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In the high-stakes world of the IPL, no moment is more thrilling — or more feared — than the final over. This is when heroes are made, hearts are broken, and games are decided by inches. These last-over masterclasses are not just about big hits or perfect yorkers — they’re about nerves, tactics, and execution under extreme pressure.
Let’s rewind and relive the Top 10 Last-Over Masterclasses in IPL history — the ones that defined careers and made jaws drop.
1. MS Dhoni vs PBKS – 2010 (Chennai)
19 runs in the final over
Needing 16 off the last 6, Dhoni delivered an ice-cold last-over masterclass, smashing Irfan Pathan for 4, 2, 6, and 6. The last shot over long-on was vintage Dhoni — calm, calculated, and deadly.
Why It’s Iconic:
It sent CSK to the playoffs and started Dhoni’s legend as the ultimate finisher.
2. Albie Morkel vs RCB – 2012 (Chennai)
28 off Virat Kohli’s over
It was pure madness. Morkel launched into Kohli with 3 sixes and 2 fours in one of the most explosive last-over masterclasses in the IPL. The run-chase was suddenly alive — and eventually successful.
Why It’s Iconic:
Chennai pulled off the impossible — and Kohli learned the hard way about bowling the final over.
3. Jasprit Bumrah vs RCB – 2017 (Mumbai)
Defended 7 runs
When everyone thought RCB would chase it down, Bumrah bowled yorker after yorker. He only gave 3 runs and claimed a wicket. This was a bowling last-over masterclass.
Why It’s Iconic:
Bumrah’s death bowling reputation began here. Cool under pressure.
4. Andre Russell vs SRH – 2021 (Kolkata)
20 runs in 6 balls
Russell walked in and took Rashid Khan apart — no one does that. A six over deep midwicket and a no-look smash defined this power-packed last-over masterclass.
Why It’s Iconic:
Russell vs Rashid? And Russell won. That’s elite.
5. Tewatia vs PBKS – 2020 (Sharjah)
5 Sixes in the Last 18 Balls
Tewatia looked down and out — but turned into a monster. He hit Sheldon Cottrell for 5 sixes in one over in one of the most ridiculous last-over masterclasses ever seen.
Why It’s Iconic:
It was the greatest comeback within an innings. RR chased 224!
6. Mohit Sharma vs MI – 2023 Qualifier 2
Defended 12 runs under pressure
Bowling to SKY and Tim David, Mohit nailed his yorkers. He bowled a wicket maiden to finish — one of the coolest last-over masterclasses from a seasoned bowler under IPL pressure.
Why It’s Iconic:
It sealed GT’s spot in the IPL final and left MI stunned.
7. Kieron Pollard vs CSK – 2021 (Delhi)
87 off 34 including 2 sixes in last over*
Pollard destroyed Ngidi with two sixes in the final over to seal a record chase for MI. His unbeaten knock included huge shots and perfect last-over mastery.
Why It’s Iconic:
Pollard proved why he’s one of the scariest IPL finishers ever.
8. Arshdeep Singh vs RR – 2022
Defended 11 runs with deadly yorkers
In a must-win game, Arshdeep bowled four yorkers, conceded just 5 runs, and helped PBKS snatch a last-over win.
Why It’s Iconic:
A young bowler, high pressure, and elite execution — a rising death bowling star.
9. Rinku Singh vs GT – 2023 (Ahmedabad)
5 Sixes in 5 Balls
Rinku Singh needed 28 off 5 — and he did it. He hit Yash Dayal for five straight sixes, pulling off one of the most unbelievable last-over masterclasses in T20 history.
Why It’s Iconic:
It wasn’t just finishing. It was rewriting the definition of possible.
10. Lasith Malinga vs CSK – 2019 Final
Defended 9 in last over — Won the Title
With 9 to defend in the IPL Final, Malinga mixed slower balls and toe-crushing yorkers. Last ball, one run needed — Malinga trapped Shardul plumb LBW.
Why It’s Iconic:
It was a last-over masterclass under peak pressure to win a title.
Why Last-Over Masterclasses Define IPL
- They decide championships.
- They make superstars overnight.
- They are the highlights fans replay for years.
Whether it’s a six to win or a perfect yorker to close, last-over masterclasses turn matches into memories.
In IPL’s chaotic, colorful world, it’s often the last over that decides who writes history. From Rinku Singh’s impossible miracle to Dhoni’s classic calm, these last-over masterclasses remind us why the IPL is cricket’s biggest theatre.
With nerves of steel, power, and precision, these heroes didn’t just finish games — they created iconic moments that fans will never forget.
Q1: What is a Last-Over Masterclass in IPL?
A Last-Over Masterclass refers to a standout performance in the final over of a match—either by a batter chasing down a target with nerves of steel or a bowler defending a tight total under immense pressure.
Q5: Which IPL season had the most last-over thrillers?
IPL 2020 and 2023 featured several close finishes, with multiple games being decided in the final over or even going to Super Overs.
Q6: How do teams prepare for last-over scenarios?
Teams practice under simulated pressure situations, identify designated finishers and death bowlers, and use data to analyze opposition patterns in tight finishes.