Rajasthan Overcome a 223-Run Deficit

In the most recent edition of the IPL, spectators were in for a treat as Kings XI Punjab faced off against Rajasthan Royals on September 27th, 2020. Over the years, the one-time winners of the competition have been no strangers to overcoming unlikely scores. Back in 2008, they chased down the Delhi Capitals’ tally of 214 to runs, winning with one ball left. However, 12 years later, they bettered that achievement. 

Although they finished the competition in eighth spot, the side previously captained by Steve Smith delivered the highest run chase in IPL history and one of the highest ever in cricket. Following an impressive 69 and 106 from KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, respectively, Kings XI ended their innings on 223/2. While history indicated that surpassing such a total would be difficult, Rajasthan are one of few teams to have proved themselves capable of overturning a plus-200 return. 

After England’s Jos Buttler was dismissed for four runs by Sheldon Cottrell, their hopes of staying in the match looked unlikely. However, despite a below-par tournament for Smith, he stepped up to the plate, hitting a 27-ball half-century. While Rahul Tewatia also recorded a half-century, Sanju Samson carried the franchise over the line. Impressively, he hit 85 off 42 balls before caught by Rahul following a Mohammed Shami delivery. Not only did Smith’s team record a total of 226, but they did so with three balls to spare.   

Chris Gayle’s 66-ball 175

From unprecedented run chases to outrageous individual scores, the IPL has had everything over the past 13 years. When highlighting the competition’s best moments, Chris Gayle has to feature. Not only does he hold the record for the fastest century ever, but he also leads the way regarding the highest individual score in the history of 20-over cricket. 

In April 2013, the Royal Challengers Bangalore played Pune Warriors India, who dissolved following the tournament's conclusion. Unfortunately for Sahara Pune Warriors, they faced the task of chasing down 263, the fourth-highest T20 score ever. At the time, however, it was the record total in 20-over cricket. This match itself was littered with accomplishments, and Gayle was at the heart of an incredible triumph.   

As per ESPN Cricinfo, Gayle opened the batting and hit 175 off 66 balls. His record-setting total included 13 fours and 17 sixes, while his strike rate sat at 265.15. To date, his knock is yet to be beaten. Australia’s Aaron Finch came close in July 2018 against Zimbabwe, hitting 172 off 76 deliveries, before being bowled by Blessing Muzarabani. In terms of the IPL, few have got near Gayle’s score, with the second-highest tally being 158 from 73 balls in the first edition of the competition. 

Mumbai’s Record-Setting Fifth Title

On the subject of records, the Mumbai Indians have created something of a dynasty since the IPL began 13 years ago. After the 11th edition of the competition, Mumbai and the Chennai Super Kings each had three titles to their name. However, since then, Rohit Sharma’s team have asserted their dominance on the most lucrative 20-over tournament in world cricket. After beating the franchise captained by MS Dhoni in 2019 by one run, the Mumbai Indians tightened their grip on the IPL the following year. 

After topping the league phase with nine wins in 14 matches, Mumbai then beat the Delhi Capitals in both the play-off and IPL final to clinch their fifth title. Match-winning scores of 68 and 33 from Sharma and Ishan Kishan, respectively, fired the franchise to a five-wicket victory. 

Because of their unprecedented recent success, the Mumbai Indians are among the favourites to win the competition again in 2021 at many of the best IPL betting sites. Having predicted that Sharma was a player to watch in 2020, and ahead of the 14th edition of the event, Asiabet continues to provide prospective bettors with insightful guides to help maximise the prospect of placing successful wagers. Through the review sites listed operators, players can explore outright markets, which may appeal to those backing Mumbai to win three consecutive IPL titles. 

Moments That Will Live Long in the Memory

Few can argue that the IPL ever fails to deliver. On the grandest stages and with the cricket's most famous names, the competition always finds a way to raise the bar each and every year. Although unlikely, who’s to say that Gayle’s record won’t be beaten in 2021, or Chennai won’t pull a title back on Mumbai? The tournament produces unforgettable moments, and the 14th edition is shaping up to be no different.