On June 1, 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) etched their name in IPL history by storming into their second-ever final, defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) by 5 wickets in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Led by Shreyas Iyer’s sensational 87* off 41 balls, PBKS pulled off the first successful 200+ chase against MI in IPL history, setting up a thrilling final against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Punjab Kings IPL 2025 This article chronicles Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 journey, highlighting key moments, star performers like Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera, and tactical brilliance under coach Ricky Ponting. With a season of ups and downs, PBKS’s resurgence has captivated cricket fans, and we dive into their campaign, stats, and fan reactions from X, making this a must-read for IPL Star followers and fantasy cricket enthusiasts.
Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Season Overview
Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster of resilience and brilliance, finishing the league stage with 8 wins, 6 losses, and 16 points, securing a +0.32 Net Run Rate (NRR). After a heartbreaking loss to RCB in Qualifier 1, PBKS bounced back in Qualifier 2, showcasing their depth and determination. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, combined with a balanced squad featuring Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin wizardry and Josh Inglis’s explosive batting, propelled PBKS to their second IPL final, 11 years after their 2014 appearance. Their season was marked by strategic toss decisions, aggressive PowerPlay batting, and disciplined bowling, making them a formidable unit.
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBKS | 14 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16 | +0.32 |
Qualifier 2 Breakdown: PBKS vs MI
Mumbai Indians Innings (203/6 in 20 Overs)
MI, batting first after PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl, posted a daunting 203/6, driven by Suryakumar Yadav (44 off 26), Tilak Varma (44 off 29), and Naman Dhir’s late blitz (37 off 18). Jonny Bairstow’s 38 off 24 set a strong PowerPlay (65/1), but PBKS’s bowlers, led by Azmatullah Omarzai (2/43), struck back in the middle overs. Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Suryakumar, and Kyle Jamieson removed Tilak in the 14th over, a turning point that restricted MI’s momentum. Despite Naman Dhir’s seven fours, PBKS’s disciplined death bowling, with no sixes conceded in the last five overs, kept MI’s total chaseable.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 114.29 |
| Jonny Bairstow (wk) | 38 | 24 | 3 | 2 | 158.33 |
| Tilak Varma | 44 | 29 | 2 | 2 | 151.72 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 44 | 26 | 4 | 3 | 169.23 |
| Hardik Pandya (c) | 15 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 115.38 |
| Naman Dhir | 37 | 18 | 7 | 0 | 205.56 |
| Raj Bawa | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 200.00 |
| Mitchell Santner | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | 9 | (b 0, lb 3, w 4, nb 2) | |||
| Total | 203/6 | (20 Overs) |
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | WD | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 0 | 44 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 11.00 |
| Kyle Jamieson | 4 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7.50 |
| Marcus Stoinis | 1 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 14.00 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 4 | 0 | 43 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10.80 |
| Vijaykumar Vyshak | 3 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10.00 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 4 | 0 | 39 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9.80 |
Fall of Wickets: 19/1 (Rohit, 2.2), 70/2 (Bairstow, 6.6), 142/3 (Suryakumar, 13.5), 142/4 (Tilak, 14.1), 180/5 (Hardik, 17.6), 197/6 (Naman, 19.3)
Punjab Kings Innings (207/5 in 19 Overs)
PBKS’s chase of 204 was a masterclass, led by Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87* off 41 balls, including 5 fours and 8 sixes. Josh Inglis set the tone with 38 off 21, smashing 20 runs off Jasprit Bumrah in a single PowerPlay over. Nehal Wadhera’s 48 off 29 provided crucial support, while a controversial wide referral in the 18.5th over added drama. Shreyas sealed the chase with four sixes in the 19th over against Ashwani Kumar, ensuring PBKS’s historic victory and a spot in the IPL 2025 final.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priyansh Arya | 20 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 200.00 |
| Prabhsimran Singh | 6 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Josh Inglis (wk) | 38 | 21 | 5 | 2 | 180.95 |
| Shreyas Iyer (c) | 87* | 41 | 5 | 8 | 212.20 |
| Nehal Wadhera | 48 | 29 | 4 | 2 | 165.52 |
| Shashank Singh | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Marcus Stoinis | 2* | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | 4 | (b 0, lb 0, w 3, nb 1) | |||
| Total | 207/5 | (19 Overs) |
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | WD | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Boult | 4 | 0 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 9.50 |
| Reece Topley | 3 | 0 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13.30 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 4 | 0 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10.00 |
| Ashwani Kumar | 4 | 0 | 55 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 13.80 |
| Mitchell Santner | 2 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7.50 |
| Hardik Pandya | 2 | 0 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9.50 |
Fall of Wickets: 13/1 (Prabhsimran, 2.1), 55/2 (Priyansh, 5.1), 72/3 (Inglis, 7.5), 156/4 (Wadhera, 15.4), 169/5 (Shashank, 16.4)
Timeline of Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 Journey
- Match 3 vs DC: PBKS started with a 6-wicket win, with Shreyas Iyer’s 65 setting the tone.
