Shreyas Iyer's Stellar Performance Leads Punjab Kings to IPL 2025 Final
Punjab Kings Triumph Over Mumbai Indians
Ahmedabad: Captain Shreyas Iyer showcased his exceptional skills by scoring an unbeaten 87 runs off just 41 deliveries, propelling Punjab Kings to a five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This win secures PBKS a spot in the IPL 2025 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marking a rematch from their earlier encounter in Qualifier 1.
With Mumbai Indians eliminated, the IPL will crown a new champion this season. Iyer's innings was a masterclass in batting, demonstrating both class and composure as he led his team to chase down a target of 204 runs with one over remaining.
Iyer's innings included five fours and eight sixes, overcoming initial challenges to guide PBKS to victory, aided by a crucial 84-run partnership with Nehal Wadhera, who contributed a brisk 48 runs off 29 balls.
This achievement marks Iyer's remarkable feat of leading two different teams—PBKS and Kolkata Knight Riders—to consecutive IPL finals, in addition to previously guiding Delhi Capitals to the finals in 2020.
In the chase for 204, Prabhsimran Singh started strong with a boundary off Trent Boult, but Boult soon had the last laugh, dismissing Singh with a top-edge catch. Josh Inglis played a vital role in stabilizing the innings, hitting two boundaries off Boult.
Priyansh Arya added to the momentum with a couple of boundaries, but MI's Ashwani Kumar struck back, dismissing Arya and leaving PBKS at 64/2 at the end of the power-play. Hardik Pandya then took a crucial wicket, catching Inglis off a thin edge.
Despite some boundaries from Iyer and Wadhera, the required run rate climbed to 12. Sensing urgency, Iyer launched a series of sixes off Topley, showcasing his aggressive intent.
Wadhera also contributed with boundaries, but after his dismissal, Iyer continued to dominate, reaching his fifty off just 27 balls. He then hit multiple sixes off Ashwani Kumar, leading PBKS to their first IPL final in 11 years.
Earlier, after a rain delay, MI posted a competitive total of 203/6, thanks to solid performances from Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Naman Dhir. Both Yadav and Varma scored 44 runs each, while Dhir finished with a quick 37.
Despite MI's strong start, PBKS managed to restrict them effectively, but ultimately, Iyer's explosive batting ensured they crossed the finish line.
Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 203/6 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 44, Tilak Varma 44; Azmatullah Omarzai 2-43, Marcus Stoinis 1-14) lost to Punjab Kings 207/5 in 19 overs (Shreyas Iyer 87 not out, Nehal Wadhera 48; Ashwani Kumar 2-55, Hardik Pandya 1-19) by five wickets.