Revisiting some of the electrifying final clashes ahead of IPL 2020 final

Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns with Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2020 final in Dubai. MI are the record four-time defending champions, while DC are playing their first-ever final. Before the fans witness this season’s final, let’s journey through some of the best IPL final matches.

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on its last day, which will see a clash of Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in the finals. As the mega match is awaited to be streamed from Dubai International Stadium in the UAE, let’s revisit some of the iconic IPL finals, to bring the viewers in the fiery mind frame.

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings - IPL 2019
The two best teams of the IPL history clashed in 2019 final, to bring out the unbelievable show, where MI clinched the title by just a run. 
Winning the toss, MI opted to bat first, and the decision backfired. As the top order fluked, the resting pulse of MI, Kieron Pollard smashed 41 off 25 balls and drove them to 149/8 at the end their innings. 
In return, CSK’s go-to batsman Faf du Plessis gave a good start. But, it was Shane Watson who won hearts, not just by playing the 80-run knock but playing despite having a bleeding knee.
The match couldn’t have been more close where, in the end, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah troubled Chennai's batting line-up, following which MI won the IPL crown for the fourth time.

Rising Pune Supergiant vs Mumbai Indians - IPL 2017
It was MS Dhoni’s team again who clashed with MI in the 2017 IPL final. The match concluded in MI’s win by just a run, following which they won their third IPL trophy. 
MI won the toss, decided to bat first and surprisingly, MI batting order slumped. Senior brother, Krunal Pandya played a crucial knock and scored 47 runs and took MI to 129/8 at the end of their innings. 
But, as MI is known for its frontline bowlers, they took the lead late despite a fantastic start by Steve Smith and Ajinkya Rahane. RPS, in the last over, required 11 runs to win. But, Mitchell Johnson, their ace pacer defended, and Mumbai rose to the final victory.
 

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore - IPL 2016
The 2016 IPL final was a high-scoring thriller, where SRH clashed with RCB. Both the teams were in a race to clinch the trophy for the first time.
SRH opted to bat first, winning the toss and their top-order struck, as they registered a total of 208/7 at the end of their innings. RCB, too, were confident, where Kohli and Gayle made a 100-plus run partnership. Following Gayle’s dismissal, the entire unit RCB collapsed. 
In the end, RCB lost the IPL trophy by just a slender margin of eight runs.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings - IPL 2012
2012 IPL was all expected to be won by CSK, as they were playing their fourth consecutive final. They clashed with KKR, who were playing their first-ever IPL final. 
CSK batted first and aggregated a massive total of 190/3 in their 20 overs innings. KKR were off to a poor start, as they lost the wicket of skipper Gautam Gambhir early. However, Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis came glorious for KKR, as they ensured a 136-run stand, which turned the match KKR's way. 
The match ended in KKR’s win by five wickets, who lifted the maiden title.

Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings - IPL 2008
RR triumphed in the very first IPL season, where they clashed with the most consistent team, CSK.
Winning the toss, Shane Warne-led Rajasthan opted to bowl. In the innings, CSK had managed to put a brilliant show of  163/5 at the end of their innings. 
Yusuf Pathan was the scintillating man for RR, as he scalped three wickets with the ball and played a smashing knock of 56 from just 39 balls. In the last over, RR needed eight to win, while Sohail Tanvir and skipper Shane Warne was on the crease. 
The match extended till the last ball, where RR won by three wickets and became the first-ever IPL winner.