Sensational Shreyas Iyer Powers PBKS to Historic IPL Final

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have stormed into their second-ever IPL final, riding on a sensational unbeaten 87 from Shreyas Iyer to defeat Mumbai Indians (MI) by five wickets in a high-octane Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad. For the first time in their storied history, MI failed to defend a total in excess of 200 — a testament to both PBKS’ composure and Iyer’s brilliance under pressure.

Shreyas Iyer: The Chasing Maestro

Chasing 204, PBKS found themselves under pressure early, but Iyer, walking in during the last over of the powerplay, took control from the outset. His second ball went to the boundary, setting the tone for an innings of sublime strokeplay and calm aggression. Whether it was ramping Hardik Pandya over the keeper or scything Ashwani Kumar over cover on a free-hit, Iyer seemed to be in complete control — anticipating, reacting, and executing with authority.

The turning point came in the 13th over when Iyer launched Reece Topley for three consecutive sixes. The move not only shifted momentum but statistically doubled PBKS' chances of winning — from 25% before the over to 53% after. His steers past backward point against Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah — MI’s two most potent weapons — were arguably the shots of the match.

Unflinching and composed till the end, Iyer finished unbeaten on 87, taking PBKS home with six balls to spare. His effort ensured PBKS will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final — guaranteeing a new IPL champion for 2025.

Support Cast: Wadhera and Inglis Stand Tall

While Iyer was the hero, he wasn’t alone. Nehal Wadhera played a vital knock of 48 off 39 balls, benefitting from two dropped chances and displaying grit and timing. His straight six off Ashwani Kumar in the 16th over was a highlight before he was eventually dismissed.

Josh Inglis added fireworks earlier, smashing Bumrah for 20 runs in a single over — a rare feat that helped keep PBKS ahead of the required rate.

PBKS Bowlers Hold Nerve

PBKS’ victory was also built on smart bowling. Their pacers, particularly Kyle Jamieson, used the pitch wisely by taking the pace off regularly. Despite MI looking set for a total well beyond 220 at the halfway mark, PBKS pulled things back with key breakthroughs — removing the in-form Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma at crucial moments.

MI’s Missed Opportunity

MI’s innings had its moments. After Rohit Sharma’s early exit, Jonny Bairstow and Suryakumar Yadav launched a counterattack. Suryakumar's 44 off 26 not only dominated Yuzvendra Chahal (whom he struck for 33 off 16) but also earned him the world record for most runs in a T20 tournament by a non-opener (717 runs), surpassing AB de Villiers’ 687 in 2016.

Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir added vital contributions too. Dhir, in particular, was explosive at the death, scoring 37 off just 18 balls, including seven boundaries, punishing Arshdeep Singh who was hampered by an over-rate penalty and reduced boundary protection.

The Final Awaits

With this win, PBKS march into the IPL 2025 final where they will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru. One of these long-waiting franchises will finally lift their maiden IPL trophy — and if Shreyas Iyer continues his red-hot form, PBKS fans have every reason to dream big.

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