The Narendra Modi Stadium will once again play host to a high-stakes IPL clash, as Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians lock horns in Qualifier 2 — a semifinal in all but name — with a coveted spot in the IPL 2025 final on the line.
For Punjab Kings, it’s a full-circle moment. Their season began with fireworks at this very ground, when they piled up 243 runs against Gujarat Titans in their season opener. Now, their fate rests on whether they can replicate that magic one more time. Standing in their way are the five-time champions Mumbai Indians — a side that’s not just peaking at the right time, but has become a playoff juggernaut over the years.
Mumbai’s Fearsome Form
With eight wins in their last ten outings, Mumbai Indians have rediscovered their aura. Their elimination-round victory against RCB in Mullanpur wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. Whether it’s the muscle of Rohit Sharma up top, the artistry of Suryakumar Yadav through the middle, or the all-weather reliability of Jasprit Bumrah, this MI unit is stitched together with experience, intent, and big-match temperament.
If Bumrah’s 18 wickets and an economy just over six don’t tell the whole story, his presence surely does. Bowlers around him have benefitted from the pressure he builds, often reaping rewards without even realising it. The “Bumrah factor” has grown beyond the traditional metrics. As analysts explore the invisible impact of such elite performers, Bumrah continues to be a game-changer every time he’s handed the ball.
Add to that the quiet but crucial contributions of overseas picks like Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson — late additions who’ve hit the ground running — and Mumbai Indians look like a team designed for crunch moments.
Punjab’s Youth vs MI’s Legacy
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, are scripting a bold story of their own. They’ve been one of the most vibrant teams this season, unafraid to back their uncapped Indian talents. On several occasions, their XI has featured as many as six players without an international cap. But what they lack in pedigree, they’ve made up for in daring.
Captain Shreyas Iyer has led from the front — particularly in away games, where he’s notched 489 runs — and the familiarity of Ahmedabad will serve him well. He began his campaign here with a stunning 97, and the venue’s high-scoring history suggests another big knock may be needed if PBKS are to challenge Mumbai’s heavyweight lineup.
Punjab’s bowling will be under the scanner, especially with Jasprit Bumrah lurking on the other side. Arshdeep Singh, once the Powerplay king, has seen his impact wane in the latter half of the season, conceding 92 runs in eight Powerplay overs since the league resumed, without picking up a wicket. But his past record against Rohit Sharma — whom he dismissed once — may be a thread Punjab choose to pull on.
Chahal’s uncertain availability adds another twist. He bowled actively in the nets on Saturday evening but was similarly seen prepping before sitting out Qualifier 1. If fit, his experience could be vital against the MI middle order.
PBKS vs MI Match Details
-
Date: Sunday, June 1
-
Time: 7:30 PM IST
-
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
-
Pitch Outlook: High-scoring venue with nine 200+ innings out of 14 this season. Teams batting first have won six of the last seven games.
PBKS vs MI Head-to-Head and History
Punjab may lead the recent duels 3-2 since 2022, but Mumbai’s overall 17-16 edge in head-to-heads reflects their consistency over the years. MI have reached Qualifier 2 four times, splitting the results evenly, while Punjab’s only previous outing at this stage came in 2014 — a match they won against CSK.
PBKS vs MI Probable XIs
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Richard Gleeson, Ashwani Kumar
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak
Where to Watch PBKS vs MI Live?
India:
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (Select HD/SD channels)
- Live Streaming: JioCinema (Free in multiple languages)
USA:
- TV Broadcast: Willow TV
- Live Streaming: ESPN+ / Sling TV
UK:
- TV Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket
- Streaming: Sky Go app
Australia:
- Broadcast: Fox Cricket
- Streaming: Kayo Sports
South Africa:
- Broadcast: SuperSport Cricket
- Streaming: SuperSport App
Sunday night promises an electric clash: the exuberance of Punjab Kings versus the calculated chaos of Mumbai Indians. It’s youth versus experience, heart versus history. For PBKS, it’s about breaking barriers and making their second-ever IPL final. For MI, it’s about asserting their legacy — again.
