Key Points
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) beat Mumbai Indians (MI) by 5 wickets in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 on June 1, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
- Shreyas Iyer scored an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, including 8 sixes, leading PBKS to chase 204 with an over to spare.
- This victory marked PBKS’s first IPL final since 2014, setting up a clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3, 2025.
Match Overview
In a thrilling IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 match, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 5 wickets, securing their place in the final. The match, held on June 1, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw MI post a challenging total of 203/6, thanks to contributions from Jonny Bairstow (38), Tilak Varma (44), Suryakumar Yadav (44), and Naman Dhir (37 off 18). PBKS chased down the target with an over to spare, finishing at 207/5, marking the highest successful chase in IPL Playoff/Knockout history and the first time MI conceded a 200+ total in a chase.
Shreyas Iyer’s Heroics
Shreyas Iyer was the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, with 5 fours and 8 sixes. His aggressive innings, including three sixes in the 13th over off Reece Topley and 26 runs in the penultimate over, was crucial in guiding PBKS to victory. Iyer also formed an 84-run partnership with Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29), stabilizing the innings after early setbacks.
Supporting Performances
Josh Inglis contributed with a quick 38 off 21, including 20 runs off Jasprit Bumrah’s over, while Nehal Wadhera’s 48 off 29 was vital in the middle overs. For MI, Ashwani Kumar took 2 wickets, but it wasn’t enough to stop PBKS’s momentum. PBKS’s bowling was led by Azmatullah Omarzai (2/43), with Yuzvendra Chahal, Kyle Jamieson, and Vyshak Vijaykumar each taking one wicket.
Statistical Highlights
This win marked PBKS’s 8th successful chase of 200+ in IPL history, the most by any team. Iyer hit 39 sixes in 2025, the most by a PBKS batter in a season, surpassing Glenn Maxwell’s 36 in 2014. Notably, Iyer became the first captain to lead three different teams (DC in 2020, KKR in 2024, and PBKS in 2025) to the IPL final.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of PBKS vs MI, IPL 2025 Qualifier 2
This section provides a comprehensive analysis of the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), held on June 1, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match, delayed by rain for over two hours but resumed under new playoff rules allowing a two-hour delay, saw PBKS secure a 5-wicket victory, advancing to their first IPL final since 2014. The analysis covers match dynamics, key performances, statistical insights, and contextual significance, drawing from multiple reputable sources including the official IPL website, Times of India, Sportstar, and others.
Match Context and Setup
The IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 was a crucial encounter, with PBKS and MI battling for a spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3, 2025. PBKS won the toss and elected to field, a decision influenced by their strategy in the last league encounter against MI, where they also chose to bowl first. The match faced a delay due to unexpected rainfall, but the new playoff rules, allowing games to start late by two hours, ensured a complete encounter, much to the delight of the crowd.
Mumbai Indians’ Innings
MI posted a competitive total of 203/6 in their 20 overs. The innings was built on several key contributions:
- Jonny Bairstow scored 38, providing a solid start.
- Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav each scored 44, with Yadav finishing his IPL 2025 season with 717 runs, only the second batter after B Sai Sudharsan to cross the 700-run mark.
- Naman Dhir’s late flourish of 37 off 18 balls added crucial momentum, including a 50-run partnership.
PBKS’s bowling was led by Azmatullah Omarzai, who took 2/43, while Yuzvendra Chahal, Kyle Jamieson, Marcus Stoinis, and Vyshak Vijaykumar each claimed one wicket. The bowling effort kept MI’s scoring in check, setting a challenging but chaseable target.
Punjab Kings’ Chase
PBKS’s chase of 204 was historic, marking the highest successful chase in IPL Playoff/Knockout stages and the first time MI had conceded a 200+ total in a chase. The innings began shakily with Prabhsimran Singh dismissed early for 6 by Trent Boult, caught by Reece Topley. However, Josh Inglis steadied the ship with 38 off 21, including a remarkable 20 runs off Jasprit Bumrah’s over (4, 0, 6, 0, 4, 6), showcasing aggressive intent.