- Match 12 vs SRH: Yuzvendra Chahal’s 4/28 restricted SRH, securing a 15-run victory.
- Match 19 vs RR: Josh Inglis’s 72 off 39 powered a high-scoring chase, boosting PBKS’s NRR.
- Match 28 vs KKR: Nehal Wadhera’s 54 off 32 helped PBKS defend 180, a turning point.
- Qualifier 1 vs RCB: A 4-wicket loss exposed batting frailties, but PBKS regrouped.
- Qualifier 2 vs MI (June 1, 2025): Shreyas Iyer’s 87* and a historic 204 chase sealed PBKS’s final berth.
- Key Milestone: PBKS became the first team to chase 200+ against MI in IPL history.
Star Performers of Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 Campaign
Shreyas Iyer: The Captain’s Masterclass
Shreyas Iyer, with 650 runs in 16 matches, was PBKS’s backbone. His unbeaten 87* in Qualifier 2, with a strike rate of 212.20, showcased his ability to anchor and accelerate. As the first captain to lead three IPL franchises (DC, KKR, PBKS) to the final, Shreyas’s leadership was pivotal. Fantasy Tip: Iyer’s consistency makes him a top captaincy pick for the IPL 2025 final, especially on batting-friendly pitches.
Josh Inglis: PowerPlay Firepower
Josh Inglis’s 38 off 21 in Qualifier 2, including a 20-run over off Bumrah, set the chase alight. His aggressive starts in the PowerPlay (average 35.2, SR 175.6) were crucial. Fantasy Tip: Inglis’s ability to dominate pace makes him a must-pick for fantasy teams in the final.
Nehal Wadhera: The Rising Star
Nehal Wadhera’s 48 off 29 in Qualifier 2 supported Iyer’s heroics, showcasing his composure under pressure. With 320 runs in 12 matches, Wadhera emerged as a reliable middle-order batter. Fantasy Tip: Wadhera’s form offers value as a differential pick in fantasy leagues.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Spin Wizard
Yuzvendra Chahal led the Purple Cap race with 22 wickets, including Suryakumar Yadav’s scalp in Qualifier 2. His economy of 7.85 was vital in containing big hitters. Fantasy Tip: Chahal’s wicket-taking ability makes him a safe bet for bonus points in the final.
| Player | Role | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Avg | SR/Econ | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | Batsman/Captain | 16 | 650 runs | 54.17 | 158.54 | 87* in Qualifier 2 vs MI |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper/Batsman | 16 | 420 runs | 35.20 | 175.60 | 20-run over off Bumrah |
| Nehal Wadhera | Batsman | 12 | 320 runs | 32.00 | 155.34 | 48 in Qualifier 2 vs MI |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Bowler | 16 | 22 wickets | 22.50 | 7.85 | Dismissed Suryakumar in Qualifier 2 |
Tactical Brilliance of Punjab Kings
PBKS’s success in IPL 2025 stemmed from smart strategies. In Qualifier 2, their decision to bowl first capitalized on the dew factor at Narendra Modi Stadium, aiding the chase. Targeting MI’s weaker bowlers like Reece Topley (3-0-40-0) with big overs (33 runs off Topley and Boult) was a masterstroke. Ricky Ponting’s coaching emphasized aggressive PowerPlay batting and disciplined death bowling, with Arshdeep Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai excelling in crunch moments. Shreyas Iyer’s field placements, like deep square leg against Bairstow, disrupted MI’s rhythm. Ponting lauded Iyer’s composure, saying, “Shreyas led from the front, making tough calls look easy.”
PBKS vs MI IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 Highlights
Fan Reactions on X
The excitement on X was palpable after PBKS’s Qualifier 2 win:
- @BB24x7_: “The 11-year wait is over 👏 Punjab Kings storm into the IPL 2025 final with a win over Mumbai Indians. #IPL2025 #PBKSvsMI”
- @kritiitweets: “Take a Bow Shreyas Iyer 🙇🏻♀️ Knocked out 5 times champion Mumbai Indians single handedly to take Punjab Kings into IPL 2025 Final 🥵”
- @htTweets: “Punjab Kings storm into the IPL 2025 final! Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 8️⃣7️⃣ powers PBKS to a dominant win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2! 🔥” Fans celebrated Iyer’s heroics and expressed joy at PBKS’s return to the final, with some humorously noting KKR’s missed opportunity.
