Introduction: In a match that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans, Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched a dramatic five-wicket victory over the formidable five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2025. This thrilling triumph has propelled PBKS into their first final since 2014, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday, June 3, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League nears its epic conclusion, the guarantee of a new champion adds an extra layer of intrigue to the grand finale.
Body: The victory was nothing short of a spectacle, and no one embodied the spirit of this historic moment more than PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta. Taking to social media, the Bollywood star and passionate cricket enthusiast unleashed her infectious energy with the now-viral shoutout, ‘Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye!’. Her post, drenched in pride and celebration, resonated with millions of fans worldwide, encapsulating the raw emotion of Punjab’s incredible journey to the final. Zinta’s words weren’t just a celebration; they were a rallying cry for a team and a fanbase hungry for their maiden IPL title.
On the field, the match was a rollercoaster of emotions. Mumbai Indians, after being put in to bat, posted a challenging 203/6 in their 20 overs. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav led the charge with gritty knocks of 44 runs each, stabilizing the innings after an early blow with captain Rohit Sharma dismissed for just 8. Jonny Bairstow’s quickfire 38 off 24 balls provided the initial momentum, while a late blitz from Naman Dhir (37 off 18) ensured MI crossed the 200-mark. Punjab’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Yuzvendra Chahal (1/39), Vyshak Vijaykumar (1/30), and Kyle Jamieson (1/30), kept the pressure on, preventing MI from running away with an unassailable total.
Chasing 204, Punjab Kings showcased both grit and flair. Opener Josh Inglis set the tone with a blistering 38 off 21 balls, including a staggering 20-run over against none other than Jasprit Bumrah, MI’s pace spearhead. Then came the game-changing partnership between skipper Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera. Iyer, with an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, was the architect of the chase, smashing eight towering sixes and guiding his team home with an over to spare. Wadhera’s complementary 48 off 29 balls during their 84-run stand in just 7.5 overs proved to be the turning point, breaking the back of MI’s bowling attack.
Conclusion: As Punjab Kings gear up to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in what promises to be a blockbuster IPL 2025 Final, the echoes of Preity Zinta’s ‘Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye!’ reverberate through the cricketing world. This victory isn’t just about reaching the final; it’s about a team defying the odds, a captain leading from the front, and a fanbase daring to dream. Will PBKS finally lift the coveted IPL trophy after years of near misses? Only time will tell, but for now, Punjab Kings and their exuberant co-owner have given us a moment to cherish. Stay tuned for what could be a historic night in Indian cricket!