Punjab Kings sealed their spot in the IPL 2025 final after a breathtaking chase against Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Led by Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls, PBKS chased down a formidable target of 204, confirming their place as the second finalists of the season.
Iyer: The Captain Who’s Rewriting IPL History
Shreyas Iyer is in a league of his own this season. Becoming the first player ever to lead three different teams to IPL finals is no small feat. It’s one thing to be a strong player, but steering different squads deep into the tournament? That’s exceptional. Just last year, Iyer captained Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL crown. Go back a bit further, and you find him leading Delhi Capitals to the finals in 2020. Now, it’s Punjab Kings’ turn under his guidance.
He also joined an elite group of IPL captains by crossing the 50-win mark in the tournament. That list includes some big names: MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, and Virat Kohli. So yeah, Iyer is rubbing shoulders with legends.
It’s a testament to his leadership—he’s not just a player smashing runs but a tactical mind shaping teams. You get the sense that he’s evolving into one of the finest captains in IPL history. The numbers back it up, but the way he carries himself on the field speaks volumes too.
How the Match Unfolded: Punjab Kings’ Thrilling Chase
Mumbai Indians set a solid target of 204, putting the pressure right on PBKS from the start. The chase didn’t begin smoothly for Punjab Kings—they lost Prabhsimran Singh early, after just 6 runs. That could have derailed their momentum, but Priyansh Arya (20) and Josh Inglis (38) steadied the ship, pushing the score past 50 in the Powerplay overs.
Still, the middle overs tested PBKS, losing those two wickets and finding themselves at 72 for 3. That’s where Iyer and Nehal Wadhera stepped up big time. The duo put on an 84-run partnership, driving PBKS past the 150-run mark and bringing hope back for the chasing side.
Wadhera eventually got out, but by then Iyer was in full control. His 41-ball 87* was a spectacle, studded with five boundaries and eight towering sixes. He wasn’t just scoring; he was taking the game by the scruff of its neck, refusing to let Mumbai Indians tighten the noose.
Record-Breaking Sixes: Iyer’s Power Display
There’s more to this innings than just a match-winning knock. Shreyas Iyer broke another PBKS record in this game—he now holds the record for most sixes by a Punjab Kings batter in a single IPL season. He smashed 39 sixes this season, surpassing Glenn Maxwell’s 2014 record of 36 sixes.
This is no small achievement considering the caliber of hitters IPL has seen. The ability to clear boundaries with such consistency shows Iyer’s fearless approach. And honestly, it’s thrilling to watch.
The Man Who Was Bought to Lead
PBKS made a big statement by making Iyer their captain at the start of this season, snagging him for a record ₹26.75 crore. High expectations, for sure. But if there was any doubt about his value, his captaincy and performances have wiped them away.
Iyer joins a short list of just eight captains who have lifted the IPL trophy, having done so with Kolkata Knight Riders last season. Beyond just leading, he’s the first player to guide three different teams to IPL playoffs and now finals.
His captaincy style mixes calm decision-making with aggressive tactics. That blend has made PBKS not just contenders but genuine title favorites.
Moments That Defined the Match: Iyer’s Calm in the Storm
At one point, PBKS looked shaky at 72/3 in the eighth over, with the required run rate climbing fast. Iyer didn’t panic. He played smart, taking calculated risks instead of reckless swings. When he was 19 off 15 balls, you might’ve thought he was holding back—but then came the fireworks.
In the 13th over, he hammered Reece Topley for three consecutive sixes. That was a real momentum shift. The crowd must’ve gone wild! Even after losing partners like Wadhera and Shashank Singh, Iyer held the fort. Bowling legends like Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah threw their best yorkers, but Iyer met them with boundaries.
That fearless composure, mixing grit with flair, made all the difference. In the pressure cooker of IPL playoffs, it’s easy to crumble. Iyer chose to shine instead.
Quick stats from the match:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | 87* | 41 | 5 | 8 | 212.19 |
| Josh Inglis | 38 | – | – | – | – |
| Priyansh Arya | 20 | – | – | – | – |
This table highlights Iyer’s extraordinary impact, setting him apart from his teammates with a blistering strike rate and power hitting.
Punjab Kings’ victory over Mumbai Indians isn’t just a win; it’s a statement. With Iyer leading the way, they’ve proved their mettle and now set sights on the IPL trophy. If this final showdown is anything like the Qualifier 2, fans are in for a treat.
