Could Iyer’s Unbeaten 87 Propel PBKS to IPL Title?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, Shreyas Iyer's remarkable unbeaten 87 led Punjab Kings to a five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians. This victory secures PBKS a spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch. Will Iyer guide his team to their first IPL title?
Key Takeaways
- Shreyas Iyer scored an unbeaten 87 to secure victory for PBKS.
- PBKS will meet RCB in the IPL 2025 final.
- Iyer's leadership has been vital in multiple IPL finals.
- MI will see a new champion crowned this season.
- The match showcased thrilling batting performances from both teams.
Ahmedabad, June 2 (NationPress) Captain Shreyas Iyer excelled with a stunning unbeaten 87 runs off just 4 balls, leading Punjab Kings to a remarkable five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With this win, PBKS advances to the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Tuesday, marking a re-match of their earlier encounter in Qualifier 1.
The elimination of MI ensures a new champion will be crowned on Tuesday. Iyer's performance was marked by elegance and steadiness, as he skillfully guided his team to chase down a target of 204 runs with one over remaining.
In a standout display, Iyer hit five fours and eight sixes, overcoming early batting challenges to secure the win, demonstrating his leadership with a pivotal 84-run partnership alongside Nehal Wadhera, who scored a rapid 48 runs off 29 balls.
Iyer has now led two different teams, PBKS and Kolkata Knight Riders, to consecutive IPL finals, and previously took Delhi Capitals to the finals in IPL 2020, making him the only captain to achieve this remarkable milestone.
As they chased 204, Prabhsimran Singh began with a boundary off Trent Boult, but Boult soon claimed his wicket. Josh Inglis stabilized the innings with some boundaries, while Priyansh Arya upped the aggression with solid strikes against Reece Topley.
The power-play was highlighted by Inglis's explosive over against Jasprit Bumrah, where he scored 20 runs, but MI regrouped with wickets falling at crucial moments. Iyer and Wadhera’s partnership rekindled hope for PBKS, as Iyer launched a barrage of sixes, ultimately leading his team to victory after 11 long years.
Earlier, MI scored 203 runs in their innings, with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma each contributing 44 runs, while Naman Dhir added a quick 37 runs. Despite a strong PBKS bowling effort, MI crossed the 200-run threshold, laying a psychological foundation for a knockout game.
In conclusion, Iyer's explosive batting not only secured the win for PBKS but also positioned them for a shot at their first IPL title.
Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 203/6 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 44, Tilak Varma 44; Azmatullah Omarzai 2-43, Marcus Stoinis 1-14) lost to Punjab Kings 207/5 in 19 overs (Shreyas Iyer 87 not out, Nehal Wadhera 48; Ashwani Kumar 2-55, Hardik Pandya 1-19) by five wickets
Point of View
It's clear that Shreyas Iyer's leadership has been pivotal for Punjab Kings. His consistent performance across different franchises highlights his unparalleled expertise in the IPL. As we approach the finals, the anticipation builds for a thrilling contest, marking a new chapter in the IPL history with potential for an exciting new champion.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led Punjab Kings to victory in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2?
Shreyas Iyer led Punjab Kings to victory with an impressive unbeaten 87 runs.
Which team will Punjab Kings face in the IPL final?
Punjab Kings will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL final.
What was the target for Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 2 match?
Punjab Kings chased down a target of 204 runs in the Qualifier 2 match.
How many sixes did Shreyas Iyer hit in the match?
Shreyas Iyer hit eight sixes during his unbeaten innings of 87 runs.
What milestone did Iyer achieve with this performance?
Shreyas Iyer became the only captain to lead two different teams to back-to-back IPL finals.
