• In a pulsating second qualifier of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings demonstrated nerves of steel and tactical brilliance under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, chasing down a steep 204-run target with remarkable composure and authority. The match, played under the lights at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, not only saw a masterclass from Iyer but also spelled the end of the road for the Mumbai Indians, one of the most dominant IPL franchises, this season.

  This stunning win propelled Punjab Kings (PBKS) into their second-ever IPL final, where they will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a blockbuster showdown on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. With neither team having clinched an IPL title before, this year guarantees a new champion.

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  A Comeback That Defined Character

  Punjab Kings, coming off a tough loss in the first qualifier, had their backs against the wall. Facing the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians in a do-or-die situation could rattle any side — more so when chasing a total in excess of 200 and losing two in-form openers inside the powerplay. However, Shreyas Iyer, who has time and again shown his mettle in pressure situations, rose like a phoenix.

  He crafted an unbeaten 87 off just 41 deliveries, an innings laden with precision, calculated aggression, and unmatched composure. Iyer, true to his nickname of being the "ice-man," exuded calmness throughout, even after hitting the winning runs.

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  Partnerships that Paved the Way

  With both openers dismissed cheaply, Josh Inglis came in and flipped the script with a brutal attack on none other than Jasprit Bumrah, scoring 20 runs in a single over. That assault shifted momentum squarely in PBKS’s favor and relieved pressure on Iyer, who smartly rotated strike and played second fiddle until Inglis departed.

  Following that, it was the turn of Nehal Wadhera, who along with Iyer, stitched together an 84-run partnership. The duo laid a strong foundation and carefully chose their moments to attack. The 10th over, bowled by Hardik Pandya, turned pivotal when Wadhera hit a six and a four, and Iyer added to the damage with another boundary. A dropped catch in that over further deflated MI’s spirits.

  Iyer and Wadhera’s strategic targeting of bowlers like Trent Boult and Reece Topley in the middle overs ensured they kept ahead of the required rate without taking undue risks.

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  MI’s Defensive Plans Fall Apart

  Mumbai Indians, defending 200+ runs for the first time in 18 years, appeared confident when their bowlers dismissed Prabhsimran Singh and Shikhar Dhawan early. However, their plans unraveled quickly, especially after Inglis’ assault on Bumrah. The famed MI bowling arsenal — with the likes of Bumrah, Pandya, Boult, and Topley — failed to contain the counter-attacking middle order of PBKS.

  The over-dependence on Bumrah to deliver in the powerplay and death overs backfired, especially as Punjab chose to play him out smartly post the initial blitz, taking minimal risk against him later while targeting the weaker links.

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  Shreyas Iyer: A Captain in Command

  After the match, Iyer appeared visibly subdued — not because of a lack of emotion, but because his focus was already on the next challenge. When Harsha Bhogle asked about his composed demeanor, Iyer replied, "I was locked in," reflecting the mindset of a leader who understands that championships are won over two games, not one.

  This was Iyer’s 50th win as captain in the IPL, a historic milestone. He also became the first captain in IPL history to lead three different franchises (Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now Punjab Kings) into the IPL final — a testament to his tactical acumen and leadership.

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  Mumbai Indians: Another Near-Miss

  Mumbai Indians, for all their talent and resources, will be disappointed. They posted an intimidating total, thanks to contributions from Jonny Bairstow, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Naman Dhir. Yet again, their bowling unit faltered at a crucial juncture — a story that has plagued them throughout the season despite impressive group-stage performances.

  The decision to leave spin options out and rely too heavily on pace proved costly, especially on a flat Ahmedabad surface.

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  Match Summary: Key Stats

• Match: IPL 2025 Qualifier 2

• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

• Result: Punjab Kings won by 6 wickets

• Target: 204 runs

• Top Performers (PBKS):

  • Shreyas Iyer – 87* (41)

  • Josh Inglis – 39 (20)

  • Nehal Wadhera – 45 (26)

• Top Performers (MI):

  • Jonny Bairstow – 52 (30)

  • Suryakumar Yadav – 48 (24)

  • Tilak Varma – 34 (18)

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  The Road Ahead: A Historic Final Awaits

  Now, the stage is set for an electrifying IPL 2025 Final between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. For fans, it’s a dream matchup — two franchises starved of silverware, battling for their maiden title. Both teams boast explosive lineups, charismatic captains, and passionate supporters.

  Punjab will rely on the form of Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, and Kyle Jamieson, while RCB will look to the likes of Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Mohammed Siraj to bring glory home.

  No matter the result, IPL 2025 will crown a new champion, and cricket fans are guaranteed a thrilling climax to what has been a rollercoaster of a season.

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