The Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs are more than just results they are moments etched into the heart of cricket fans forever. These nail-biting contests showcase the finest blend of strategy, nerves, and clutch performances. From last-ball finishes to unthinkable turnarounds, these matches prove that even a single run can define champions.
Let’s explore the Top 5 Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs, starting from rank 5 to the most dramatic final ever.
List of Top 5 Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – 8 Runs (2016 Final)
In the 2016 IPL Final, Sunrisers Hyderabad took on the high-flying Royal Challengers Bangalore at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. David Warner, leading from the front, smashed a blazing 69, helping SRH reach a strong total of 208/7. The explosive batting from Ben Cutting in the death overs proved vital.
RCB’s chase started with fireworks. Chris Gayle’s 76 off 38 and Virat Kohli’s 54 kept RCB in a commanding position. But once the duo departed, SRH mounted a stunning comeback through disciplined bowling by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mustafizur Rahman. In the end, RCB fell short by 8 runs, giving SRH their maiden title in a high-scoring classic.
| Detail | Value |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| SRH Score | 208/7 (20 overs) |
| RCB Score | 200/7 (20 overs) |
| Margin of Victory | 8 Runs |
This contest stands as one of the Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs, showcasing the importance of calm under pressure.
4. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings – 6 Runs (2025 Final)
In the high-pressure 2025 IPL Final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore faced Punjab Kings in a match that went down to the wire. Batting first, RCB posted a competitive score of 190/9, with several batters chipping in rather than relying on a single big knock.
England opener Phil Salt gave a brisk start before falling for 16 off 9 balls (2 fours, 1 six, SR 177.78). Captain Rajat Patidar, despite the pressure of leadership, showed great composure with a 26-run knock off 16 balls, striking at 162.50. Mayank Agarwal contributed a useful 24 off 18, while Romario Shepherd added a quick 17 off 9 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking in the death overs. However, Arshdeep Singh’s fiery spell disrupted the RCB innings, claiming three key wickets, including Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar cheaply.
The real game-changer was Krunal Pandya, who bowled a tight spell of 4-0-17-0 at an economy of just 4.20, squeezing the run flow during the middle overs. Mystery spinner Suyash Sharma added pressure with 2-0-19-0, while Romario Shepherd held his nerve at the death, delivering 3-0-30-1 despite some big hits. It ended with Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning by 6 runs, marking a glorious moment in their franchise history and etching this match into the list of Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs.
| Detail | Value |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| RCB Score | 190/9 (20 overs) |
| PBKS Score | 184/7 (20 overs) |
| Margin of Victory | 6 Runs |
This victory entered the list of the Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs, marking RCB’s first-ever IPL title and breaking their long-standing drought.
3. Deccan Chargers vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – 6 Runs (2009 Final)
The 2009 IPL Final was historic not just for the close result, but also because it was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, due to general elections in India. Deccan Chargers, led by Adam Gilchrist, posted 143/6 after some steady batting by Herschelle Gibbs and Andrew Symonds.
RCB, in response, struggled to find momentum against a disciplined bowling unit. Despite Roelof van der Merwe and Ross Taylor fighting it out, the Chargers held their nerve. With RP Singh and Harmeet Singh defending in the final overs, DC won by 6 runs, lifting their first IPL trophy. Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs.
| Detail | Value |
| Venue | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| SRH Score | 143/6 (20 overs) |
| RCB Score | 137/9 (20 overs) |
| Margin of Victory | 6 Runs |
One of the earliest examples of the Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs, this match showed that even low totals can be defended with determination.
2. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – 1 Run (2019 Final)
The 2019 IPL Final, played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, featured a legendary clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. MI batted first and put up 149/8, with Kieron Pollard’s unbeaten 41 being the saving grace of an otherwise struggling lineup.
CSK’s chase was dominated by Shane Watson, who hammered 80 runs, including 4 sixes. But the MI bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga, delivered perfect overs under extreme pressure. With 2 runs needed off the last ball, Malinga’s slower yorker trapped Shardul Thakur LBW. MI won by 1 run in what became an all-time classic. Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs.
| Detail | Value |
| Venue | Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad |
| SRH Score | 149/8 (20 overs) |
| RCB Score | 148/7 (20 overs) |
| Margin of Victory | 1 Run |
This iconic thriller remains one of the Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs, proving why MI are masters of clutch moments.
1. Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant – 1 Run (2017 Final)
The 2017 IPL Final, also played in Hyderabad, is remembered as one of the tensest IPL matches ever. Mumbai Indians could only manage 129/8, with Krunal Pandya scoring a gritty 47. It seemed like an easy chase for RPS, led by Steve Smith and Ajinkya Rahane.
However, MI’s bowlers executed a perfect defense. Mitchell Johnson bowled a brilliant last over, holding his nerve as RPS needed 11 off the final six balls. With 2 runs needed off the last delivery, Johnson nailed his yorker, and RPS fell short by 1 run.
| Detail | Value |
| Venue | Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad |
| SRH Score | 129/8 (20 overs) |
| RCB Score | 128/6 (20 overs) |
| Margin of Victory | 1 Run |
This match tops the list of Narrowest Wins in IPL Final History by Runs, highlighting how champions are made in the tightest of moments.
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