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Top 5 Best Innings in IPL Playoffs and Finals History: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has gifted us countless memorable moments over the past few years, but as the saying goes, "A true player is defined in the playoffs." The pressure of knockout cricket is unique; it is a crucible where a player either crumbles or shines. The intensity of this grand stage often brings out the very best in the players.
As the 2026 edition of the IPL races toward its thrilling conclusion with four teams vying for their second title, it is the perfect time to revisit the five greatest playoff innings in the league's history. Let's take a look at the innings that rewrote history:
Top 5 Best Innings in IPL Playoffs History
| Player | Team | Vs | Year | Innings Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Watson | CSK | MI | 2019 | A gritty innings of 80 runs played with an injured knee |
| Suresh Raina | CSK | KXIP | 2014 | 87 runs off 25 balls (Strike Rate: 348) |
| Ben Cutting | SRH | RCB | 2016 | 39* runs off 15 balls; turned the tide of the match |
| Manvinder Bisla | KKR | CSK | 2012 | A fearless innings of 89 runs at Chepauk |
| Manish Pandey | KKR | KXIP | 2014 | A match-winning innings of 94 runs while chasing a target of 199 |
Top 5 Best and Most Unforgettable Innings in IPL Playoffs History
5. Manish Pandey (KKR vs KXIP) – IPL 2014 Final
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Innings: 94 runs off 50 balls (7 fours, 6 sixes)
In the 2014 final, Kings XI Punjab posted a mammoth total of 199/4, powered by a magnificent century (115*) from Wriddhiman Saha. Chasing such a massive target, the pressure was palpable; however, Manish Pandey displayed fearless batting from the moment he stepped onto the field. He played a match-winning innings of 94 runs off just 50 balls. His astute partnership with Yusuf Pathan kept the Kolkata Knight Riders firmly in the contest, and ultimately, KKR clinched their second IPL title.
4. Manvinder Bisla (KKR vs CSK) – IPL 2012 Final
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Innings: 89 runs off 48 balls (8 fours, 5 sixes)
Defeating Chennai Super Kings on their home turf at Chepauk has never been an easy feat. In the 2012 final, CSK set a formidable target of 191 runs for KKR.
In this high-pressure match, uncapped player Manvinder Bisla stepped up to take charge. Completely dismantling Chennai's formidable bowling attack, he played a blistering innings of 89 runs off just 48 balls. His fearless counter-attack, executed in partnership with the legendary Jacques Kallis, secured Kolkata their first historic title victory.Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Worst Record in IPL 2026: Wickets, Economy and Injury Update
3. Ben Cutting (SRH vs RCB) – IPL 2016 Final
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Innings: 39* runs off 15 balls (Strike Rate: 260) and brilliant bowling
In the 2016 final, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner had laid the foundation for victory with an innings of 69 runs; however, the true turning point of the match proved to be Ben Cutting's cameo. The Australian all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 39 runs off just 15 balls at a strike rate of 260, an innings that included 4 towering sixes. Thanks to this innings, Hyderabad's total soared to 208/7. While Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli put up a valiant fight during RCB's chase, they ultimately fell short by 8 runs, and Hyderabad emerged as the champions.
2. Suresh Raina (CSK vs KXIP) – IPL 2014 (Qualifier 2)
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Innings: 87 runs off 25 balls (Strike Rate: 348)
Although Chennai Super Kings ultimately suffered a defeat in this match, this innings by 'Mr. IPL's Suresh Raina is ranked among the most explosive innings in the history of the IPL playoffs. While chasing Punjab's mammoth target of 227 runs, Raina single-handedly tore apart the Punjab bowling attack.
He completed his half-century in just 16 balls and went on to score 87 runs off 25 deliveries, studded with 12 fours and 6 sixes. Unfortunately, he was run out, and CSK lost the match by 24 runs; however, this innings remains etched in the hearts of cricket fans to this day.1. Shane Watson (CSK vs MI) – IPL 2019 Final
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Innings: 80 runs off 59 balls (A true testament to grit and determination, played with an injured knee)
The 2019 IPL Final will be remembered not only for its sheer excitement but also for the indomitable spirit of Shane Watson. While chasing a target of 149 runs set by the Mumbai Indians, Watson anchored the innings from one end. During the match, he scraped his knee while diving and began to bleed profusely, yet he refused to give up. Batting with blood-stained trousers, he played a gritty innings of 80 runs, featuring 8 fours and 4 sixes. Although he was run out in the final over and Mumbai went on to win the match by a mere 1 run, Watson won the hearts of every sports enthusiast with this heroic innings.
Also Read: Aakash Chopra Predicts 4 IPL Teams to Get New Captains After IPL 2026
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