IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: Shreyas Iyer’s Heroics Drive Punjab Kings to Historic Final against RCB

In a thrilling Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025 played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on June 1, Punjab Kings (PBKS) made history in defeating five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by five wickets. The successful chase of 204 ran in as the highest chase in IPL playoff history, and PBKS secured a final spot for the first time in 11 years.

Mumbai Indians, after being asked to bat first, posted a fighting total of 203/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers provided an able start, but the middle order sparkled like diamonds. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma were the key bowlers who set the platform. Punjab bowlers, however, spearheaded by Yuzvendra Chahal and Azmatullah Omarzai, provided the timely blows through the middle overs, keeping MI under pressure and not allowing them to cross the 220+ barrier.

Despite a rain interruption that halted the game nearly for two hours, Punjab Kings began the chase with seeming intent. Prabhsimran Singh gave the fiery start before getting dismissed early. But it was captain Shreyas Iyer who changed the course of the game. Iyer essayed a pressure-knock captain’s innings, scoring 87 not out off only 41 balls, hitting eight sixes and five fours. His match-winning knock was marked by sheer dominance and class, especially when he took Ashwani Kumar of MI for 26 runs in an over.

The tide of the pursuit was turned in the 15th over when Iyer and Nehal Wadhera opened up with a counter-attack in aggressive style. Their 84-run partnership turned the momentum fully in Punjab’s direction. Wadhera played second fiddle to his captain excellently, keeping the scoreboard marching with creative stroke play.

The icing on the cake came in the 19th over when Iyer sealed the match with a six over the top, taking PBKS to 207/5 with six balls to spare. The Punjab dugout was left ecstatic as they won a match that not only established a record but also brought an end to their decade-long wait for an IPL final.

With this milestone win, Punjab Kings will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 Final — a contest between two teams yet to win an IPL trophy. Cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest between two giants.

Final Score:

Mumbai Indians: 203/6 (20 overs)

Punjab Kings: 207/5 (19 overs)

Result: Punjab Kings won by 5 wickets

Next Match:
IPL 2025 Final – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Stay tuned for more updates on the year’s biggest showdown.