IPL 2021: Top 5 best matches in the history of the tournament

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most closely fought tournaments in the world. One of the reasons why the league generates so much interest among the fans is because all the teams have produced good performances over the years. 

Each year at least 60 matches are being played and most of these are competitive. With all eight teams having some really good players in their mix, the league has been able to make it fair for all the teams. But, all these players have also assured fans with some quality cricket to watch. 

As the IPL 2021 is set to begin on April 9, it is absolutely a great time to look back at all the best matches we have witnessed in the cash-rich league. The 2021 season is once again expected to produce some high-scoring thrillers.

Here are the top 5 best IPL matches:

1. Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai, 2014

The last league match of the IPL 2014 was full of drama. Rajasthan Royals arrived at the Wankhede Stadium to play the Mumbai Indians, having almost sealed a spot in the playoffs. The 2008 champion had won seven matches until then while Mumbai had won six matches. The equation for Mumbai was quite simply, they had to chase down whatever Rajasthan put on the board, but in 14.3 overs. 

The only problem was that the Royals made 189 for 4. Sanju Samson had played a blinder of an innings of 74 while Karun Nair supported him with a 27-ball 50. Late cameos from James Faulkner and Brad Hodge made the target for Mumbai look like an improbable one. But, Mumbai got off to a superb start. 

Rajasthan pulled back things to put the hosts at 108 for 4 in 9.2 overs. Ambati Rayudu’s 10-ball 30 along with some serious hitting from Corey Anderson ensured Mumbai got in sight of the target. And then, Rayudu got out with the scores tied at 14.3. Anderson was stranded at the other end with a 44-ball 95. The Royals thought that they had pulled it off and sealed the playoff spot. But, Aditya Tare hit the next ball for a six which took their total to 195 for 5 in 14.4 overs and Mumbai edged past Rajasthan by 0.035 on net run rate and qualified.