Punjab Kings delivered a statement performance under pressure, outclassing Mumbai Indians by five wickets in a thrilling IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 clash at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing a steep target of 204 runs in a do-or-die encounter, PBKS showcased composure and explosive batting, with captain Shreyas Iyer leading from the front sublimely. The high-stakes atmosphere didn’t faze Punjab, who timed their chase to perfection, reaching 207/5 in just 19 overs to secure a historic berth in the IPL 2025 final, where they will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3. This marks Punjab’s first final appearance since 2014, ending a decade-long wait with a spirited all-round display.

Mumbai set the Stage with 203 but fell short in the crucial moments

Mumbai put up a competitive 203/6 after being asked to bat first, a total that looked imposing on a slightly tacky pitch. Suryakumar Yadav once again proved why he’s among the most dangerous T20 batters in the world, smashing 44 off 26 balls with a blend of finesse and flair, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Tilak suretoo, impressed with an equally effective 44 off 29 deliveries, anchoring the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Despite their power-packed middle-order efforts, MI struggled to fully capitalize in the death overs, as Punjab’s bowlers delivered timely breakthroughs. Azmatullah Omarzai emerged as the standout performer with the ball, scalping 2 wickets and conceding 43 runs in his four overs. His dismissals Hardik Pandya and Naman Naman broke MI’s rhythm and curtailed their charge in the final overs. Mumbai’s total, although challenging, was ultimately insufficient against a hungry Punjab side determined to rewrite their playoff history.

Shreyas Iyer’s masterclass: A Captain’s knock under pressure for Punjab Kings

What followed in the chase was a masterclass from Punjab skipper Shreyas, who turned the pressure-packed contest into a personal statement of authority. Walking in early after a brisk opening stand, Iyer launched an all-out assault on the Mumbai bowlers. His blistering 87 off just 41 deliveries included 5 crisp boundaries and an astonishing 8 sixes that lit up the Ahmedabad skyline. From lofted drives to wristy flicks and brute power, Iyer displayed the full range of his T20 arsenal. He rotated the strike intelligently early on and then unleashed a series of towering sixes to accelerate the innings post the 10th over.

Backing Iyer superbly was Nehal wadhera, who played the perfect supporting hand with a composed 48 off 29 balls. Wadhera rotated the strike well, took on the spinners when required, and maintained Punjab’s required run rate even as wickets occasionally fell at the other end. His partnership with Iyer broke the back of the chase, with the duo combining for a match-winning stand that left Mumbai reeling.

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