In the high-octane world of T20 cricket, where every delivery counts, the final five overs of an innings often witness fireworks as batsmen unleash their full array of strokes to maximize the run tally. Teams like Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chennai Super Kings have showcased their prowess in amassing massive totals, with a special knack for dominating the death overs. Let’s delve into the record books to uncover the most scintillating displays of run accumulation in the Indian Premier League’s history.
Table: Top Four Occasions of Most Runs Scored in Last Five Overs
| Rank | Team | Runs Scored | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 112 | Gujarat Lions | 2016 |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians | 96 | Delhi Capitals | 2024 |
| 3 | Punjab Kings | 96 | Mumbai Indians | 2023 |
| 4 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 91 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2019 |
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 112-Run Rampage (2016):
In the unforgettable clash against Gujarat Lions in 2016, Royal Challengers Bangalore etched their name in IPL folklore with a monumental display of batting prowess. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers led the charge, both scoring centuries and propelling RCB’s total to an astronomical 248 runs. Despite facing the likes of Dwayne Bravo, Praveen Kumar, and Dhawal Kulkarni, RCB decimated the opposition, plundering an astonishing 112 runs in the last five overs, setting a record that stands unmatched in IPL history.
Mumbai Indians’ Last Over Blitzkrieg (2024):
Continuing their tradition of power-packed performances, Mumbai Indians unleashed a relentless onslaught against Delhi Capitals in 2024. Posting a daunting total of 234 runs, Mumbai Indians saved their best for the last, amassing a staggering 96 runs in the final five overs. Romario Shepherd’s onslaught against Anrich Nortje, coupled with Tim David’s explosive batting, propelled Mumbai Indians to a dominant position, showcasing their ability to accelerate when it matters most.
Punjab Kings’ Fiery Finish (2023):
In a clash against perennial contenders Mumbai Indians in 2023, Punjab Kings showcased their batting firepower in spectacular fashion. Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, pulverizing the bowlers to notch up 96 runs in the last five overs, including a barrage of eight sixes. This electrifying display underscored Punjab Kings’ emergence as a force to be reckoned with in the IPL circuit.
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Blitz Against Kolkata Knight Riders (2019):
Despite enduring their fair share of ups and downs, Royal Challengers Bangalore have left an indelible mark with their explosive batting displays. In a showdown against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019, RCB’s batting maestros delivered a masterclass in aggressive strokeplay, plundering 91 runs in the last five overs. Led by the likes of Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Moeen Ali, RCB stamped their authority with a display of sheer dominance.
The IPL has witnessed numerous moments of batting brilliance, but these four instances stand out as epitomes of aggressive run-scoring in the death overs, showcasing the essence of T20 cricket’s exhilarating spectacle.