PBKS Break Records, Enter IPL Final After Epic Chase Against Mumbai Indians

Punjab Kings displayed their courage and strength to enter the IPL 2025 final with a record five-wicket win over five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2. Chasing a mammoth target of 204 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Punjab, captained by the inspirational Shreyas Iyer, pulled off the highest ever successful run chase in any IPL playoff or knockout match.

Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls proved to be the backbone of this mammoth chase. Batting at 55/2, under pressure to make it to the final, Iyer played what is arguably the best innings of the tournament – perhaps even the season.

Mumbai’s Bright Start Not Enough

Earlier in the evening, MI posted a strong total of 203/6 thanks to efforts from Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dheer. Their innings looked strong enough to stop any opposition, but PBKS had different plans. The men in red soaked up the early pressure and slowly turned the tide with controlled aggression and sharp tactics.

Shreyas Iyer: The Calm in the Storm

Shreyas exuded calm and confidence from the moment he stepped onto the pitch. At one point, PBKS needed 95 runs from 48 balls. That’s when the skipper kicked into overdrive. He smashed three consecutive sixes off Reece Topley, leaving the Punjab dugout elated and the MI fans in silence. His innings included eight sixes and was a masterclass of calculated aggression and clarity under pressure.

Punjab needed 23 runs from the final two overs. Iyer ensured the game didn’t go down to the last ball. He smashed four sixes in the final over, ending Mumbai’s hopes and etching his name in IPL folklore.

Punjab King: The New Titans of 200-Plus Chases

This was not the first time Punjab have made a high-scoring chase look easy. The team had chased down a target of 262 against KKR in 2024 – a world record in T20 cricket. This season alone, Punjab have scored 200 or more runs in nine matches, the highest ever in any T20 competition.

Sunday night’s chase was the ninth successful chase of 200-plus in IPL 2025, and Punjab have made these difficult targets look commonplace. Be it a target of 204 or 262, this team is rewriting the manual of modern T20 chases.

Captain Cool: Shreyas Iyer’s Leadership Shines

Beyond his batting, Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a shrewd and emotionally intelligent leader. He has sacrificed his No. 3 spot for the balance of the team, played at No. 2 when needed and backed young talents like Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh with unwavering faith.

Apart from his theatrics, Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a shrewd and architecturally intelligent leader. He sacrificed his No. 3 spot for the balance of the team, with Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh supporting the young talent at No. 2 with a strong belief in him.

From Controversy to Redemption

Iyer’s journey this season is also a story of personal redemption. After leading KKR to the title in 2024, he turned down a huge retention offer, instead betting on himself. PBKS signed him for ₹26.75 crore – a statement of intent. The gamble paid off in a spectacular fashion.

His non-selection in the Indian Test squad for the England tour has raised eyebrows, but performances like these are sure to earn him a place in the national team. “He just flicked the switch,” said PBKS bowling coach James Hopes. “He is calm, calculating and knows exactly when to accelerate.”

The Road Ahead: Can Punjab Win Their Maiden Title?

With this win, PBKS reached their first IPL final in 11 years. Tuesday, June 3 will be their final test, and the question remains—will they finally lift the coveted trophy?

If Shreyas Iyer’s current form and leadership is anything to go by, it’s not just possible—it’s probable.

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