Qualifier 2:
Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, which is often home to cricketing sensations, witnessed a match last night that added a new chapter to the history of the IPL. The IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) was not just a cricket match; it was an incredible run-chase, a masterclass in captaincy, and a symbol of determination from a team that proved itself worthy of the final after a long wait. Despite the rain delay, there was no shortage of excitement in the match, and in the end, Punjab Kings registered a historic win to secure their place in the final.
Mumbai’s Huge Target:
After winning the toss, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer decided to bowl first. It was a risky decision, especially when there is a batting order like the Mumbai Indians in front. Mumbai took full advantage of this decision and put up a huge score of 203 runs on the board. In the middle order, Tilak Verma (44 runs, 27 balls) and Suryakumar Yadav (44 runs, 28 balls) played explosive innings, while in the end, Naman Dheer scored 37 runs in just 18 balls to take the score past 200. Looking at Mumbai’s batting, it seemed that they would easily defend this big target, as they have often done. Among the Punjab bowlers, Azmatullah Umarzai took 2 wickets, while Yuzvendra Chahal, Kyle Jamieson, Marcus Stoinis, and Vijaykumar Vyas got one success each.
Shreyas Iyer Captaincy Innings!
Chasing 204 can be a scary task for any team, especially under the pressure of the playoffs. However, Punjab Kings demonstrated that they are a team with a lion’s heart, not just a name to be taken lightly. And this lion’s team was led by captain Shreyas Iyer, who performed brilliantly with his captaincy and batting. Punjab got off to a strong start. Opener Josh English gave the team a quick start by scoring 38 runs off 21 balls. But the real game started when Shreyas Iyer came to the crease. He did not let the pressure get to him and started playing with full confidence. Iyer scored an incredible 87 runs in his innings, facing 41 balls, which included 5 brilliant fours and 8 towering sixes. It was not just a masterclass in run-scoring; it was a captain’s calm nature, determination to lead the team to victory in difficult situations, and belief in winning the match on every ball. Along with Shreyas, Nehal Vadhera also made a significant contribution by scoring 48 runs in 29 balls, which made it easy to reach the target. Punjab achieved the target in just 19 overs by losing 5 wickets with one over to spare!
Mumbai Indians Record History:
This win was historic in many ways and added some new chapters to the record books of IPL:
- Largest successful run chase in IPL playoffs/knockouts: Punjab Kings created a new record for the highest successful chase in the history of IPL playoffs. This shows how fearlessly they played even on the big stage.
2. First team to successfully chase 200+ against MI: PBKS became the first team to successfully chase 200+ against Mumbai Indians, who were considered almost invincible in defending a target of more than 200 runs. This was a big blow to Mumbai’s dominance and shows the depth of Punjab’s batting.
3. Charismatic leadership of Shreyas Iyer: Shreyas Iyer has done the amazing and rare feat of leading three different IPL teams (Delhi Capitals 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders 2024, and now Punjab Kings 2025) to the finals. This is a testament to his leadership abilities and his art of performing in big matches.
Punjab Kings’ 11-year-long wait!
With this spectacular win, Punjab Kings have made it to the IPL finals after a long wait of 11 years. This is a happy moment for the fans who have seen their team struggle for years. Now they will face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on June 3. This match not only marks the beginning of a new era for Punjab Kings, but it also reflects the exciting nature of IPL, where any team can create history on any day.
Conclusion:
Last night’s encounter proves that cricket is a game of uncertainties, and sometimes the determination of one player can make the whole team win. Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy and his incredible innings have given Punjab Kings fans a huge reason to celebrate. This win is not only a milestone for PBKS, but it is an inspiration for all teams who do not give up even in difficult situations. Now all eyes are on the final, where a new champion is set to make his mark. Will Punjab Kings lift the trophy for the first time, or will RCB end their title drought? It will be interesting to watch!