Highest Successful Run Chases In IPL Playoffs

Soumyajit Dutta

Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis after PBKS won [Source: @IPL/X]Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis after PBKS won [Source: @IPL/X]

IPL Playoffs have been a game of absolute nerve and faith in oneself and one's team. While teams are already under pressure because of the gravity of the Playoffs, teams that chase down a target to grab their spot for the next stage have nerves of steel.

With several teams successfully chasing down targets to secure a place in the next stage or even lift the trophy, here's a look at the highest run chases in IPL Playoffs history.

5. CSK - 179 Runs vs SRH

Chennai Super Kings won the IPL 2018 final by chasing down 179 with ease inside 18.3 overs at Wankhede against SunRisers Hyderabad, thanks to a stunning unbeaten 117 off 57 balls from Shane Watson. Despite a slow start and early pressure, Watson exploded in the middle overs, targeting the weaker bowlers while CSK smartly played out Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. 

Earlier, CSK restricted Sunrisers Hyderabad to 178/6 with tight death bowling from Lungi Ngidi and Shardul Thakur. The win marked CSK’s third IPL title and a memorable comeback for the fans.

4. GT - 189 Runs vs RR

Gujarat Titans booked a spot in the IPL 2022 final with a dominant seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 1 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on May 24. 

Chasing 189, GT lost Wriddhiman Saha early but recovered through solid knocks from Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, and Hardik Pandya. David Miller stole the show with an unbeaten 68 off 38 balls, finishing the game with three consecutive sixes in the final over to seal the win in 19.3 overs.

3. KKR - 191 Runs vs CSK

One of the most iconic playoff chases was pulled by KKR back in 2012. Kolkata Knight Riders clinched their first IPL title with a stunning five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in the final at Chepauk on May 27. 

Chasing 191, KKR overcame the early loss of skipper Gambhir as Manvinder Bisla powered the reply with a blistering 89 off 48 balls. Jacques Kallis supported with a solid 69. Despite late hiccups, KKR reached 192/5 in 19.4 overs, with Manoj Tiwary hitting the winning runs and sealing a memorable victory.

2. KKR - 200 Runs vs KXIP

Kolkata Knight Riders make it again in the list with another iconic win two years after their maiden IPL title lift. KKR lifted their second IPL trophy with a dramatic 3-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the 2014 final, chasing down 200 with 3 balls to spare. 

Manish Pandey starred with a match-winning 94 off 50 balls, anchoring the chase after a shaky start. Earlier, Wriddhiman Saha had smashed an unbeaten 115 off 55 deliveries to help KXIP post a formidable 199/4. Karanveer Singh's 4-wicket haul threatened to derail KKR, but Piyush Chawla’s composed cameo sealed victory in the final over.

1. PBKS - 204 Runs vs MI

The highest run ever chased in the history of IPL playoffs is 204 by Punjab Kings. The Shreyas Iyer-led side scripted history with the recent conquest. Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a match-winning unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls as Punjab Kings defeated Mumbai Indians by five wickets in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025. 

Chasing 204, Iyer steadied the innings after early setbacks and powered the chase with five fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 212.19. His calm under pressure and aggressive stroke play guided PBKS to 207/5 in 19 overs, earning him the Player of the Match award and a spot in the IPL 2025 final.