PBKS Script IPL History with Record-Breaking Chase Against Mumbai Indians
In a night of staggering records and breathtaking cricket, Punjab Kings (PBKS) etched their name in the annals of IPL history with a sensational five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Led by an explosive unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls from captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKS chased down MI’s imposing total of 203-6, finishing at 207-5 with an over to spare. This triumph not only secured their spot in only their second IPL final but also marked multiple historic firsts for the franchise and the tournament itself.
The rain-delayed encounter, which began at 9:40 p.m. after a two-hour hold-up, showcased a clash of titans. Despite no reduction in overs, the intensity never waned. By achieving this 204-run chase, PBKS became the first team in IPL history to defeat MI when defending such a colossal total—Mumbai had previously won all 18 matches defending 200+ scores. This also stands as the biggest successful chase in IPL playoffs/knockout history, cementing PBKS’s reputation as chase masters. Notably, no team has chased down more 200+ totals than PBKS, and this season alone has witnessed a record nine such successful chases, a feat unmatched by any previous IPL edition.
For Mumbai Indians, the loss added to their woes at the Narendra Modi Stadium, marking their sixth consecutive defeat at this venue. Their only win here dates back to 2014 against Rajasthan Royals, a statistic that underscores their struggle at Ahmedabad, especially after coming into this match with a five-match losing streak.
Batting first after losing the toss, MI posted a formidable 203-6, thanks to brisk contributions from their top order. Opener Jonny Bairstow set the tone with a fiery 38 off 24 balls, including two towering sixes, while Tilak Varma‘s 44 and Suryakumar Yadav‘s explosive 44 off 26 balls (with three sixes) provided stability and momentum through key partnerships—a 51-run stand with Bairstow and a 72-run alliance with Yadav. Late fireworks from Naman Dhir, who smashed 37 off 18, ensured MI crossed the 200-mark. However, Punjab’s bowlers, led by Yuzvendra Chahal‘s crucial breakthrough in the 14th over and Azmatullah Omarzai‘s double strike in the death overs, kept the total within reach.
The chase wasn’t without its hiccups for PBKS. Early blows from MI’s Trent Boult, who dismissed Prabhsimran Singh for 6, and the fall of Priyansh Arya for 20, put them on the back foot. But Josh Inglis injected life with a rapid 38 off 21 balls, setting the stage for Iyer’s masterclass. The PBKS captain reached his sixth half-century of the season in just 27 balls, before unleashing carnage with eight sixes and five fours, racing to 87* in a mere 41 deliveries. Nehal Wadhera played the perfect foil, scoring a vital 48 off 29 balls. Meanwhile, MI’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah endured a rare off day, leaking 40 runs in his four overs without a wicket.
Beyond the match, this win carried profound significance for both Iyer and PBKS. Shreyas Iyer, with this victory, became the only captain in IPL history to lead three different franchises to the finals—Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024, and now Punjab Kings in 2025. For PBKS, this marks their return to the IPL final after a decade, having finished as runners-up to KKR in 2014. They now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday, a team with its own history of final heartbreaks in 2009, 2011, and 2016, yet to clinch the elusive title.
As the IPL 2025 finale looms, Punjab Kings, under Iyer’s dynamic leadership, stand on the cusp of their maiden title. Will they rewrite their destiny, or will RCB finally break their jinx? One thing is certain—this historic chase has set the stage for an electrifying showdown, proving once again why the IPL remains the pinnacle of T20 cricket drama.