Top 5 greatest IPL playoffs batting knocks of all time

The Indian Premier League has produced countless unforgettable moments, but the playoffs are where legends are truly made. The pressure and magnitude of knockout cricket often bring out the very best in players. Over the years, several batters have delivered extraordinary performances in IPL playoffs and finals, producing knocks that are still remembered by fans across the world.

As the ongoing 2026 edition of the cash-rich tournament heads toward another exciting conclusion with four franchises chasing a second title, it is the perfect time to revisit five of the greatest playoff innings in the league’s history.

Here are the top five greatest IPL playoffs knocks of all time:

5. Manish Pandey (KKR vs KXIP), IPL 2014 Final

One of the most iconic playoff innings came from Manish Pandey during the IPL 2014 final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab in Bengaluru. Punjab posted a massive 199/4 after brilliant contributions from Wriddhiman Saha and Manan Vohra. Saha played one of the greatest innings ever seen in an IPL final, smashing an unbeaten 115 off just 55 balls. Chasing nearly 200 in a final is never easy, especially under pressure, but Pandey produced the innings of his life.

The right-hander attacked from the beginning and completely changed the momentum of the match with his fearless strokeplay. He scored 94 runs from only 50 deliveries, including seven boundaries and six sixes at a strike rate close to 190. His partnership with Yusuf Pathan shifted the game decisively in KKR’s favour, helping them chase the target with three balls remaining and secure their second IPL trophy.

4. Manvinder Bisla (KKR vs CSK), IPL 2012 Final

Another unforgettable KKR final performance came two years earlier in the IPL 2012 final against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. CSK were aiming for a historic third consecutive IPL title and looked in complete control after posting 190/3. Suresh Raina and Michael Hussey played superb innings to put Chennai in a commanding position.

However, KKR wicketkeeper-batter Manvinder Bisla stunned everyone with a fearless counterattack. Opening the innings, Bisla took on the CSK bowlers with incredible confidence and aggression. He smashed 89 runs off just 48 balls, hitting eight fours and five sixes. His attacking approach ensured KKR stayed ahead in the chase despite the mounting pressure of a final. Alongside Jacques Kallis, Bisla built the foundation for a memorable victory that helped Kolkata lift their maiden IPL trophy.

3. Ben Cutting (SRH vs RCB), IPL 2016 Final

The IPL 2016 final between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru witnessed one of the most destructive late-order cameos in playoff history. While captain David Warner played a brilliant innings of 69 from 38 balls, it was Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting who delivered the knockout punch. Batting in the death overs, Cutting tore apart the RCB bowling attack with extraordinary hitting power.

He remained unbeaten on 39 off just 15 deliveries at a staggering strike rate of 260, smashing four sixes and three boundaries. His assault pushed Hyderabad to a massive total of 208/7. In response, RCB fought hard through Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, but SRH held their nerve to win by eight runs. Cutting also contributed with the ball, completing one of the finest all-round playoff performances in IPL history.

2. Suresh Raina (CSK vs KXIP), IPL 2014 [Qualifier 2]

Few innings in IPL history can match the sheer brutality of Suresh Raina’s unbelievable knock against Kings XI Punjab in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2014 at the Wankhede Stadium. Punjab had posted a gigantic 226/6 thanks to a sensational century from Virender Sehwag. Chasing such a target in a knockout game looked almost impossible, but Raina nearly pulled off a miracle single-handedly. Walking in early, the left-hander unleashed one of the most breathtaking batting displays ever seen in T20 cricket.

He raced to 87 runs from only 25 balls, hammering 12 fours and six sixes at an astonishing strike rate of 348. Raina reached fifty in just 16 deliveries and completely stunned the Punjab bowlers with his fearless hitting. Although Chennai eventually lost the match by 24 runs, the innings remains one of the greatest ever played in IPL playoffs because of the pressure and unbelievable tempo at which he scored.

1. Shane Watson (CSK vs MI), IPL 2019 Final

The final spot belongs to Shane Watson for his heroic effort in the IPL 2019 final between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad. Mumbai posted a modest total of 149/8, with CSK bowlers producing an excellent performance led by Deepak Chahar and Imran Tahir. During the chase, wickets kept falling at the other end, but Watson stood firm and carried Chennai’s hopes almost alone.

He battled with immense pressure and physical pain and scored a courageous 80 off 59 balls, striking eight fours and four sixes. In one of the most dramatic moments in IPL history, Watson was run out in the final over as Mumbai secured a thrilling one-run victory. Later, fans discovered that Watson had batted despite bleeding from his leg, making the innings even more legendary.