Thrills to the last ball: IPL’s most unforgettable one-wicket victories

In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), few moments capture the drama and unpredictability of cricket like a one-wicket win. These rare and thrilling finishes showcase not just skill, but nerves of steel, with teams edging over the line most improbable. Over the years, the IPL has treated fans to edge-of-the-seat contests, where the outcome remained uncertain until the very last ball. From seasoned stars delivering under pressure to debutants rising to the occasion, these matches embody the true spirit of T20 cricket and the IPL’s never-say-die ethos.

Here’s a look at some of the most heart-stopping one-wicket wins in IPL history, moments that left fans breathless, stadiums electrified, and rivals stunned.

5. Chennai stun Mumbai in a comeback for the ages (Mumbai, 2018)

Returning from a two-year suspension, Chennai Super Kings faced defending champions and fierce rivals Mumbai Indians in a blockbuster opener. After MI posted 165/4 despite a shaky start, CSK’s chase appeared doomed at 75/5. Then came Dwayne Bravo’s breathtaking assault, as he smashed 68 off just 30 balls to bring the Super Kings roaring back. Even after Bravo’s dismissal, CSK needed seven off the final over. That’s when an injured Kedar Jadhav, who had earlier retired hurt, hobbled back to the crease and struck a stunning six and a four to seal a dramatic comeback victory.

4. KKR clinch first-ever one-wicket win in IPL history (Kolkata, 2015)

 It took eight IPL seasons for a match to be decided by a one-wicket margin. Kings XI Punjab set a target of 184, led by a consistent top order. KKR responded confidently but soon collapsed to 83/4. Crucial knocks from Andre Russell and Yusuf Pathan revived the innings, but the game went down to the wire. With scores tied, the last-wicket pair of Umesh Yadav and Sunil Narine held their nerve. A scrambled leg-bye off the penultimate delivery gave KKR a historic win and the IPL its first taste of a one-wicket thriller.

3. Sunrisers edge past Mumbai in a dramatic low-scorer (Hyderabad, 2018)

Mumbai Indians managed a below-par 147/8, but Sunrisers Hyderabad looked in control at 56/0. However, a stunning collapse followed as they lost nine wickets for just 75 runs. The match was on a knife’s edge. With nerves fraying in both camps, Deepak Hooda (32*) stayed calm. In the final over, he unleashed a sensational six off a wide yorker from Ben Cutting, helping SRH sneak home with one wicket in hand. Billy Stanlake supported him at the other end, and the duo sealed SRH’s second straight win that season.

2. LSG break RCB hearts with last-ball thriller (Bengaluru, 2023)

In one of the most pulsating matches of the 2023 season, Royal Challengers Bangalore posted a formidable 212/2. Lucknow Super Giants faltered early at 23/3, but a powerful counterattack from Marcus Stoinis (65 off 30) and Nicholas Pooran (62 off 19) brought them back into contention. Ayush Badoni added a steady 30 before a tense final over saw wickets tumble. With three needed off two balls, LSG lost both Mark Wood and Jaydev Unadkat. On the last delivery, No. 11 Avesh Khan missed the ball, but he and Ravi Bishnoi scrambled a bye to pull off an astonishing victory.

1. Ashutosh’s heroics lead DC to improbable win (Visakhapatnam, 2025)

In one of the most recent entries to the list, Delhi Capitals pulled off a stunning heist while chasing 210 against Lucknow Super Giants. With KL Rahul absent, DC were tottering at 65/5 and later 113/6. Just when all hope seemed lost, debutant Vipraj Nigam blazed 39 off 15 balls to turn the momentum. But the star of the show was Ashutosh Sharma. After crawling to 19 off 19 balls, he exploded into action, finishing unbeaten on 66 off 31 deliveries. He single-handedly guided DC to a famous win, proving that fairy tales do come true in the IPL.

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