In a rain-delayed thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Shreyas Iyer led Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a historic five-wicket win against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025 second qualifier. This victory saw PBKS reach their second IPL final, their first since 2014, with Iyer’s stunning knock of 87 off 41 balls* being the highlight of the match.
Iyer’s Match-Winning Knock: IPL 2025’s Finest
Iyer’s 87 not out, played under immense pressure, is likely to be remembered as one of the IPL 2025‘s standout innings. Starting off with 19 runs off 15 balls, Iyer accelerated when it mattered most, hammering eight sixes during his innings. His ability to switch gears at will was evident
when he took on Reece Topley for three consecutive sixes—one over square leg, another over long-on, and yet another over long-off. This left PBKS needing just 23 off the final 12 balls, a task he comfortably completed with four more sixes in the 19th over.
Shreyas Iyer’s Calmness Under Pressure
The pressure was mounting as PBKS chased down a daunting 204-run target. Iyer, known for his cool-headedness in pressure situations, applied his calm approach to guide his team home. “I love such big occasions,” Iyer said. “The bigger the occasion, the calmer you are.” His concentration and composure during the chase were remarkable, even handling Jasprit Bumrah’s yorkers with finesse by guiding them to the boundary.
A Record-Breaking Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Iyer became the first-ever captain to lead three different IPL franchises to the finals, cementing his place as one of the tournament’s premier captains. His leadership not only brought PBKS to the final but also saw him make selfless decisions. He gave up his preferred No. 3 spot for the team’s benefit, allowing Josh Inglis to bat in that position, and during a match against Gujarat Titans, he even declined the opportunity to chase a century, prioritizing the team’s win instead.
A Masterful IPL 2025 Performance
Iyer’s leadership has been defined by self-belief and composure, qualities that have elevated his captaincy. Despite a below-par batting display in Qualifier 1, Iyer’s 87 from 41* helped PBKS successfully chase down MI’s total, making his knock the match-winner. As Iyer reflects on his journey, his batting and leadership have earned him the confidence of rookies and uncapped players alike.
Key Players’ Contributions:
- Shreyas Iyer: 87* (off 41 balls)
- Nehal Wadhera: 48 (off 34 balls)
- Hardik Pandya: 1-19 (with the ball)
- Jasprit Bumrah: Conceded 10 runs in the death overs, keeping MI in the game
PBKS’ Path to the Final
With a remarkable chase that featured timely boundaries and acceleration in the final overs, PBKS will meet RCB in the final, both teams chasing their first IPL title. This exciting IPL 2025 final will be a battle of two teams with incredible firepower, but PBKS’s journey to the final has been marked by leadership, consistency, and resilience, epitomized by Shreyas Iyer’s stellar contribution.
