π IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: Shreyas Iyer Leads Punjab Kings to Final with Heroic Chase Against Mumbai Indians
π Shreyas Iyerβs Masterclass Sends PBKS to the Final
On a high-pressure night in Ahmedabad, Shreyas Iyer played one of the most memorable knocks of the season to take Punjab Kings to their second-ever IPL final. Facing a stiff target of 204, Iyer remained unbeaten on 87 off 41 balls, steering his team home with six balls to spare in a high-octane chase.
This win marks a historic moment for PBKS, who have had a rollercoaster journey through the IPL but have now secured their place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
π Match Summary
π¦ Mumbai Indians Innings β 203/6 (20 overs)
Mumbai Indians got off to a strong start thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, but the middle overs saw a brief wobble.
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Tilak Varma (47 off 33) and Suryakumar Yadav (42 off 25) rebuilt the innings with a powerful partnership.
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The finishing touches came from Tim David, who smashed 26* off 11 to push MI beyond the 200 mark.
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PBKS bowled intelligently at the death. Yuzvendra Chahal and Azmatullah Omarzai picked up key wickets to limit further damage.
π΄ Punjab Kings Innings β 204/5 (19 overs)
PBKS started shakily, losing Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya early. But then came the counterpunch.
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Josh Inglis played a blinder, scoring quick runs and launching an early assault on Jasprit Bumrah.
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The turning point was the 84-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera.
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Iyerβs brutal power-hitting, clean shot selection, and calm composure under pressure made the difference.
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He finished unbeaten, hitting eight towering sixes and showing why heβs the captain PBKS has longed for.
π₯ Key Moments of the Match
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Powerplay Drama: PBKS lost two quick wickets, but Josh Inglis took the attack to Bumrah, swinging the momentum.
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Middle-Order Composure: Wadhera supported Iyer with a steady knock, allowing the skipper to go big.
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Bumrahβs Off Day: Jasprit Bumrah, usually MIβs go-to man, conceded over 40 runs and failed to deliver crucial breakthroughs.
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Iyerβs Finishing Touch: In the 19th over, Iyer smashed two sixes and a four to finish the game in style.
π Player Performances
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
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π Shreyas Iyer β 87* (41) β
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π Josh Inglis β 38 (17)
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π Yuzvendra Chahal β 2/28
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π Azmatullah Omarzai β 2/34
Mumbai Indians (MI)
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π Tilak Varma β 47 (33)
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π Suryakumar Yadav β 42 (25)
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π Tim David β 26* (11)
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π Gerald Coetzee β 2/30
π Whatβs Next: Final Showdown Set
With this thrilling win, Punjab Kings will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 Final, scheduled for June 3 at the same venue.
Both teams are eyeing their first-ever IPL title. It promises to be a blockbuster clash featuring stars like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell for RCB, and Shreyas Iyer, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran for PBKS.
π’ Final Thoughts
This win isnβt just a step into the final for PBKSβitβs a redemption arc for a franchise often written off. With a captain who leads from the front and a team thatβs peaking at the right time, Punjab Kings look like a serious title contender.
As for MI, they bow out of IPL 2025 with heads held high, but once again find themselves just short of the big prize.
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