In a rain-interrupted IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Punjab Kings (PBKS) scripted a memorable victory over five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), sealing their spot in the final for the first time since 2014.
After a brief rain delay, the high-stakes clash resumed under lights with Mumbai Indians setting an imposing target of 204 runs. Mumbai’s innings was built on key contributions from Jonny Bairstow, who scored a brisk 38, and a solid 88-run partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. Naman Dhir chipped in with 37 runs, while skipper Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 87.
In response, Punjab Kings chased down the target with confidence, reaching 207 for 4 and clinching victory by six wickets. Despite the early loss of Rohit Sharma—dismissed for just 8 runs off 7 balls—Punjab held firm. Key contributions from Bairstow and a crucial partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera proved decisive. Iyer remained unbeaten and played a captain’s knock, guiding his team to victory.
This win marks Punjab Kings’ first entry into an IPL final in over a decade. They will now face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the grand finale on June 3.