KKN Gurugram Desk |  Punjab Kings scripted a sensational win over Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 to secure a place in the final of the 18th season. Powered by a breathtaking half-century from Shreyas Iyer, Punjab chased down a daunting target of 204 runs in just 19 overs with 5 wickets in hand. The match took place at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, in front of a roaring crowd.

The victory not only ended Mumbai’s campaign but also guaranteed that the IPL 2025 will crown a new champion, as Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — both without an IPL title to date — face off in the final on June 3.

Match Summary: PBKS vs MI – IPL 2025 Qualifier 2

Shreyas Iyer’s Match-Winning Knock

Chasing a stiff target of 204, Punjab Kings were under pressure, especially against a strong bowling lineup that included Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. But it was Shreyas Iyer who rose to the occasion with a spectacular unbeaten 87 off 41 deliveries, showing remarkable composure and aggression.

Key Highlights of Iyer’s Innings:

• Boundaries off yorkers from Bumrah and Boult

• Excellent placement through third man and backward point

• Smart rotation of strike under pressure

• Finished the game with a six, sending Preity Zinta and fans into celebration

His knock is now being hailed as one of the greatest playoff performances in IPL history.

Mumbai’s Campaign Ends Despite Strong Total

Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, put up a solid total of 203/6 after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Key contributions came from Suryakumar Yadav (62) and Tilak Varma (48), while Pandya chipped in with a quick cameo.

Despite setting a competitive target and having a potent bowling unit, MI failed to contain the Punjab chase. They were also outclassed tactically in the death overs.

Emotional Moment: Preity Zinta Breaks into Celebration

The victory was not just about cricketing numbers. It was a deeply emotional moment for Punjab Kings’ co-owner Preity Zinta, who has stood by the franchise through years of near-misses and disappointments.

As Shreyas Iyer struck the final six, cameras captured Preity leaping with joy in the stands, hands in the air, overwhelmed with emotion. Her spontaneous reaction quickly went viral on social media.

Fans echoed her joy, with many celebrating the long-awaited moment:

• “Bolo Tara Ra Ra! Punjab in the Final!”

• “Preity deserves this — true queen of IPL spirit”

• “It’s happening. Finally! Go Punjab Kings!”

Punjab vs RCB Final: Guaranteed New IPL Champion

The IPL 2025 final between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), scheduled for June 3 at Narendra Modi Stadium, promises to be historic. Neither side has ever lifted the IPL trophy, despite years of participation.

Historical Context:

• Punjab Kings last played the final in 2014 (lost to KKR)

• RCB have been to the final three times (2009, 2011, 2016) but never won

• Both teams have massive fanbases and superstars in their squads

This final is more than a contest — it’s a shot at rewriting legacy.

What This Win Means for Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings’ journey to the final wasn’t easy. They had a mixed league stage, secured a playoff spot late, and had to overcome Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful teams in IPL history.

Key Factors Behind Punjab’s Success:

• Leadership: Strategic decisions and composed mindset

• Top Order Resilience: Consistency from openers and middle-order

• Death Overs Bowling: Restricting MI despite early dominance

• Fielding: Key run-outs and sharp catching under pressure

Their transformation in the business end of the tournament is now being hailed as a blueprint for team balance and peaking at the right time.

Fan Reactions and Media Buzz

Social media platforms exploded with messages congratulating Punjab Kings and celebrating Shreyas Iyer’s heroic innings. The hashtags #PBKSvsMI, #ShreyasIyer, and #PreityZinta trended globally.

Cricket experts lauded Punjab’s fearless approach:

• Harsha Bhogle: “Incredible chase. Iyer was ice-cold under pressure. That final six — moment of the IPL!”

• Sanjay Manjrekar: “Smart cricket from Punjab. MI had the runs, but PBKS had belief.”

• Lisa Sthalekar: “Finally, a new champion awaits us. IPL 2025 is already historic!”

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Final

Punjab Kings Strengths:

• In-form middle order led by Iyer and Livingstone

• Bowlers like Rabada, Arshdeep peaking at the right time

• Preity Zinta’s emotional backing serving as morale booster

RCB’s Threats:

• Virat Kohli in tremendous form

• Experienced finishers in Maxwell and DK

• Strong spin department on slower tracks

It will be a battle of momentum vs hunger, and the crowd in Ahmedabad is sure to witness fireworks.

Punjab Kings’ stunning victory over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 wasn’t just a game won — it was a symbol of resilience, belief, and evolution. From being considered underachievers to now stepping into the final with confidence, Punjab’s turnaround is inspirational.

As cricket fans across the world gear up for the final showdown, one thing is certain: IPL 2025 will crown a first-time champion. Whether it’s Preity Zinta’s Punjab or Kohli’s RCB, history will be made at Narendra Modi Stadium.