In a rain-delayed but electrifying Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad, the Punjab Kings stormed their way into the Indian Premier League (IPL) final for the first time in 11 years, defeating five-time champions Mumbai Indians by five wickets.

Captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a blistering, unbeaten 87* off just 41 balls to chase down a target of 204 in style.

For Punjab fans, this wasn’t just a win—it was a moment they’ve been waiting over a decade to witness again.

A Match That Had It All: Rain, Runs, and a Captain’s Masterclass

Despite rain delaying the start by over two hours at the Narendra Modi Stadium, not a single over was lost. Once play began, both sides made up for lost time with fireworks.

Mumbai Indians, opting to bat after losing the toss, posted a formidable 203/6. Tilak Varma (44 off 29) and Suryakumar Yadav (44 off 26) anchored the innings well, while Jonny Bairstow’s quickfire 38 off 24 set the tone. Naman Dhir gave the final push with an explosive 37 off just 18 balls, lifting Mumbai to a competitive total.

Yet, what unfolded in the second innings was pure IPL theatre.

Punjab’s Response: Inglis Ignites, Shreyas Finishes

Chasing 204, Punjab Kings got a flying start thanks to Australian keeper-batter Josh Inglis, who hammered 38 off 21 deliveries—including 20 runs in one over off Jasprit Bumrah, no less.

However, Mumbai struck back quickly, with captain Hardik Pandya removing Inglis and Ashwani Kumar picking up key wickets including Nehal Wadhera, who looked dangerous with his 48 off 29. At one point, Punjab needed 48 runs from the final 26 balls—pressure mounting, the match evenly poised.

Enter Shreyas Iyer.

The Punjab skipper, calm under pressure, turned the tide in spectacular fashion. Needing 23 from the final two overs, Shreyas crushed four sixes in the 19th over, effectively sealing the deal. He ended unbeaten on 87 off 41 balls, hitting eight sixes in an innings that will go down as one of the great playoff performances.

“I love such big occasions,” said Shreyas, beaming after the win. “The bigger the stage, the calmer I try to be. That’s when you get the big results.”

Setting Up a Historic Final

With this victory, Punjab Kings set up a high-stakes final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday. The Narendra Modi Stadium will once again be the stage as two teams, both still chasing their first IPL title, clash in what promises to be an unforgettable final.

Interestingly, this will be a rematch of Qualifier 1, where RCB convincingly beat Punjab by eight wickets. Both sides finished the group stage with 19 points each, but Punjab topped the table thanks to a superior net run rate.

For Punjab, this is just their second IPL final appearance—their first coming back in 2014 when they were defeated by Kolkata Knight Riders. As for RCB, they’ve made it to three previous finals (2009, 2011, 2016), falling short each time. No matter who wins, one thing is certain: a new IPL champion will be crowned.

Mumbai’s Exit: A Brave Effort, but Not Enough

Mumbai Indians fought hard and had their moments. Their batting lineup clicked at the right time, and their total was above par, especially considering the pressure of a knockout match. Jasprit Bumrah, usually their ace in the deck, had an off day—going for 20 runs in one Inglis over that shifted early momentum.

Their bowling couldn’t contain Shreyas and the Punjab lower middle order in the end, and although Azmatullah Omarzai took 2 wickets, the rest of the attack struggled to finish strong.

Mumbai’s IPL 2025 campaign ends here, but with a mix of promising young players like Varma and Dhir, alongside experienced hands like Rohit and Suryakumar, they’ll be back as strong contenders next season.

Looking Ahead to the Final Showdown

With Punjab Kings and RCB both looking for their maiden title, Tuesday’s final is not just a match—it’s a redemption arc for both franchises.

Punjab will rely heavily on Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, while RCB will hope their big names like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis deliver on the night. Expect fireworks, nerves, and drama—this is what the IPL is all about.