IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Outclass Mumbai Indians in a Thrilling Chase to Secure Top-Two Finish
Jaipur, May 26, 2025 – In a high-stakes clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Punjabv Kings (PBKS) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Mumbai Indians (MI) by 7 wickets in Match 69 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Chasing a competitive 185, PBKS rode on a scintillating 109-run partnership between Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis to secure a top-two finish and a spot in Qualifier 1, their first in 11 years. Meanwhile, MI, despite a valiant effort led by Suryakumar Yadav’s fifty, were relegated to the Eliminator.
Mumbai Indians’ Innings: A Promising Start Falls Short
Batting first after losing the toss, Mumbai Indians posted 184/7 in their 20 overs, a total that appeared competitive but ultimately fell 15-20 runs short on the batting-friendly Jaipur pitch. Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with a fluent 57 off 39 balls, extending his remarkable streak of 14 consecutive T20 scores of 25 or more. His knock included crisp strokeplay, but MI’s momentum faltered in the middle overs due to disciplined bowling from Punjab Kings.
MI’s top order started brightly, with openers laying a solid foundation in the powerplay. However, Punjab’s bowlers, led by Arрук
System: Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen, struck at crucial moments to restrict MI’s scoring rate. Arshdeep finished with 2/28, while Jansen claimed 2/34, both exploiting the slight slowdown in MI’s batting to keep the total within reach. Despite a late flourish, MI couldn’t capitalize fully, leaving them with a defendable but not imposing 184.
---
Punjab Kings’ Chase: Arya and Inglis Steal the Show
Punjab Kings’ chase began with an early setback as opener Prabhsimran Singh fell cheaply, leaving them at 20/1. Enter Priyansh Arya (62 off 35, 9 fours, 2 sixes) and Josh Inglis (73 off 42, 9 fours, 3 sixes), who turned the game on its head with a breathtaking 109-run second-wicket partnership. Their contrasting styles—Arya’s fearless, aggressive strokeplay and Inglis’s calculated, inventive batting—complemented each other perfectly, dismantling MI’s bowling attack with ease.
Arya’s approach was relentless, punishing anything wide outside off-stump with a flurry of boundaries. Inglis, on the other hand, showcased his class with quick footwork and clever shot selection, ensuring PBKS stayed ahead of the required rate. The duo’s tactical acumen was evident as they played Jasprit Bumrah with caution, avoiding risks against MI’s spearhead while targeting the likes of Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner. Their partnership effectively sealed the chase by the 15th over, with Arya and Inglis both falling to Santner (2 wickets) but not before the damage was done.
Captain Shreyas Iyer (26* off 16) and a quick cameo ensured PBKS crossed the line in 18.3 overs, finishing at 187/3. Iyer’s match-sealing six was a fitting end to a clinical chase, underlining Punjab’s dominance.
---Key Performances and Turning Points
- Suryakumar Yadav (MI):His 57 off 39 was the backbone of MI’s innings, but the lack of substantial support from the middle order meant they couldn’t push beyond 200, a par score on this surface.
- Priyansh Arya & Josh Inglis (PBKS): Their 109-run stand was the defining moment, blending aggression with smart cricket to neutralize MI’s bowling threat. Inglis’s 73 earned him the Player of the Match award.
- Arshdeep Singh & Marco Jansen (PBKS): Their tight bowling in the middle overs kept MI’s scoring in check, setting up a chaseable target.
- Mitchell Santner (MI): Took 2 crucial wickets (Arya and Inglis) but lacked support as PBKS cruised home.
Tactical Analysis
MI’s Struggles:Mumbai’s batting relied heavily on Suryakumar, but their middle order failed to accelerate against Punjab’s disciplined bowling. The inability to capitalize on a strong powerplay and the loss of quick wickets in the middle overs cost them a bigger total. Their bowling, while boasting Bumrah’s brilliance, lacked consistency from the supporting cast, allowing Arya and Inglis to dominate.
PBKS’s Masterclass:Punjab’s chase was a textbook display of modern T20 batting. Arya’s early aggression absorbed pressure, while Inglis’s composure ensured no hiccups. Their decision to respect Bumrah and attack others showcased tactical maturity. The bowling unit, led by Arshdeep and Jansen, executed their plans well, stifling MI’s momentum at key junctures.
This victory was monumental for Punjab Kings, marking their first top-two finish since 2014 and earning them a direct ticket to Qualifier 1. For Mumbai Indians, the defeat meant settling for the Eliminator, a tough pill to swallow for a side with five IPL titles. The result underscored PBKS’s resurgence under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and highlighted MI’s need for a more balanced batting effort in the do-or-die Eliminator.
---
Scorecard Snapshot
| Mumbai Indians Innings (184/7, 20 overs) | Punjab Kings Innings (187/3, 18.3 overs) |
|---------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Suryakumar Yadav: 57 (39) | Josh Inglis: 73 (42) |
| Arshdeep Singh: 2/28 | Priyansh Arya: 62 (35) |
| Marco Jansen: 2/34 | Shreyas Iyer: 26* (16) |
| Mitchell Santner: 2 wickets | Mitchell Santner: 2 wickets |
Post-Match Reactions
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS Captain): “The boys showed tremendous character. Arya and Inglis set the tone, and our bowlers laid the foundation. This top-two finish is a testament to our consistency.”
- Hardik Pandya (MI Captain): “We were probably 15-20 runs short. Credit to Punjab for their exceptional batting. We’ll regroup for the Eliminator.”
- Josh Inglis (Player of the Match): “It’s about keeping things simple. Priyansh was phenomenal, and we just fed off each other’s energy.”
Looking Ahead
Punjab Kings now head to Qualifier 1 with momentum, eyeing a shot at their maiden IPL title. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, face a must-win Eliminator, where their experience and depth will be tested. This match was a showcase of T20 cricket at its finest—explosive batting, tactical nous, and high stakes—setting the stage for an electrifying playoff phase.
