Punjab Kings Won : Punjab Kings Make IPL History, Reach Final with Epic Win Over Mumbai Indians

In an electrifying contest that had everything a cricket fan could wish for — drama, big hits, and nerves of steel — Punjab Kings won a nail-biting IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 by five wickets, knocking Mumbai Indians out of the tournament in Ahmedabad.

With this victory, PBKS booked their ticket to the IPL final for the first time since 2014, where they’ll face the red-hot Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium. It’s been a season of high-octane performances, and this match delivered yet another blockbuster chapter in the IPL saga.

⏯️ Match Summary: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Qualifier 2

• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Date: May 26, 2025
• Result: Punjab Kings won by 5 wickets
• Star Performer: Shreyas Iyer – 87* off 41 balls (8 sixes)

🥊 First Innings: Mumbai Post a Competitive 203/6

After winning the toss, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer opted to field first — a decision that was both bold and tactical, considering the dew factor in evening matches at Ahmedabad.

Mumbai’s top and middle-order rose to the occasion. The ever-reliable Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma both pitched in with identical scores of 44 off 26 and 29 balls respectively. Their calculated aggression ensured MI maintained scoring momentum without losing their grip on wickets.

Punjab Kings won – Key contributions:

• Jonny Bairstow – 38 (24 balls)
• Tilak & Suryakumar’s 72-run partnership
• Naman Dhir – Crucial late knock of 37 (18 balls)

The team finished at 203/6, a total many considered above par on this surface. However, the real battle was yet to begin.

📉 PBKS Struggles in Powerplay — 10 Overs of Uncertainty

Chasing 204 is never easy under playoff pressure, and PBKS had a shaky start. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Madhwal bowled probing lines to restrict the openers, and by the 10th over, Punjab were noticeably behind the required rate.

This is where the innings could have fallen apart—but it didn’t.

🏏 Shreyas Iyer’s Masterclass Under Pressure

Punjab Kings won – Taking the reins as captain and batsman, Shreyas Iyer showcased leadership of the highest grade. Walking in during a tricky phase, Iyer immediately shifted gears and took calculated risks, especially against Mumbai’s pace trio.

for More on : Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Qualifier 2 – Live Cricket Score, Commentary

His match-winning 87* off just 41 balls included 8 towering sixes, which speaks volumes of both skill and mental tenacity.

• Strike Rate: 212.2
• Boundary Balls: 16
• Sixes: 8
• Fours: 5
• Chasing target achieved with 1 over to spare

What sets this innings apart is not just the power-hitting but also the awareness Iyer showed in rotating the strike and never letting dot balls build pressure. He played Bumrah with respect but punished the rest.

🔗 Nehal Wadhera and Josh Inglis: The Unsung Heroes

While Iyer rightfully walked away with the Player of the Match award, cricket is, after all, a team game. Two crucial partnerships kept PBKS in the chase:

• Josh Inglis: 38 off 21 balls – including 20 in one Bumrah over
• Nehal Wadhera: 48 off 29 balls – perfectly balanced aggression

The 84-run partnership between Iyer and Wadhera in just 47 balls turned the match on its head. Their understanding, running between the wickets, and ability to target bowlers intelligently was pivotal.

📊 Stat Nugget:

As per CricViz data, Punjab Kings had just a 24% win probability after the 10th over. By the 15th, that had reversed to a 68% chance following Iyer and Wadhera’s fireworks.

🔍 Bowling Insight: The Turning Point

Mumbai controlled the first 10 overs and looked likely to pull off a win. However, Reece Topley’s third over completely changed the momentum. PBKS picked 18 runs off it, and from that point, MI couldn’t contain the flow of runs.

Punjab’s own bowlers did remarkably well earlier to keep Mumbai in check after an aggressive start:

• Azmatullah Omarzai: 2/43 – smart variations at the death
• Kyle Jamieson & Vyshak Vijaykumar: Economical and impactful
• Yuzvendra Chahal: 1/39 – contained the middle overs effectively

📆 What’s Next? Final Showdown Awaits

With this win, Punjab Kings won a place in the final, setting up a historic clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Regardless of who wins, IPL 2025 will have its first-time champion.

Punjab Kings’ Road to the Final:

1. Group Stage: Finished 3rd with 16 points
2. Eliminator: Beat Chennai Super Kings
3. Qualifier 2: Beat Mumbai Indians by 5 wickets

You might Like this : Mi vs PBKS live: 5 Thrilling Moments That Changed IPL Qualifier 2

The build-up to the final is already electric. Both franchises have never held the IPL trophy, and both have passionate fanbases desperately awaiting their first title.

💬 Final Thoughts: A Captain’s Innings for the Ages

In T20 cricket, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of big-hitting and relentless pace. But moments like Shreyas Iyer’s gritty 87* remind us how essential temperament is when the stakes are high. Not just the shots, but the maturity, composure, and timing shown — it was a masterclass in chase dynamics.

Punjab Kings won — not just a match, but the hearts of millions watching in awe. From being considered underdogs to now vying for the cup, it has been a narrative of belief, smart leadership, and execution.

📢 Join Us for the Grand Finale!

The stage is set. One game remains. Will PBKS lift their maiden title or will RCB finally break their trophy drought? Join us Tuesday for the showdown that will end a thrilling IPL 2025 with a bang.

Stay tuned, and let the best team win!