Kingsize Win! Punjab Outshines Mumbai, Secures Coveted Top-Two Spot

In a dagger-to-the-heart IPL 2025 encounter at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) produced a clinical show to beat Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets, confirming a top-two spot for the first time in 11 years and securing a prized place in Qualifier 1.

Mumbai Indians, who were invited to bat by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, put up a fighting 184/7, courtesy Suryakumar Yadav's 57 and the late burst by Hardik Pandya. Suryakumar's innings was not just an anchor for the innings but also saw him overtake Sachin Tendulkar's record for most runs in a season for MI. Ryan Rickelton's fast 27 provided MI with a good start, and Arshdeep Singh's tight last over denied the total two key wickets.

Punjab's pursuit was started haltingly with the premature fall of Prabhsimran Singh, but the game swung decisively on the back of a 109-run stand between Priyansh Arya (62 off 35) and Josh Inglis (73 off 42). Their attacking yet mature batting tore apart the MI bowling, paving the way for Shreyas Iyer to complete the task in style with an unbeaten 26, securing victory with a six and taking it to 187/3 in a mere 18.3 overs.

This victory ensured PBKS a top-two finish as well as a home Qualifier 1 in Mullanpur. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, will have to play the Eliminator, losing out on a final chance.

Key Points
Punjab Kings chased 185, winning by 7 wickets with 9 balls remaining.

Josh Inglis (73) and Priyansh Arya (62) stole the show with a match-winning 109-run partnership.

Suryakumar Yadav became MI’s top run-scorer in a season with a 57-run knock.

Arshdeep Singh’s economical final over helped restrict MI to 184/7.

Shreyas Iyer finished unbeaten, sealing the win with a six.

PBKS secure top-two finish for the first time since 2014; Qualifier 1 awaits at home.

Mumbai Indians to play the Eliminator after finishing fourth.

Source: Times of India, India Today, IPLT20.com, ESPNcricinfo