IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Preview
Winner Faces RCB in the Final
Whoever wins Sunday’s Qualifier 2 will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final on June 3.
Are MI the Favourites?
After 72 matches and two grueling months of play, travel, and a break in between, only three teams remain in IPL 2025: RCB, Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI). RCB have already secured a final spot, while MI face PBKS in a decisive clash to determine the other finalist.
Five-time champions MI take on PBKS, still seeking their first title. Key individual matchups include Hardik Pandya vs Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah vs Arshdeep Singh, Suryakumar Yadav vs Josh Inglis, and Trent Boult vs Kyle Jamieson. It promises to be an enthralling contest.
Contrasting Paths to Qualifier 2
MI started the season poorly, winning only once in its first five games. Since Bumrah’s return, they have won eight of eleven matches, including a crucial Eliminator victory against the Gujarat Titans (GT). PBKS, in contrast, dominated the league stage, topping the points table, but suffered a shock defeat in Qualifier 1 against RCB.
The reward for finishing in the top two gives PBKS a second chance at the final. They earned this advantage after beating MI in Jaipur. Another win would crown them IPL champions for the first time.
Batting Strengths
PBKS features four uncapped Indian batters in the top seven. Under Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, they have become an explosive lineup, posting 200+ in seven of 15 innings. While struggling on the seam-friendly New Chandigarh pitch, they could excel on the truer surfaces in Ahmedabad.
MI’s batting revolves around experienced internationals, with only one uncapped player in the top seven. Jonny Bairstow, on debut for MI, complemented by Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, has ensured big totals. Jasprit Bumrah remains MI’s key difference-maker, turning 20-over innings into 16.
Impact Players and Key Matchups
MI overcame dew and the absence of Deepak Chahar in the Eliminator, with Bumrah producing perhaps the ball of the tournament to dismiss Washington Sundar. Can PBKS find a way to neutralize him on Sunday?
Form guide (last five matches):
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Punjab Kings: LWLWW
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Mumbai Indians: WLWLW
Players in Focus: Shreyas Iyer & Hardik Pandya
Shreyas Iyer has struggled recently, scoring just 27 runs in five innings. A flatter pitch in Ahmedabad may suit his aggressive style. He has hit 31 sixes in 302 balls this season, behind only Suryakumar (35), Mitchell Marsh (37), and Nicholas Pooran (40).
Hardik Pandya has evolved from an anchor to a finisher. Between overs 17-20, he has scored 109 runs off 53 balls at a strike rate of 205.66, second only to Heinrich Klaasen among batters with at least 50 balls in this phase.
Returning Players: Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahal missed PBKS’ last three games due to a wrist injury but bowled on the eve of Qualifier 2. He is expected to strengthen the bowling attack and may feature as an Impact Player in the second innings if PBKS bat first.
Probable Playing XIs
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar/Vyshak Vijaykumar, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahar and Richard Gleeson are recovering from hamstring injuries. If unfit, Reece Topley may replace Gleeson.
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Raj Bawa, Richard Gleeson/Reece Topley, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar
Pitch and Conditions
The match is expected on the red-soil pitch that hosted CSK and RR. Six of seven games in Ahmedabad have been won by teams batting first. Mild drizzle was reported during PBKS training ahead of the game.
Key Stats & Matchups
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Chahal has dismissed Bairstow four times in six IPL innings and limited Suryakumar to 83 off 71 balls across IPL encounters.
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Bumrah dominates Marcus Stoinis: 3 wickets for 28 runs in 36 balls.
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Rohit Sharma has made four 50+ scores in a season for the first time since 2016.
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Shreyas Iyer is one win away from 50 as IPL captain.