New IPL champion incoming! Shreyas Iyer roars against MI; RCB and PBKS vie for first-ever trophy in 18 years
This is exactly what one means by "leading from the front!" Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer stood tall against a mighty Mumbai Indians (MI) side and ensured his team reached the final to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This marks the third IPL team Iyer has led to the final — Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with whom he won in 2024, and now Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2025.
For Mumbai Indians, the loss by 5 wickets in the 19 over extended their poor record in Ahmedabad, marking their sixth consecutive defeat at the venue. Their only win here came against Rajasthan Royals (RR) back in 2014.
Make way for the 𝐏𝐮𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐛 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 ❤️They are all locked in to meet #RCB for the 𝘽𝙄𝙂 𝙊𝙉𝙀 🔥 #TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI | #Qualifier2 | #TheLastMile | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/L6UqDoMs50
The Punjab Kings camp exploded in celebration as the final runs were sealed. Co-owner Preity Zinta couldn't contain her excitement as she was seen cheering from the sidelines. In contrast, Mumbai's Suryakumar Yadav looked dejected, wiping sweat from his brow. Coach Mahela Jayawardene quietly exchanged words with bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, while PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting embraced the other co-owner Ness Wadia with a big grin.
❤️🫂💙#TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI | #Qualifier2 | #TheLastMile | @PunjabKingsIPL | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/RiD3SuIEMC
Shreyas Iyer leads from the front
Tasked with chasing a daunting 204 against the five-time champions, captain Shreyas Iyer led by example as he smashed 87 off 41 balls. Calm, composed, and confident, he took control of the innings just when his team needed him the most. Supported by a fiery cameo from Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29), Iyer's leadership and poise stood out. He barely put a foot wrong and played a flawless, match-winning knock under pressure.
Key turning points
MI had their chances but failed to capitalise, especially with their fielding. A dropped catch by Trent Boult — letting off Nehal Wadhera — proved costly. More surprising was Jasprit Bumrah going wicketless. Josh Inglis (38 off 21) set the tone early, hammering 20 runs off Bumrah's opening over, a blow MI never truly recovered from.
A flurry to finish
With the game in the balance, Iyer finished in style. The 19th over saw him smash four sixes off Ashwani Kumar, who consistently missed his length under pressure. The young pacer handed Iyer the perfect opportunity — one the PBKS skipper didn't let go.
PBKS vs MI: Teams
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra ChahalImpact Subs: Prabhsimran Singh, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlet, Harpreet Brar
Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Raj Bawa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Reece TopleyImpact Subs: Ashwani Kumar, Krishnan Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minz, Bevon Jacobs
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