Narendra Modi Stadium: The Stage for PBKS’s Triumph
Narendra Modi Stadium played a pivotal role in PBKS’s Qualifier 2 win. The dew factor made chasing easier, and the flat pitch suited PBKS’s aggressive batsmen. The stadium’s IPL records reflect its high-scoring nature:
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Team Total | 233/3 (GT vs MI, 2023) |
| Highest Chase (IPL 2025) | 207/5 (PBKS vs MI, 2025) |
| Most Runs (IPL 2025) | 720 (Suryakumar Yadav) |
| Most Wickets (IPL 2025) | 22 (Yuzvendra Chahal) |
The stadium’s 132,000 capacity roared as PBKS clinched victory, setting the stage for the IPL 2025 final.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for the IPL 2025 Final
- Shreyas Iyer: With 650 runs and a 212.20 SR in Qualifier 2, Iyer is a must-pick captain for the final, especially on Ahmedabad’s batting-friendly pitch.
- Yuzvendra Chahal: His 22 wickets and ability to break partnerships make him a top bowler pick.
- Josh Inglis: Ideal for PowerPlay points, Inglis’s aggressive starts are a fantasy goldmine.
- Nehal Wadhera: A differential pick for middle-order runs and potential bonus points.
- Strategy: Prioritize PBKS batsmen for the final, given RCB’s bowling struggles in high-scoring games.
Looking Ahead: IPL 2025 Final vs RCB
PBKS will face RCB in the IPL 2025 final on June 3, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium. Both teams, chasing their first IPL title, promise a blockbuster clash. PBKS’s balanced squad, with Iyer’s leadership and Chahal’s spin, will challenge RCB’s batting firepower led by Virat Kohli. The final’s outcome will hinge on PBKS’s ability to replicate their Qualifier 2 chasing prowess.
Conclusion
Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 journey to the final is a tale of grit, leadership, and brilliance. Shreyas Iyer’s 87* in Qualifier 2, supported by Inglis, Wadhera, and Chahal, marked a historic milestone for PBKS. As they gear up for the RCB showdown, fans are buzzing with excitement. Join IPL Star for exclusive IPL 2025 final coverage, and share your predictions in the comments! Will PBKS lift their first trophy? Let’s hear your thoughts!
FAQs Punjab Kings’ Epic Journey to IPL 2025 Final
1. How Did Punjab Kings Reach the IPL 2025 Final?
Punjab Kings reached the IPL 2025 final by defeating Mumbai Indians by 5 wickets in Qualifier 2 on June 1, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium. Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87* off 41 balls led PBKS to chase 204, marking the first 200+ chase against MI in IPL history.
2. Who Were the Key Players in Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 Win?
In the PBKS vs MI Qualifier 2 match, Shreyas Iyer (87*), Josh Inglis (38 off 21), Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29), and Yuzvendra Chahal (1/39, dismissing Suryakumar Yadav) were standout performers, driving PBKS to the IPL 2025 final.
3. What Was Shreyas Iyer’s Role in Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 Journey?
Shreyas Iyer, PBKS’s captain, scored 650 runs in IPL 2025, including a match-defining 87* in Qualifier 2. His leadership, tactical acumen, and record as the first captain to lead three IPL franchises to the final were pivotal for PBKS’s success.
4. Why Was Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 Win Historic?
PBKS’s 5-wicket victory over MI in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 was historic as it marked the first successful 200+ chase against MI in IPL history. It also secured PBKS’s second final appearance, their first since 2014.
5. What Were the Key Moments in PBKS vs MI IPL 2025 Qualifier 2?
Key moments included Josh Inglis’s 20-run over off Jasprit Bumrah, the 14th-over double strike by Chahal and Jamieson, a controversial wide referral in the 18.5th over, and Shreyas Iyer’s four sixes in the 19th over to seal the chase.
6. How Did Narendra Modi Stadium Influence Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 Win?
Narendra Modi Stadium’s dew factor and flat pitch aided PBKS’s chase of 204 in Qualifier 2. The venue’s high-scoring nature, with a record 207/5 chase by PBKS, played a crucial role in their IPL 2025 final journey.
7. Who Are the Best Fantasy Cricket Picks for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Final?
Shreyas Iyer (650 runs, SR 158.54), Yuzvendra Chahal (22 wickets, Econ 7.85), and Josh Inglis (SR 175.60) are top fantasy picks for the IPL 2025 final, offering high points for runs, wickets, and PowerPlay aggression.
8. What Was Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 Season Performance?
PBKS finished the IPL 2025 league stage with 8 wins, 6 losses, 16 points, and a +0.32 NRR. Their Qualifier 2 win over MI, led by Shreyas Iyer’s 87*, highlighted their balanced squad and tactical prowess.
9. How Did Fans React to Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 Victory?
Fans on X erupted with joy, praising Shreyas Iyer’s 87* and PBKS’s historic chase. Posts like “The 11-year wait is over!” reflected excitement for PBKS’s IPL 2025 final berth, boosting anticipation for the RCB clash.
10. What Are Punjab Kings’ Chances in the IPL 2025 Final vs RCB?
PBKS’s balanced squad, with Iyer’s leadership, Chahal’s spin, and Inglis’s firepower, gives them a strong chance in the IPL 2025 final against RCB on June 3, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium, especially after their T20 cricket chase expertise.