Punjab Kings Edge Out Mumbai Indians by 7 Wickets, Ensure Top-Two Finish in IPL 2025

Jaipur, May 26: Punjab Kings (PBKS) produced a clinical show to overpower Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets in Match 69 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The big win propelled PBKS to the number one spot on the points table with 19 points and ensured they qualify for Qualifier 1.

Pursuing a competitive score of 185, PBKS were in total command right from the beginning. Losing opener Shikhar Dhawan early, the combination of Josh Inglis and fresh talent Priyansh Arya formed a match-winning partnership. The two added 109 runs for the second wicket, taking away the Mumbai bowling attack with supremacy.

Josh Inglis was in exquisite touch, hammering a scorching 73 off 42 balls. His knock was marked by eight boundaries and three sixes, reflecting power and placement. At the other end, there was Arya, who thrilled with his aggressive attitude, thrashing 62 off 35 balls, with seven fours and two sixes.

Their collaboration created the ideal premise for a relaxed pursuit. PBKS finally reached the finishing line in 18.3 overs, having scored 187/3 and earning an important two points that placed them ahead of the field in the playoff battle.

Earlier in the night, Mumbai Indians had scored a decent 184/7 in 20 overs while being asked to bat. Suryakumar Yadav led the scoring with a smooth 50 off 34 balls as he played a crucial anchor role in the middle order. Ryan Rickelton scored 32 runs, and Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya scored 28 and 24 runs respectively, taking MI towards a defendable score.

However, Mumbai’s batting lacked the firepower in the death overs, largely due to tight bowling spells from Punjab’s Arshdeep Singh and Harpreet Brar, who claimed two wickets each and kept the scoring rate in check. Nathan Ellis and Rahul Chahar also bowled economical spells, not allowing MI to break free.

MI bowlers could not stem the run flow after a couple of breakthroughs when Inglis and Arya settled in. Their spinners were specially ineffective on a flat Jaipur pitch, and the pace attack had no penetration to offer.

With this victory, PBKS not only avenged their previous loss against MI this season but also sent a clear message before the playoffs. Inglis and Arya’s form will be a great confidence booster for the team as they look to play stiffer challenges in the future.

Mumbai Indians, however, finished the league stage on a dismal note. Having already lost hope for the playoffs, the five-time title holders have much soul-searching to do before the new season.