IPL 2016 Final, The 2016 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) delivered one of the most electrifying finals in the tournament’s history. On May 29, 2016, the stage was set at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, with over 30,000 roaring fans cheering on for their favorite stars. The clash? Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)—a dream final featuring some of the biggest names in world cricket. But when the dust settled, it was David Warner’s SRH who emerged as the surprise champions, claiming their first-ever IPL title.
Let’s rewind the clock and relive that magical night when SRH outgunned the mighty RCB in their own fortress.
The Build-Up: Clash of Titans
RCB entered the final with sky-high confidence. Why wouldn’t they? Virat Kohli was in god-mode form, having smashed 973 runs in the season—the most by any player in a single IPL edition. Alongside him, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and KL Rahul were setting the stage on fire.
On the other side stood the underdogs, SRH, led by the aggressive Australian, David Warner. Though not boasting the same star power in batting, their strength lay in a balanced side and an all-guns-blazing bowling attack featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Ben Cutting.
The final promised fireworks, and boy, did it deliver!
Warner’s Gamble: Choosing to Bat First
IPL 2016 Final, After winning the toss, Warner chose to bat first, defying the convention of chasing at the Chinnaswamy, a ground known for high scores. It was a bold move—one that signaled confidence. Warner knew his team had the bowling firepower to defend a total, but he also needed his batters to deliver the goods.
SRH Innings: Warner and Cutting Steal the Show
SRH got off to a flier thanks to their captain. David Warner, in red-hot form throughout the season, led from the front. He smashed a blistering 69 off 38 balls, setting the tone early and putting pressure on RCB’s bowlers.
But the real game-changer came in the form of Ben Cutting, who unleashed a hurricane towards the end. His unbeaten 39 off just 15 balls, which included four sixes, propelled SRH to a massive 208/7 in 20 overs.
Cutting didn’t just contribute with the bat; his monstrous six off Shane Watson in the final over, which landed on the stadium roof, became an iconic moment.
Top SRH Contributors:
- David Warner – 69 (38)
- Yuvraj Singh – 38 (23)
- Ben Cutting – 39* (15)
RCB’s Power Start: Gayle and Kohli Bring the Storm
IPL 2016 Final, In response, RCB looked like they would run away with the match. Chris Gayle turned the clock back with a vintage knock. He blasted 76 off 38 balls, including 8 massive sixes. At the other end, Kohli kept things ticking, adding 54 off 35.
With the scoreboard reading 114/0 in just 10 overs, RCB seemed to be cruising toward the target. But cricket is a game of uncertainties, and what followed was a dramatic collapse that left fans stunned.
The Turning Point: SRH Fight Back
Enter Ben Cutting again. He broke the opening partnership by removing Gayle in the 11th over. Then came a brilliant over from Bipul Sharma, who dismissed the dangerous Kohli. Suddenly, RCB were 114/2, and pressure began to creep in.
The required run rate climbed, and the middle order stuttered. AB de Villiers was dismissed for just 5 runs, and RCB’s famed batting line-up fell like a house of cards.
The final over saw RCB needing 18 runs to win. But with wickets tumbling and the momentum lost, they fell short. RCB ended at 200/7, handing SRH an 8-run victory.
Final Scorecard Summary
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 208/7 (20 overs)
- David Warner – 69 (38)
- Ben Cutting – 39* (15)
- Yuvraj Singh – 38 (23)
Royal Challengers Bangalore: 200/7 (20 overs)
- Chris Gayle – 76 (38)
- Virat Kohli – 54 (35)
- AB de Villiers – 5 (6)
SRH won by 8 runs
Man of the Match: Ben Cutting
IPL 2016 Final, With a fiery 39* and crucial figures of 2/35, Ben Cutting deservingly walked away with the Man of the Match award. His all-round performance proved to be the X-factor in this high-stakes encounter.
Bhuvneshwar & Mustafizur: The Silent Assassins
While Warner and Cutting grabbed the limelight, SRH’s bowling duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mustafizur Rahman silently did the job.
- Bhuvi, the Purple Cap winner of the season, held his nerve in the death overs.
- Mustafizur, the “Fizz” from Bangladesh, was unpredictable and unplayable with his cutters.
Their tight spells in the last five overs made all the difference.
Warner’s Captaincy: Tactical Brilliance
David Warner was not just a run-machine in IPL 2016; he was also a tactical mastermind. His aggressive field placements, bowling changes, and belief in his players paid off beautifully.
While Kohli had the flashier team on paper, Warner had a well-oiled machine—and he used every cog effectively.
RCB’s Missed Opportunity: Another Final, Another Heartbreak
For RCB, the IPL 2016 final added another chapter to their book of near-misses. Despite having the most dominant batting line-up, they couldn’t hold their nerves on the big night.
It was their third IPL final loss, having previously been runners-up in 2009 and 2011. Fans were left heartbroken yet again, as the elusive title continued to slip away.
Legacy of the 2016 Final
The 2016 IPL Final is remembered as one of the most thrilling contests in the league’s history. It showcased:
- The rise of an underdog team with self-belief.
- A complete team performance over individual brilliance.
- The importance of all-rounders like Ben Cutting in T20 cricket.
It also marked the start of SRH’s reputation as a team with one of the most fearsome bowling attacks in the league.
Where Are They Now?
- David Warner went on to become one of IPL’s most successful captains and a fan-favorite across franchises.
- Virat Kohli stepped down from RCB’s captaincy in 2021, still chasing that maiden IPL trophy.
- Ben Cutting‘s 2016 final heroics remain a career highlight, though his IPL appearances reduced in later seasons.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar continued to be a consistent performer for SRH and Now he is in the RCB squad
- Mustafizur Rahman became a T20 globe-trotter, impressing in leagues worldwide.
Read More: Inside the Epic India vs England Test Rivalry: Blood, Bouncers, and Brilliance
Conclusion
The IPL 2016 final was more than just a cricket match. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, strategies, brilliance, and heartbreak. SRH’s victory wasn’t just about lifting a trophy—it was about belief, resilience, and teamwork.
Against the odds, on a night where RCB looked destined to win, the Sunrisers rose high, wrote history, and gave fans a finale that will be remembered for generations.
