket loss. They both remained not out. Mike Hussey scored 86 from 58 balls smashing 2 sixes and 10 fours. Suresh Raina reached a total of 82 runs from 42 balls hitting 5 sixes and fours each.
Mumbai who chased a huge total of 193 runs was made out at a total of 144 runs in 18.4 overs. Smith who took 68 runs from 28 balls was the only player who could face the bowlers of Chennai very well in that match. Bravo of CSK showed his exceptional bowling performance of taking 3 wickets for 9 runs in 3 overs. Chennai Super Kings won the match for 48 runs and qualified to the finals.
Mumabi Indians vs. Rajasthan Royals-2013
It was in the third qualifier of 2013 MI and RR face each other for the third time in that season. RR was the team won the toss and they chose to bat first. Rahul Dravid and RH Yagnik performed well in that match helping RR to score a total of 165 runs for 6 wicket loss. Dravid scored 43 runs from 37 balls and Yagnik scored 31 runs from 17 balls. Harbhajan Singh was in his top form with balls taking 3 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs.
Mumbai chased a score of 166 in 19.5 overs with one ball remaining a winning the match. It was under the wings of Smith and Tare MI flew to the finals. Continuing his best form throughout the season MI opener Smith scored a beautiful 62 runs from 44 balls. Harbhajan Singh was elected as the Man of the Match.
Delhi Daredevils vs. Deccan Chargers-2009
The second season of IPL was held at South Africa in 2009. The first semi-final match of this season was a thrilling one between DD and DC. Deccan Chargers was the team to win the toss and they chose to field first. Showing the decision of DC correct the openers of DD was caught out in the first over itself. It was by the great innings saving performance of Dilshan, Sehwag and AB de Villiers DD scored a total of 153 runs at a loss of 8 wickets. Dilshan saved the innings by scoring 65 from 51 balls, hitting 1 six and 7 fours. Sehwag and de Villiers also played well scoring 39 and 26 runs respectively. For DC, RJ Harris took 3 wickets giving only 27 runs in 4 overs. The innings of DC also didn't start very well. Opener HH Gibbs was bowled by Nehra in its second ball itself. It was the unforgettable innings of Adam Gilchrist, scoring a match-winning 85 runs from just 35 balls, made DC to qualify into the finals of the tournament. Deccan Chargers chased the total off 154 in 17.4 overs winning the match. Gilchrist was elected as the man of the match.
Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians-2015
After the thrilling final of 2013, again CSK and MI faced each other in the knockouts of 2015. In this match held on May 19, 2015, MI won the toss and was elected to bat first. By the excellent performance of Simmons and Pollard MI managed to score a total of 187 runs with 6 wickets gone. Simmons scored 65 runs from 51 balls and his include 5 sixes and 3 fours. Pollard scored a fast 41 runs from 17 runs hitting 5 long sixes and boundary. Bravo took 3 wickets of MI giving a total of 40 runs in 4 overs. CSK chased a huge total of 188 runs and couldn't reach that total. Even though Faf du Plessis batted well scoring 45 from 35 balls, he never got good support from any other teammate. CSK was only able to score 162 runs in 19 overs before which they all got out. MI's pace bowler Lasith Malinga took 3 wickets in that match giving only 23 runs with an economy rate of 5.75. Kieron Pollard has gifted the Player of the Match award.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Kolkata Night Riders-2016
The first eliminator of the season 2016 was held on May 25 between SRH and KKR. SRH won the coin toss and was elected to bat first. In their 20 overs, SRH scored a team total of 162 runs with 8 wickets gone. Yuvraj Singh scored 44 runs from 30 balls before getting bowled by Holder. His innings included 1 six and 8 boundaries. Moises Henriques also contributed a crucial 31 runs to the innings total. For KKR, Kuldeep Yadav took 3 wickets giving 35 runs in 4 overs. Defending a score of 162, SRH bowlers bowled their spell very well. Manish Pandey was the only player to defend the bowling attack and the only batsman to score more than 30 runs for KKR. He scored a total of 36 runs from 28 balls which included 1 six and 2 fours. KKR couldn't reach the target and was only able to score a total of 140 runs with 8 wicket loss. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was very well with his ball and took 3 wickets for just 19 runs winning the match for SRH. He was awarded the Player of the match trophy.
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