Shreyas Iyer Leads Punjab Kings to IPL 2025 Final With Dazzling Chase Against Mumbai

National Times Bureau, June 2, 2025: Punjab Kings roared into the IPL 2025 final after defeating Mumbai Indians by five wickets in a high-voltage Qualifier 2 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This marks only the second time Punjab has reached an IPL final their last appearance being in 2014.

Mumbai Indians, asked to bat first, posted a commanding total of 203/6. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma gave the innings backbone with 44 runs each, while Naman Dhir injected late energy with a quickfire 28 off just 12 balls. Punjab’s bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, and at the halfway mark, Mumbai looked confident of sealing another final spot.

But Punjab’s response was nothing short of spectacular.

Captain Shreyas Iyer played one of the finest innings of this IPL season. He remained unbeaten on 87, steering the chase with grace, grit, and a touch of flair. He timed his knocks perfectly, punishing loose deliveries and maintaining composure during tight overs. Nehal Wadhera’s 39-run cameo provided vital support, while Punjab’s middle order maintained the pace needed for a demanding chase.

With wickets falling around him, Iyer held the innings together and ensured the scoreboard pressure never got out of hand. Punjab reached the target in 19 overs, ending at 207/5 and sealing a stunning win with six balls to spare.

The match capped an emotional journey for Punjab Kings, a team often criticized for underperformance. Their entry into the final now sets up a blockbuster clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, promising fans a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season.

By Rajeev Sharma

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