Priyansh Arya contributed 20 off 10 before being dismissed by Ashwani Kumar, bringing Shreyas Iyer to the crease. Iyer’s innings was the turning point, scoring an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, with 5 fours and 8 sixes. His fifty came off 27 balls, and he unleashed three sixes in the 13th over off Reece Topley, followed by 26 runs in the penultimate over. The final over saw Iyer hit four sixes, sealing the win with PBKS needing 4 off 8 balls.
Nehal Wadhera’s 48 off 29, forming an 84-run partnership with Iyer, was crucial in the middle overs, providing stability after early wickets. This partnership laid the foundation for Iyer’s late onslaught, ensuring PBKS finished at 207/5 with an over to spare.
Key Performances and Statistics
Shreyas Iyer’s performance was not just match-winning but also statistically significant:
- He hit 39 sixes in IPL 2025, the most by a PBKS batter in a season, surpassing Glenn Maxwell’s 36 in 2014.
- His strike rate of 212.20 (87 off 41) highlighted his big-match temperament, with 8 sixes being a testament to his aggressive approach.
- Iyer became the first captain to lead three different teams to IPL finals: Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024, and now PBKS in 2025, a unique record in IPL history.
Other notable performances included:
- Josh Inglis’s 38 off 21, with a standout over against Bumrah.
- Nehal Wadhera’s 48 off 29, crucial in the middle overs.
- For MI, Ashwani Kumar took 2 wickets, but the bowling effort couldn’t contain Iyer’s onslaught.
Statistical highlights from the match include:
- PBKS’s 8th successful chase of 200+ in IPL history, the most by any team, underscoring their chasing prowess.
- The 9th successful 200+ chase in IPL 2025, the most in a single edition, reflecting the high-scoring nature of the tournament.
Match Dynamics and Weather Impact
The match was delayed by rain for over two hours, starting late due to the new playoff rules. This delay added to the drama, but the conditions allowed for a full game, with the pitch favoring batsmen, as evidenced by the high scores. The Narendra Modi Stadium’s atmosphere was electric, with fans witnessing a mouth-watering encounter that saw PBKS alter MI’s record of never losing after scoring over 200 in 18 seasons.
Contextual Significance
This victory was monumental for PBKS, marking their first IPL final appearance since 2014 and ensuring a new champion in IPL 2025, as MI, a five-time champion, was eliminated. PBKS’s journey to the final, led by Iyer’s captaincy, highlighted their resilience, especially after a loss in Qualifier 1. The final against RCB on June 3, 2025, promises another thrilling contest, with both teams never having won the IPL trophy since its inception.
Comparative Analysis
Comparing with previous encounters, PBKS had defeated MI in their last league game, finishing in the top two positions, which likely boosted their confidence. MI, despite their firepower with players like Bairstow, Yadav, and Varma, couldn’t replicate their league form, with the bowling unable to defend 203 against Iyer’s onslaught. The match underscored PBKS’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly in chase scenarios, aligning with their historical chasing record.
Detailed Scorecard and Partnerships
For a structured overview, here is a table summarizing key contributions:
Player | Team | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Notable Contribution |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jonny Bairstow | MI | 38 | – | – | – | Solid start |
Tilak Varma | MI | 44 | – | – | – | Key middle-order score |
Suryakumar Yadav | MI | 44 | – | – | – | Finished with 717 runs in season |
Naman Dhir | MI | 37 | 18 | – | – | Late flourish, 50-run partnership |
Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | 87* | 41 | 5 | 8 | Unbeaten, led chase, 84-run partnership |
Nehal Wadhera | PBKS | 48 | 29 | – | – | Crucial middle-order support |
Josh Inglis | PBKS | 38 | 21 | – | – | 20 runs off Bumrah’s over |
This table highlights the key batting contributions, with Iyer’s performance standing out for its impact and efficiency.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 match between PBKS and MI was a testament to Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting prowess, with his 87* off 41 balls steering PBKS to a historic victory. The match, delayed by rain but completed under new rules, showcased high-scoring cricket, with PBKS’s chasing ability and Iyer’s record-breaking performance ensuring their place in the final. This analysis, drawing from multiple sources, provides a holistic view of the game, emphasizing its significance in IPL history.