Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – In a match that had everything from big hits to high drama, Punjab Kings (PBKS) stormed into the final of IPL 2025 with a stunning 5-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), chasing down 204 runs in just 19 overs, thanks to a breathtaking unbeaten 87-run knock from Shreyas Iyer.
After winning the toss, PBKS opted to bowl first on a flat Ahmedabad track. While MI posted an intimidating total of 203/6, it ultimately proved insufficient as PBKS turned up the heat in the second innings.
MI’s Strong Start with the Bat
Mumbai Indians looked in solid form with the bat, with key contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (44 off 26) and Tilak Varma (44 off 29), who built a strong middle-order platform. Jonny Bairstow too played a fiery knock of 38 from 24 balls, giving MI an explosive start.
However, regular breakthroughs from the PBKS bowlers, particularly Azmatullah Omarzai (2/43) and Marcus Stoinis (1/14 in just 1 over), ensured that Mumbai couldn’t accelerate the way they might have liked in the final overs. MI finished at 203/6, a competitive total but not quite safe on a true batting surface.
PBKS Chase Led by Iyer’s Brilliance
PBKS started the chase aggressively, with Josh Inglis (38 off 21) and Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29) providing the ideal platform. The duo put pressure on the MI bowlers right from the beginning, ensuring the required run rate was always within reach.
But the real hero of the night was Shreyas Iyer, who played one of the finest knocks of his IPL career. Coming in at a slightly tense moment, Iyer launched a fearless counterattack, hitting boundaries with elegance and consistency. His 87 off 41 balls*, laced with powerful drives and majestic sixes, took the game away from Mumbai in a matter of overs.
Despite MI trying to claw back with wickets from Hardik Pandya (1/19) and Trent Boult (1/38), Iyer’s calculated assault ensured PBKS chased the target with 6 balls to spare, finishing at 207/5 in 19 overs.
Turning Point: Iyer’s Acceleration in the 16th Over
The momentum shifted dramatically when Shreyas Iyer smashed 24 runs in the 16th over, including two sixes and three boundaries. That one over turned the equation in PBKS’s favor, reducing pressure and killing MI’s hopes of a comeback.
What This Means
This victory sends PBKS into the IPL 2025 final, marking a major achievement for the franchise that has often struggled in playoffs in previous editions. For Mumbai Indians, it’s another campaign ending in heartbreak, despite a strong season and the return of form for key players like Surya and Bairstow.
Match Summary
IPL 2025 – Playoff Match 73
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Toss: PBKS won and elected to bowl
Mumbai Indians – 203/6 (20 Overs)
- Suryakumar Yadav – 44 (26)
- Tilak Varma – 44 (29)
- Jonny Bairstow – 38 (24)
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 2/43 (4)
- Kyle Jamieson – 1/30 (4)
Punjab Kings – 207/5 (19 Overs)
- Shreyas Iyer – 87* (41)
- Nehal Wadhera – 48 (29)
- Josh Inglis – 38 (21)
- Ashwani Kumar – 2/55 (4)
- Hardik Pandya – 1/19 (2)
Result: PBKS won by 5 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)
Next Fixture
Punjab Kings will now face the winner of the other playoff fixture in the IPL 2025 Final, scheduled at the same venue later this week.
