MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025 – Shreyas Iyer’s Heroics Power Punjab Kings to a Historic Final
The MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025 encounter turned out to be one of the most dramatic, high-scoring and emotionally charged matches in IPL playoff history. To make it to the final, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings played a match that had everything - big scores, a fierce chase and an unforgettable captain's innings from Shreyas Iyer.
Played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this Qualifier 2 wasn't just a game. It was a statement - especially from Punjab Kings, who chased down a record target against Royal Challengers Bangalore to seal their place in the IPL 2025 final.
Let's dive into the full match report of MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025 and highlight the moments that defined this epic playoff.
First Innings: MI Post a Competitive 203/6
Winning the toss, Mumbai Indians decided to bat first - a decision based on the pressure and the scale of the match. MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025 started on a very high note as MI's top order came out with a clear intent. But their innings was full of ups and downs. Rohit Sharma got out early once again, continuing his poor run with the bat. However, MI's middle order saved the innings from collapsing. Tilak Verma kept his composure and scored 44 off 27 balls with smart shot selection. Suryakumar Yadav, who has always been innovative, matched Verma's score and scored 44 off 30 balls, keeping the momentum going. Jonny Bairstow faced Punjab's spinners effectively with a quickfire 38 off 19 balls. Mumbai Indians crossed the 200 mark - finishing at 203/6 - but the score was not enough to calm the team's nerves, especially against a rising Punjab side hungry for their maiden IPL title.
Looking back, it became clear that MI’s inability to accelerate in the death overs cost them dearly during MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025.
PBKS’s Chase – A Masterclass Led by Iyer
A target of 204 in a knockout match might scare most teams, but Punjab Kings had different ideas. The way they chased the target in MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025 was fearless as well as calculated.
Opening the innings, Josh Inglis gave PBKS the perfect launchpad. He showed no hesitation against the MI pacers, scoring 38 runs off just 21 balls.
When wickets started falling and the tension started mounting, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer took charge.
Shreyas Iyer’s Knock – Captaincy at Its Finest
The innings Iyer played can be termed as the best innings of this season. Under pressure, he counter-attacked the MI bowling in a brilliant manner.
He remained unbeaten on 87 off 41 balls.
His innings included 8 towering sixes and smart strike rotation.
Iyer paced his innings in a brilliant manner - resuming after the fall of wickets and then batting explosively in the final overs.
His fearless batting turned the MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025 into a party for PBKS. Along with the brilliant batting of Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29 balls), Iyer ensured that Punjab chased down the target in just 19 overs - setting a new IPL record for the highest successful chase in the playoffs.
Standout Performers – MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025
⭐ Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – 87* off 41 balls
An innings from the captain that will be remembered for years. He took charge, set the pace and got the job done.
⭐ Josh Inglis (PBKS) – 38 off 21 balls
A blistering start that took the pressure off the middle order early in the innings.
⭐ Nehal Wadhera (PBKS) – 48 off 29 balls
Underrated but important. His cool head and quick scoring in the middle overs was crucial.
⭐ Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – 44 off 30 balls
MI’s best batsman on the night, but couldn’t carry on in the final overs.
⭐ Azmatullah Umarzai and Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS)
What went wrong for Mumbai?
In the context of MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025, Mumbai's biggest problem was death bowling. Despite putting up a decent score, they failed to stop Iyer and Wadhera when it was needed most.
Jasprit Bumrah, their best bowler, was not as effective in crucial moments. Hardik Pandya's leadership was also criticised as he stopped the key bowlers and was criticised for the defensive field setup when PBKS were moving fast.
MI's defeat in MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025 will sting - not just because of the result, but also because they fell short in all departments when it was needed the most.
Punjab Kings – Finalists after a decade
With this incredible win in MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025, PBKS have entered the IPL final for only the second time in their history - the last time being in 2014. The story has completely changed.
Often labelled as inconsistent or underachievers, Punjab Kings are now brimming with confidence. Their journey to the final has been full of grit, and Shreyas Iyer's leadership has been the backbone of their success.
What's next?
Punjab Kings will now take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final - this is a contest between two teams looking to win their first IPL title. The way PBKS handled the MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025 shows that they haven't just come to compete - they've come to win everything. If Iyer and his team continue this form, we could see a new champion emerge in IPL history.
Final Thoughts
MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 IPL 2025 will go down as one of the most spectacular playoff matches ever seen in the IPL. With over 400 runs being scored, momentum shifts and heroic chases, it was cricket at its most thrilling.
For Mumbai Indians, it's like going back to the drawing board. For Punjab Kings, it's a ticket to luck.
And for the fans? It was a memorable night - a night that represented everything the IPL is about.
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