Worst IPL Finals: Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform for high-octane cricket, showcasing thrilling encounters between the best teams in the country. However, amidst the excitement and nail-biting finishes, there have been instances where the much-anticipated final turned out to be a one-sided affair, leaving fans disappointed and the losing team embarrassed.
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Worst IPL Finals: IPL 2024 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
The 2024 IPL final between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will be remembered as one of the most lopsided finals in IPL history. SRH, known for their aggressive batting throughout the season, were left reeling as KKR’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell, dismantled their batting lineup. SRH managed to post a paltry total of 113 runs, the lowest ever in an IPL final.
In response, KKR chased down the target with ease, reaching 114/2 in just 10.3 overs, thanks to Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive half-century. The eight-wicket victory for KKR sealed their third IPL title, but the lack of competition and drama in the final left fans wanting for more, sparking discussions about the #WorstIPLFinal on social media.
KKR Clinch IPL Title with Dominant Victory in IPL 2024 Final
2022 IPL Final – Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals
The 2022 IPL final between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a similar one-sided affair. RR, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, found themselves in trouble early on as Hardik Pandya’s three-wicket haul restricted them to a meager total of 130/9 in 20 overs.
Chasing a modest target of 131, GT cruised to victory, reaching 133/3 in 18.1 overs, with skipper Pandya playing a crucial role with a quickfire 30-ball 34. The lack of a competitive contest in the final left many fans underwhelmed, highlighting it as one of the worst IPL finals in history.
2020 IPL Final – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals
The 2020 IPL final between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) held in the UAE behind closed doors, showcased a dominant performance by MI. DC, after winning the toss and opting to bat, faced early setbacks as Trent Boult and Jayant Yadav rattled their top order, reducing them to 22/3 in the fourth over. Despite a fighting total of 156/7, courtesy of half-centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, DC’s efforts fell short.
In response, MI, led by Rohit Sharma’s brilliant 68-run knock, comfortably chased down the target. Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 19-ball 33 ensured MI retained the crown, but the lack of a closely contested final left a void in what is usually a thrilling climax to the IPL season.
Conclusion
While these three finals stand out as the worst in IPL history due to their one-sided nature and lack of competitive spirit, it is essential to acknowledge that such instances are exceptions rather than the norm. The IPL has witnessed numerous thrilling finals over the years, with matches like the 2014 final between KKR and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) going down to the wire, and the 2023 final between CSK and GT being decided on the last ball.
The IPL finals are a culmination of months of intense competition, where the two best teams of the season battle it out for the championship. While some finals may turn out to be one-sided affairs, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the match remain undiminished, as fans eagerly await the clash between the top contenders in the league.
In conclusion, while the worst IPL finals may leave a bitter taste for fans and teams involved, they serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket and the essence of sports where anything can happen on the grandest stage.
