In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash, Punjab Kings (PBKS) delivered a powerful performance to defeat Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets and secure a spot in Qualifier 1. A spectacular 109-run partnership between Josh Inglis and Priyansh Arya for the second wicket sealed a clinical chase of 185 runs, showcasing PBKS’s batting depth and sending MI into the Eliminator.
Inglis and Arya’s Record-Breaking Partnership Paves the Way
With a place in the top two on the line, PBKS had to pull off a big chase, and Josh Inglis alongside Priyansh Arya rose to the occasion. After an early setback with Prabhsimran Singh falling cheaply, Arya launched a blistering assault in the powerplay, hitting Trent Boult for three boundaries in the opening over. Despite coming off a lean run of form, Arya displayed maturity by initially playing second fiddle to Inglis, stabilizing the innings while maintaining momentum.
Arya soon shifted gears, smashing a 27-ball fifty that included a breathtaking six off Hardik Pandya and a confident hook off Jasprit Bumrah. His 62-run knock was a perfect blend of aggression and control.
Inglis, on the other hand, played a fearless innings filled with improvisation and power. His 73-run effort featured innovative reverse scoops, commanding pulls, and classic drives. He targeted Mitchell Santner early, neutralizing the spinner’s threat with a six over the short leg-side boundary. Inglis showed no signs of hesitation even against MI’s pace spearhead Bumrah, driving him through the line with composure.
By the time Bumrah completed his four overs, PBKS needed only 20 runs from 18 balls. Though both Inglis and Arya fell near the end, the job was done. Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera calmly guided PBKS past the finish line at 187 for 3 with seven wickets and an over to spare.
MI’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Mumbai Indians had a mixed outing with the bat. After being put in to bat, Ryan Rickelton started strong but fell soon after. Rohit Sharma briefly sparkled with two classic sixes off Harpreet Brar before falling for 24. His dismissal was followed by a collapse in the middle overs, with MI losing momentum.
Suryakumar Yadav once again anchored the innings with a gritty 57 — his 14th consecutive T20 score above 25. He batted until the penultimate over and shared a crucial stand with Naman Dhir, who provided a late flourish. The pair lifted MI from a shaky middle phase to a competitive 184 for 7.
Hardik Pandya contributed a useful 26 off 15, but MI’s innings lacked the final push. Despite scoring 53 runs in the last five overs, Arshdeep Singh’s tight final over — which went for just three runs — prevented MI from finishing with a flourish.
Injuries Add to MI’s Woes
To add to Mumbai’s concerns, injuries struck key players during the match. Deepak Chahar pulled up with a hamstring issue and bowled only three overs with diminished pace. Tilak Varma injured his knee while fielding and did not return to the field during PBKS’s chase, weakening MI’s already vulnerable defense.
PBKS Eyes the Final, MI Faces the Eliminator
With this emphatic win, Punjab Kings have locked in a top-two finish and will now play in Qualifier 1 — a direct path to the final if they win. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians drop to the Eliminator and must regroup quickly. The playoff matchups will be finalized after the RCB vs LSG clash. A Royal Challengers Bengaluru victory would pit them against PBKS in Qualifier 1, while a loss would set up an Eliminator showdown between MI and RCB on May 30.
Conclusion: A Statement Victory from PBKS
This match was a masterclass in controlled aggression and teamwork from Punjab Kings. Inglis and Arya’s partnership not only anchored the chase but also showcased PBKS’s intent and form at the business end of the tournament. For MI, questions remain about injuries, form, and execution under pressure. With playoffs around the corner, both teams will need to bring their A-game — but PBKS certainly have the upper hand with this commanding performance.
