In a dramatic IPL 2025 Qualifier, the Punjab Kings pulled off a historic chase against the Mumbai Indians, rewriting records and setting up a long-awaited final showdown with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The match, held in Ahmedabad, began with a rain delay of over two hours, but that didn’t dampen the intensity. Punjab Kings won the toss and opted to field first. Mumbai Indians, known for their dominance when posting big totals, looked in control with 203/6 on the board—thanks to key knocks from Suryakumar Yadav (44), Tilak Varma (44), and Jonny Bairstow (38).
But the night belonged to Punjab’s captain, Shreyas Iyer. Chasing 204, Iyer delivered an unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls, smashing eight sixes and guiding his team home with an over to spare. His partnership with Nehal Wadhera (48) was crucial, especially as Punjab needed 48 runs from the last 26 balls. Iyer’s explosive hitting in the 19th over turned the game, sealing Punjab’s first IPL final appearance since 2014.
Mumbai’s bowling attack, usually reliable in high-pressure moments, couldn’t contain Punjab’s late surge. The defeat marked the first time in seasons that MI failed to defend a total above 200 in the IPL playoffs.
With this victory, Punjab Kings advance to face RCB in the IPL 2025 final, guaranteeing a new champion will be crowned this season. The stage is set for a thrilling finish—will Punjab’s momentum carry them to their maiden IPL title, or will RCB finally break their own title drought?
