The Indian Premier League provides one of the best cricketing contests of all. It brings together some of the best players from around the world to play for some of the most well-known franchises. The famous cricket league also offers generous prize money to the winning team every year, with the 2020 edition offering over $6.5 million.
Mumbai Indians have the distinction of being the most successful team in the history of the league, winning the title on an incredible five occasions. Chennai Super Kings are close behind with four IPL trophies followed by Kolkata Knight Riders who have won the competition twice in 2012 and 2014.
The 2023 edition of the IPL is currently underway with all ten teams vying to become the champions this year. Gujarat Lions are being regarded as favourites by betting fans who are backing the team through bet365 IPL offer. However, the chances of Lucknow SuperGiants and Royal Challengers Bangalore cannot be disregarded as they boast a lot of quality as well.
1- Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (2019 IPL final)
This was one of the most thrilling IPL finals ever. Both sides put out their best efforts and in the end the game of cricket won.
Mumbai Indians came out to bat first but their top order failed to make a good start. However, the Rohit Sharma-led side managed to reach a decent 149 target thanks to Kieron Pollard’s quickfire 41 runs knock.
In response, Chennai Super Kings made a good start to their innings. Faf du Plessis contributed 26 runs and created a good opening stand with Shane Watson. But once the South African departed, wickets kept falling regularly with Jasprit Bumrah bowling a brilliant spell.
A huge effort from Watson kept his side in the game despite batting with a bloodied knee. But his 80 runs knock couldn’t help CSK win as MI ultimately edged the contest by the margin of a single run.
2- Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2016 IPL final)
Royal Challengers Bangalore were favourites to win their first IPL title in 2016. Winning eight of their 14 matches, they made it to the playoffs after finishing second in the table.
After beating table toppers Gujarat Lions in the Qualifier 1, they confidently headed to the final aiming to lift their first trophy. Bangalore came up against Sunrisers Hyderabad who were also playing their first final.
SRH batted first and set up an almighty target thanks to some superb batting. Opener David Warner hit eight boundaries and three sixers to reach 69 off just 38 deliveries. Yuvraj Singh and Ben Cutting also chipped in with 38 and 39 runs knock respectively as the Orange Army made 208 in 20 overs.
RCB made a spectacular start to their innings with Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli forming a solid opening stand. With the help of eight sixes, Gayle struck 76 off just 38 balls. While Kohli also completed his half-century after hitting five boundaries and two sixers.
But the partnership was ultimately broken by Ben Cutting who took the wicket of the dangerous Jamaican batsman. From that point onward, wickets kept tumbling and Bangalore ultimately fell short by just eight runs.
Cutting claimed two scalps while Mustafizur Rahman and Bipul Sharma also took two wickets as the Sunrisers sealed their first IPL title.
3- Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant (2017 IPL final)
Rising Pune Supergiant failed to shine in their first year in the Indian Premier League in 2016. But they made a huge comeback the following year, finishing second in the table after collecting 18 points from 14 matches.
RPS beat Mumbai in the Qualifier 1 but the two teams faced each other again in the final after MI won the Qualifier 2. Mumbai elected to bat first after winning the toss but found it hard to score runs against the RPS bowlers. With Krunal Pandya scoring 47 off 38 balls, MI managed to reach a total of 129 in 20 overs.
The low total suggested RPS will easily get to the target. However, they faced huge difficulties during the chase due to a brilliant bowling performance from the opposition.
RPS needed 11 runs in the final over with Steve Smith still on the crease. However, Mitchell Johnson bowled one of the best overs of his career as Mumbai won by one run to lift their third IPL trophy.
IPL matches are very popular among cricket fans but it is also starting to appeal to a lot of betting enthusiasts. The Grand National betting is probably one of the most famous of all but cricket offers unique betting opportunities as well. Its rules are simple while its matches are very exciting, thus making it a popular choice for punters.
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