The most popular cricket league in the world today, the IPL or Indian Premier League, is a 14-year-old tournament that has been successful with its unique format for the game. Home to some of the greatest talent across the globe, the IPL is filled with historical moments throughout the years. There is a sheer amount of fans and supporters all eager to participate in one way or another, which has also helped spur the growth of other industries around it, such as the betting industry. Nowadays, almost any betting site would offer IPL betting.
Apart from that, the IPL has also seen a rise in exciting moments over the years. Here’s a look at 10 of these moments in IPL history.
McCullum Scored 158 off 73 Balls
The world was treated to a spectacle of unparalleled cricketing brilliance and skill in the inaugural season. The Mumbai Indians were playing against Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chris Gayle had set a target of 213 runs.
McCullum scored only six runs off his first nine balls. He then unleashed an onslaught that would not be stopped for the next 54 balls. His innings included 15 fours, 10 sixes and 158 runs off just 73 balls.
Dhoni Scored 51 off 20 Balls Against Mumbai Indians
Dhoni scored 51 off 20 balls with a strike rate of 255 against Mumbai Indians in 2012. He made it to the pitch with Faf Du Plessis in the 15th over. MS Dhoni and Faf Du Plessis played the rest of the overs with a magnificent partnership scoring 91 runs in just five overs. Dhoni smashed four sixes and five fours.
Ganguly’s Celebration
Ganguly famously celebrated Kevin Pietersen’s wicket when he bowled his first ever over in the IPL in 2012. Ganguly’s wild celebrations eclipsed his Lord’s topless celebration as India captain.
De Villiers Scored 47 off 17 Balls
In the 2012 season, De Villiers scored 47 runs off just 17 balls against the Deccan Chargers. This was one of the most explosive performances by a South African in the IPL.
Sohail Tanvir Got 6 Wickets for 14 Runs
In the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League, Sohail Tanvir took six wickets for 14 runs in the match against Chennai Super Kings.
Rajasthan Royals Chased 217
In a thrilling match of the Indian Premier League, Rajasthan Royals chased down 217 runs against Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad. Royals batters Rahul Dravid (53) and Yusuf Pathan (72) set about chasing down the target for their team, with Yusuf, in particular, showing some stunning power hitting. However, Shane Watson secured victory for Rajasthan Royals with two boundaries off his first two balls faced.
Dwayne Smith Scored14 Runs in 3 Balls
In 2012, Dwayne Smith scored 14 runs in just three balls against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Although not that big of a score, Dwayne helped the Mumbai Indians get over the line with his contribution.
Amit Mishra Hat-Trick
Amit Mishra’s hat-trick against the Pune Warriors in 2013 was the first in IPL history and his third overall.
Michael Hussey’s 116 in 54 Balls
Michael Hussey was at his best as he scored 116 runs in 54 balls in the Indian Premier League. In 2008, the batsman smashed 11 fours and seven sixes to hammer the bowlers into submission.
Steven Smith’s Acrobatic Fielding
Steven Smith’s acrobatic fielding in the IPL hasn’t just been confined to the regular season. His one-handed catch to dismiss Ajinkya Rahane during the final of the 2014 IPL is now a part of a list of memorable moments in the IPL’s history.
Wrapping Up
The IPL has been nothing short of an entertainment and cricketing extravaganza, with each edition making headlines for many reasons. The IPL has always been a force to reckon with regarding viewership, and it doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.