A deep dive into the highest scores in successful run-chases in the IPL by individuals after Marcus Stoinis broke the record against CSK in IPL 2024.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) have witnessed several match-winning knocks over the years. Batters have scored plenty of hundreds and gave the crowds plenty to cheer for. But some of the knocks that grabbed the attention came in run-chases. The pressure of stiff run-chases can be different, but some batters showed their temperament to take their teams past the finish line.
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Highest scores in successful run-chases in the IPL
Marcus Stoinis – 124 not out against CSK, 2024
Marcus Stoinis holds the record for the highest individual score in successful run-chases in the IPL. On Tuesday, April 21, the right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 124 off 63 balls with the help of 13 fours and 6 sixes against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. On the back of his knock, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) recorded the highest-successful IPL run-chase at the Chepauk.
LSG tracked down 211 with 3 balls to spare. With the Super Giants needing 17 runs to win off their last over, Stoinis took the attack to Mustafizur Rahman, hitting him for a six and 3 fours in a row, one of which was of a no-ball. He came to bat at No.3 after Deepak Chahar sent back LSG skipper KL Rahul for a duck.
From there on, he did not look back and got to his half-century off 26 balls. Thereafter, he brought up his century off 56 deliveries. Even when the required run rate kept going up, Stoinis did not panic and guided the Super Giants past the finishing line.
13-year-old record.
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 24, 2024
1 Marcus Stoinis 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yUTON8ZJUW
Paul Valthaty – 120 not out against CSK, 2011
Back in 2011, Paul Valthaty played an absolute blinder while playing for Punjab Kings in their match against the Super Kings at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The right-handed batter won the Player of the Match award after he scored an unbeaten 120 off 63 balls with the help of 19 fours and 2 sixes. On the back of his knock, Punjab won the match by 6 wickets after chasing down a huge target of 189 with 5 balls to spare.
While the other PBKS batters struggled to get going, Valthaty played his shots freely and never allowed the Chennai bowlers settle into a rhythm. He had a dream season after he notched 463 runs from 14 matches at an average of 35.61 and a strike-rate of 136.98.
After the stupendous run in 2011, Valthaty failed to carry the momentum in the next seasons. After 2013, he did not get a chance to play in the T20 league. In 23 matches in the IPL, Valthaty scored 505 runs at an average of 22.95 and a strike-rate of 120.81.
Virender Sehwag – 119 against Deccan Chargers, 119
Virender Sehwag has the third-highest individual score in a successful run-chase in the IPL. Playing for the Delhi Capitals (DC), he scored 119 runs off 56 balls with 13 fours and 6 sixes against the now defunct Deccan Chargers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Sehwag made sure that the Capitals won the match by 4 wickets after chasing down a big target of 176.
Sehwag completely dominated the run-chase as James Hopes’ unbeaten 17 off 10 balls was the second-highest score for DC. Sehwag also won the Player of the Match after his stupendous knock under pressure. Sehwag was one of the cleanest strikers of the cricket ball and used to make a mockery of quality bowling attacks.
Apart from the Capitals, Sehwag also played for the Punjab Kings. In 104 matches in his career, Sehwag has scored 2728 runs at an average of 27.56 and a strike-rate of 155.44 with 2 centuries and 16 fifties to his name.
Shane Watson – 117 not out against SRH, 2018
Shane Watson played one of the finest T20 knocks in a run-chase in the history of T20 cricket. There was no stopping the Australian batter, how was at his very best while playing for the Super Kings in the IPL 2018 final against Kane Williamson’s Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Opening the batting for MS Dhoni’s men, Watson scored an unbeaten 117 off 57 balls with 11 fours and 8 sixes.
After being asked to bat first, SRH scored 178 for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. Williamson and Yusuf Pathan scored 47 and 45 not out respectively. Barring Deepak Chahar, all the other bowlers picked up one wicket apiece. Thereafter, Watson came out firing all cylinders and helped the Super Kings chase down the target with 9 balls left in their innings.
After CSK lost the early wicket of Faf du Plessis, Watson joined hands with Suresh Raina and put on a big partnership of 117 runs for the second wicket. He batted until the very end and left the field only after CSK won the title for the third time.
Most Player of the Match awards in the IPL
Sanath Jayasuriya – 114 not out against MI, 2008
The legendary Sanath Jayasuriya played an incredible knock when the Mumbai Indians (MI) faced the Super Kings back in 2008 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The former Sri Lankan batter scored an unbeaten 114 off 48 balls at a strike-rate of 237.50. With 9 fours and 11 sixes, the southpaw showed why he was regarded as one of the best in the world.
After opting to field first, MI restricted the Super Kings to 156 for 6 in 20 overs. After being put in to bat first, CSK scored 156 for the loss of 6 wickets. S Badrinath scored 53 runs off 33 balls after which MS Dhoni made an unbeaten 43 off 35 balls with 6 fours and a six. Dhawal Kulkarni was the pick of the bowlers for MI after he finished with impressive figures of 4-0-33-3.
Thereafter, Jayasuriya came out firing on all cylinders and played the blinder. On the back of his knock, MI chased down the target with 6.1 overs left in their innings. Jayasuriya won the Player of the Match award for his spectacular knock.
