PBKS vs MI: Punjab will have to score 204 runs to make it to the final, Mumbai bowlers will have to show their strength

The second qualifier of IPL 2025 is taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The high-stakes match began with Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Although the toss was conducted on time, the match faced a delay of nearly one and a half hours due to rain. Despite the setback, the game resumed under slightly overcast conditions, and Mumbai Indians batted first, managing to post a strong total of 203 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Mumbai’s innings started on a shaky note as veteran opener Rohit Sharma, who had played a stellar knock in the previous match, couldn’t replicate that form and was dismissed early. Rohit scored just 8 runs off 7 balls before heading back to the pavilion, giving Punjab Kings an early breakthrough. Following his dismissal, Jonny Bairstow and Tilak Verma steadied the innings. Batting at number three, Tilak Verma looked in fine touch. The duo built a 51-run partnership for the second wicket, giving Mumbai a solid platform. Bairstow played aggressively and scored 38 runs off 24 deliveries before Vijaykumar Vishak dismissed him.

After Bairstow’s exit, Suryakumar Yadav joined Tilak Verma at the crease, and the two continued the momentum with an impressive partnership of 71 runs. Both batters were in excellent form, rotating the strike well and punishing bad deliveries. Tilak Verma contributed a valuable 44 runs off 29 balls, while Suryakumar also added 44 runs, taking only 26 balls to do so. Their aggressive stroke play and effective running between the wickets kept the scoreboard ticking and put pressure on the Punjab bowlers. Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Mumbai Indians managed to stay on track thanks to the foundation set by these two.

In the final overs, Mumbai’s innings got the boost it needed from lower-order batter Naman Dheer. Dheer played a crucial cameo, smashing 37 runs in just 18 balls, including some powerful boundaries and timely sixes that pushed Mumbai's total past the 200-run mark. His late onslaught ensured that Mumbai set a challenging target of 204 runs for Punjab Kings in this must-win game. As for Punjab’s bowling performance, most bowlers chipped in with wickets except for Arshdeep Singh, who remained wicketless despite bowling economically.

Both teams fielded strong playing XIs for this important clash. Punjab Kings included Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (as wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Umarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vishak, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Their list of impact players featured Prabhsimran Singh, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, and Harpreet Brar—providing them with flexibility in both batting and bowling options.

Mumbai Indians, led by captain Hardik Pandya, played with Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, Naman Dheer, Mitchell Santner, Raj Bawa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, and Reece Topley. Their impact player bench included Ashwani Kumar, Krishnan Sreejith, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minj, and Bevon Jacobs.

As the match progresses, all eyes will be on whether Punjab Kings can chase down the steep target of 204 runs and secure a place in the IPL 2025 final. It will require a disciplined and explosive performance from their top order, while Mumbai’s bowlers—especially the likes of Bumrah, Topley, and Boult—will aim to defend the total and take their team to the grand finale.