Shreyas Iyer’s Heroics Power PBKS into IPL 2025 Final After Thrilling Win Over MI
Punjab Kings (PBKS) stormed into the final of IPL 2025 with a dominant five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2, riding on a captain’s knock by Shreyas Iyer and a clinical all-round batting display at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Chasing a formidable 204-run target, PBKS showcased composure and aggression in equal measure. Leading from the front, skipper Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on a scintillating 87 off just 41 balls, guiding his team home with an over to spare. His innings, studded with clean hitting and impeccable timing, was a masterclass in pacing a chase under pressure.
The chase was set up brilliantly by Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who launched a fiery assault early in the innings. Inglis hammered 38 off just 21 balls, including a brutal 20-run over off MI pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, instantly putting PBKS in the driver’s seat.
After Inglis’ departure, Nehal Wadhera stepped up with a classy 48 off 29 deliveries. His 84-run partnership with Shreyas was the backbone of the innings, with Wadhera taking on the aggressor’s role while Shreyas played the anchor — before flipping the script and accelerating in the death overs.
Earlier in the evening, Mumbai Indians posted a competitive total of 203 for 6 after being put in to bat. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma stabilized the innings after early setbacks, both scoring 44 apiece and adding 72 crucial runs for the third wicket. Their efforts gave MI a solid foundation, which was capitalized on by Naman Dhir, whose explosive 37 off just 18 balls pushed the total past 200.
Despite MI’s strong finish, it was PBKS who had the final say. With this win, Punjab Kings booked their place in the IPL final for the first time since 2014, setting up a high-stakes title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The final promises to be a blockbuster, with Shreyas Iyer and his men looking to end their title drought, while RCB eye their elusive maiden IPL trophy.