2016 IPL Final: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Ben Stokes' heroic century seals Sunrisers Hyderabad's maiden IPL title in a Kolkata thriller.
The 2016 IPL Final between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore stands as a defining moment in Indian Premier League history, marking the first title win for the Hyderabad franchise. While Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) were not participants in this specific match, the game is often cited by historians as a benchmark for high-pressure finals that influenced the league's competitive landscape. The encounter took place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, featuring a dramatic chase and a historic individual performance.
- Date
- May 29, 2016
- Venue
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Winner
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Man of the Match
- Ben Stokes
- Toss Winner
- Royal Challengers Bangalore
Lore & Background
The defining arc of the game was Ben Stokes' masterclass under extreme duress. After falling behind and losing wickets, Stokes partnered with David Warner to rebuild the innings before accelerating in the death overs. His ability to clear the boundary repeatedly against the RCB bowling attack turned a difficult situation into a triumph, creating a legacy moment that is still celebrated by fans of all franchises as one of the greatest final performances.
In Their Own Story
The humid air of Kolkata hung heavy over Eden Gardens, thick with anticipation and the roar of nearly ninety thousand fans. Under the floodlights, Ben Stokes stood at the crease, the weight of a franchise's history on his shoulders. As the bowler ran in for the final delivery needed to seal victory, time seemed to slow; the crowd held its breath, waiting for the bat to swing and the ball to fly into the night sky, cementing a legend.
Reader's Guide
Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and elected to bat first at Eden Gardens. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers provided a strong start, with Kohli scoring an unbeaten 60 before falling in the final over. Sunrisers Hyderabad began their innings cautiously but suffered early setbacks, losing wickets at crucial intervals to fall behind the required run rate. The tension mounted as the middle order struggled against the RCB spinners and pacers. Ben Stokes arrived at the crease with the team in trouble and proceeded to deliver a match-winning knock of 85 not out off just 57 balls. He hit six boundaries and four sixes, steering his team home with two balls to spare. The final over was a spectacle of pure drama, with Stokes hitting the winning runs on the penultimate ball. The stadium erupted as Sunrisers Hyderabad lifted their maiden IPL trophy in one of the most memorable finishes in tournament history.
Did You Know?
- Ben Stokes became the first player to score a century in an IPL final for Sunrisers Hyderabad, though his unbeaten 85 was the decisive innings.
- This was the second consecutive year that Royal Challengers Bangalore lost the IPL Final after losing to Mumbai Indians in 2015.
- The match featured a record-breaking partnership between David Warner and Ben Stokes which stabilized the chase.
- Eden Gardens hosted its first-ever IPL Final, adding to its legendary status as one of India's most iconic cricket venues.