In a commanding performance at the business end of the IPL 2025 league phase, Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a historic top-two finish for the first time in 11 years by defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) by 7 wickets in the 69th match of the season. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the Kings chased down MI's total of 184 with 9 balls to spare, finishing at 187/3 in 18.3 overs. This win confirms PBKS's spot in Qualifier 1, which will be played in Mullanpur on 29 May.
With an easy victory, Punjab Kings showed their determination to participate in the 2025 Indian Premier League with an outstanding performance. Their top order, particularly Josh Inglis (73 off 42) and Priyansh Arya (62 off 33), devastated MI's bowling unit through their batting performance and it shows the combination, strength and precision of the team. Despite a spirited innings from Suryakumar Yadav (57 off 38), MI fell short of a defendable total. Captain Shreyas Iyer capped off the win with a six, sealing Punjab's top-two finish in style.
After being asked to bat first, Mumbai Indians posted 184/7. Suryakumar Yadav held the innings together, while Hardik Pandya and Naman Dhir provided late acceleration. However, Punjab's bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/28) and Marco Jansen (2/34), executed superbly at the death, limiting the damage.
In reply, PBKS lost Prabhsimran Singh early, but a 109-run stand between Arya and Inglis shifted the momentum completely. Arya's aggressive fifty featured eye-catching shots off Pandya and Bumrah, while Inglis showcased his all-round strokeplay, including reverse scoops and ramps. Despite both falling near the end, Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera guided PBKS home without any hiccups.
Mumbai Indians – 184/7 (20 overs):
Suryakumar Yadav: 57 (38)
Hardik Pandya: 26 (15)
Arshdeep Singh: 2/28
Marco Jansen: 2/34
Punjab Kings – 187/3 (18.3 overs):
Josh Inglis: 73 (42)
Priyansh Arya: 62 (33)
Mitchell Santner: 2/41
Result: PBKS won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Josh Inglis (PBKS)
With this win, Punjab Kings climbed to the top two in the IPL 2025 points table with one game left in the league stage. This assures them of two shots at reaching the final.
PBKS: Secured top-two spot
MI: Finished 4th with 8 wins and 5 losses, entering the Eliminator
The ultimate top-four seeding will be decided by the league come across between RCB and LSG. Gujarat Titans would drop to second place if RCB loses, forcing RCB to play with MI in the Eliminator. But If RCB wins, they will join PBKS in Qualifier 1.
This victory marks the start of a whole new era for PBKS, a team that has struggled to qualify for the playoffs since finishing in second place in 2014. With young players, global firepower, and a solid leadership group under Coach Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, Punjab appears to be a strong contender for the championship.