The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a tournament it’s a stage where legends are born under pressure. The final match of the IPL is the ultimate test of nerves, skill, and match-winning intent. Over the years, several players have delivered outstanding performances that changed the course of the final and etched their names into cricketing history. In this article, we’ll take a look at the Top 5 Powerful Knocks in IPL Finals, featuring fearless batting, brilliant timing, and unforgettable moments.
List of Top 5 Powerful Knocks in IPL Final History
5. Sai Sudharsan’s Fearless Blaze vs CSK – IPL 2023 Final
In a high-stakes final where every run counted, Sai Sudharsan stood tall for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 Final against Chennai Super Kings. At just 21 years of age, Sudharsan showed maturity beyond his years, smashing an aggressive 96 off 47 balls. With clean timing, fierce intent, and fearless shot selection, he punished the CSK bowlers with clinical precision.
What made the knock special was the composure under pressure and the acceleration in the death overs. Despite wickets falling at the other end, Sudharsan remained focused, hitting boundaries and sixes with style. Although Gujarat couldn’t defend the target, this innings remains one of the finest Powerful Knocks in IPL Final history from a young player.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
| 96 | 47 | 8 | 6 | CSK won by 5 wickets |
4. Faf du Plessis’ Match-Winning Composure vs KKR – IPL 2021 Final
Faf du Plessis was at his clinical best during the IPL 2021 Final, delivering one of the most Powerful Knocks in IPL Final history. Representing Chennai Super Kings, the South African veteran played a calm and composed knock of 86 off 59 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders. His innings wasn’t flashy but was filled with smart cricket, perfect placement, and timely boundaries.
Opening the innings, Faf anchored the CSK innings and ensured a steady flow of runs. He paced his innings beautifully first building a base and then accelerating in the last 10 overs. It was his solid start and controlled aggression that allowed others like Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad to bat freely around him. This performance stands out as one of the Powerful Knocks in IPL Final for its strategic value and calm execution.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
| 86 | 59 | 7 | 3 | CSK won by 27 runs |
3. Murali Vijay’s Explosive Knock vs RCB – IPL 2011 Final
Murali Vijay delivered one of the most explosive Powerful Knocks in IPL Final history in 2011 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, Vijay stormed his way to 95 runs off 52 balls, setting the tone right from the start. With RCB having a strong bowling attack, Vijay took them apart with sheer timing and powerful strokeplay.
What made his innings unique was the fearless approach. He was not afraid to step out and go over the top, and he managed to maintain a healthy strike rate throughout his stay. His efforts gave CSK a commanding total, and the team went on to win the match comfortably. Vijay’s innings not only gave CSK momentum but also displayed what dominance looks like in an IPL final.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
| 95 | 52 | 4 | 6 | CSK won by 58 runs |
2. Wriddhiman Saha’s Stunning Century vs KKR – IPL 2014 Final
Wriddhiman Saha, primarily known for his wicketkeeping, stunned the world with the bat in the IPL 2014 Final. Representing Kings XI Punjab, Saha hammered an unbeaten 115 off 55 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders. This innings, now remembered as one of the most Powerful Knocks in IPL Final history, made him the first player to score a century in an IPL Final, marking a historic moment.
Saha was relentless with his attack. He started cautiously but quickly shifted gears, taking on both pace and spin bowlers. His elegant drives, brutal pulls, and powerful lofts over the ropes made it one of the most complete innings ever witnessed on this stage. Though KKR eventually chased down the target, Saha’s innings remains one of the most graceful and Powerful Knocks in IPL Final history.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
| 115* | 55 | 10 | 8 | KKR won by 3 wickets |
1. Shane Watson’s Unstoppable Century vs SRH – IPL 2018 Final
At the top of the list is a legendary performance by Shane Watson in the IPL 2018 Final. Playing for Chennai Super Kings against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Watson scored a magical 117 off 57 balls*, one of the greatest Powerful Knocks in IPL Final history. The most surprising part? He took 10 balls to get off the mark before launching into a brutal onslaught.
Watson was unstoppable once he found his rhythm. He smashed 11 fours and 8 sixes, treating the Wankhede crowd to a batting masterclass. His ability to pick length early and clear the ropes with ease completely dismantled SRH’s bowling plans. Watson’s hundred single-handedly won CSK the title, and this performance is still talked about as the gold standard of a match-winning final knock.
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
| 117* | 57 | 11 | 8 | CSK won by 8 wkts |
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