IPL: Highest targets achieved in last over of successful run-chases

When the first season of the IPL commenced in 2008, there was a cloud of uncertainty surrounding how the marquee event will be taken by the public. It has been over 15 seasons since then and the IPL has exceeded all expectations and emerged as the most popular cricket league in the world.

Over the years, IPL has witnessed many jaw-dropping performances on the cricket field that have left the cricket fraternity amazed. Be it a magnificent knock or a sensational bowling spell or an astonishing fielding display, fans have seen many extraordinary moments in the competition. Among them, there have been times when batters have done the inconceivable and smashed heaps of runs in the last over of the game to drive their side to victory.

Here are the highest targets achieved in the last over of successful IPL run-chases:

5. 21 runs for Deccan Chargers (DC) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2009

Deccan Chargers locked horns with Kolkata Knight Riders in the 48th match of the 2009 season of the lucrative T20 tournament in Johannesburg. After being put into bat, Kolkata posted 160 runs on the board courtesy of a blistering knock from David Hussey (43 runs off 17 balls).

Chasing the target of 161, Deccan needed 27 runs in two overs with Rohit Sharma and Venugopal Rao at the crease. Ajit Agarkar bowled a superb penultimate over, giving away just six runs to swing the game in favour of Knight Riders.

Mashrafe Mortaza was tasked to defend 21 runs in the final over. However, the former Bangladesh cricketer was not consistent with his line and length and Rohit (32* runs off 13 deliveries) inflicted carnage on the bowler. The Indian batter put up an exhibition of his flamboyant stroke play and sealed the game for his team in the last ball.