PBKS Makes IPL History with Unprecedented Achievement
Shreyas Iyer’s explosive unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls propelled Punjab Kings to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 held in Ahmedabad. This victory not only secured Punjab’s place in their second IPL final but also marked a historic moment as they became the first team to successfully chase down a target of 204 runs against MI. The match, delayed by rain, concluded with Punjab scoring 207 runs for the loss of five wickets, achieving the biggest chase in IPL playoffs history with an over to spare.
### Rain-Delayed Match Sets the Stage
The match started late due to rain, commencing at 9:40 p.m. without any overs being reduced. After winning the toss, Mumbai Indians opted to bat first. They began strongly, with Jonny Bairstow leading the charge, scoring 38 runs off 24 balls. However, the early dismissal of Rohit Sharma for just eight runs put MI on the back foot. Tilak Varma contributed a solid 44 runs, forming key partnerships with Bairstow and Suryakumar Yadav. Varma first teamed up with Bairstow for a 51-run stand before partnering with Yadav for 72 runs. Yadav’s brisk innings of 44 runs off 26 balls included three sixes.
Despite a promising start, Mumbai’s innings faced a setback when Yuzvendra Chahal claimed a crucial wicket in the 14th over. Azmatullah Omarzai further dented MI’s momentum with two wickets in the death overs. Naman Dhir’s quickfire 37 runs off 18 balls helped Mumbai reach a competitive total of 203 runs for the loss of six wickets.
### Punjab Kings’ Remarkable Chase
Punjab’s chase began with early challenges, as Trent Boult dismissed Prabhsimran Singh for just six runs, followed by the fall of Priyansh Arya for 20. However, Josh Inglis provided vital momentum with a quick 38 off 21 balls. The real hero of the match was Shreyas Iyer, who reached his sixth half-century of the season in a mere 27 balls. He unleashed his aggressive batting style, scoring the next 37 runs in just 14 balls, featuring an impressive array of eight sixes and five fours. Nehal Wadhera also made a significant contribution with 48 runs off 29 balls.
Punjab Kings showcased their ability to chase big totals, becoming the first team in IPL history to chase down a target of over 200 against Mumbai Indians. This victory not only propelled them into the final but also underscored their status as the most successful team in 200+ run chases in IPL history.
### Shreyas Iyer’s Historic Achievement
Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy reached new heights with this victory, making him the first player to lead three different franchises to IPL finals. He previously guided Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020 and led Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in 2024. His leadership has been instrumental in Punjab Kings’ successful season, marking their first final appearance since 2014.
As the Punjab Kings prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, they carry with them the confidence of a historic win and the hope of clinching their maiden IPL title. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, faced their sixth consecutive defeat in Ahmedabad, with their last win at the Narendra Modi Stadium dating back to 2014.
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