With just two matches separating us from the grand finale of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians are set to clash in a high-stakes encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The winner of this Eliminator-style Qualifier 2 will earn the right to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final on June 3. Both teams have shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the tournament, making this match a true toss-up.
Match Details
Match | PBKS vs MI – Qualifier 2, IPL 2025 |
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Date & Time (IST) | Sunday, May 27, 2025 – 7:30 PM |
Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
Toss Timing | Around 7:15 PM IST |
Live Streaming | Star Sports Network / Disney+ Hotstar |
Pitch Report | Favors batting; high-scoring potential |
Weather Forecast | Hot and dry; no rain expected |
Team Previews
Punjab Kings Preview
After a stellar campaign that saw them qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Punjab Kings were dealt a harsh blow in Qualifier 1 when they were outplayed by RCB. Chasing a modest 102, they were bowled out for 99 in just 10 overs — a shocking collapse that raised several questions about their temperament under pressure.
However, Punjab’s batting has been their strength all season long. Prabhsimran Singh (517 runs) and Priyansh Arya (431 runs) have laid solid foundations at the top. Shreyas Iyer (516 runs at SR 171) has anchored the middle order with class and aggression. Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Shashank Singh offer depth and finishing ability.
Their bowling has been inconsistent, but Arshdeep Singh (18 wickets) remains a standout with his yorkers and death bowling. Kyle Jamieson has stepped up recently, while Harpreet Brar is their only spin option unless Yuzvendra Chahal returns. If they can find composure and consistency, Punjab can still make a strong case for themselves.
Predicted Playing XI:
Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson
Impact Player: Yuzvendra Chahal / Musheer Khan
Mumbai Indians Preview
Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, have turned their season around in stunning fashion. After a shaky start, they stormed into the playoffs with a convincing 20-run win over Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. Jonny Bairstow made a sensational impact on debut with a 22-ball 47, setting the tone for a massive total of 228/5.
Rohit Sharma (81 off 50 in last game) showed signs of form, and Suryakumar Yadav continues to be in scintillating touch with 673 runs at an average of 67.30 and strike rate of 167.83. Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Naman Dhir provide stability and firepower in the middle and lower order.
The pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah (18 wickets at 6.36 economy) and Trent Boult offers a world-class new ball threat. Mitchell Santner and Ashwani Kumar add balance, especially with spin-friendly conditions in Ahmedabad. Deepak Chahar could be used as an Impact Sub for crucial overs.
MI looks settled, confident, and ready to take on any challenge. Their experience in knockout cricket gives them an edge over Punjab, who are relatively untested in such high-pressure games.
Predicted Playing XI:
Jonny Bairstow (wk), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwani Kumar
Impact Player: Deepak Chahar
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
Favourite Team | Why? |
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Mumbai Indians | Mumbai comes into this match with momentum, confidence, and a proven track record in high-pressure games. Their batting is firing on all cylinders, led by Suryakumar Yadav and supported by experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. With Jasprit Bumrah in menacing form and a balanced attack, they are better equipped to handle the knockout stage pressure than Punjab, who are yet to prove their mettle in such situations. |
Fantasy Team XI
Player Name | Role | Team | Reason |
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Rohit Sharma | Batsman | MI | Consistent opener; scored 81 in last game |
Jonny Bairstow | WK-Batsman | MI | Explosive start in previous game |
Suryakumar Yadav | Batsman | MI | Top run-getter; high strike rate |
Shreyas Iyer | Batsman | PBKS | Anchor of the middle order |
Marcus Stoinis | All-rounder | PBKS | Valuable finisher with bat and ball |
Hardik Pandya | All-rounder | MI | Aggressive batsman and handy bowler |
Mitchell Santner | All-rounder | MI | Effective spinner and useful lower-order |
Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | PBKS | Reliable death bowler |
Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler | MI | Key wicket-taker; economical |
Trent Boult | Bowler | MI | Skilled new-ball bowler |
Harpreet Brar | Bowler | PBKS | Spin option; good against left-handers |
Explanation:
This fantasy team combines top performers from both sides. MI’s batting trio of Rohit, Bairstow, and SKY provides explosive starts, while Shreyas Iyer brings stability. Stoinis and Hardik add all-round value. Arshdeep and Bumrah are must-picks due to their death-bowling skills, and Harpreet Brar offers spin support. Santner adds flexibility as a part-time spinner and lower-order hitter.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions:
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – In sublime form, ideal for big points.
- Vice-Captain: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – High consistency and middle-order role.
Players to Avoid:
- Azmatullah Omarzai (PBKS) – Struggles for consistency and doesn’t bowl regularly.
- Tilak Varma (MI) – Good player but lacks big scores recently and not a guaranteed starter.
Team Squads
Punjab Kings Squad (IPL 2025):
Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Matthew Wade, Liam Livingstone, Rahul Chahar, Rilee Rossouw, Gurkeerat Singh, Harpreet Brar, Abhishek Sharma, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vaibhav Arora, Akashdeep Brar, Siddharth Kaul, Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Porel, Mohit Rathee, Aryan Sharma, Princepal Singh, Ansh Patel, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Nathan Ellis, Jagadeesan Narayan, Baltej Singh, Shivam Singh, Harjas Singh, Karun Nair, Pratham Singh, Umran Malik (injured)
Mumbai Indians Squad (IPL 2025):
Rohit Sharma (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Dewald Brevis, Tim David, Ishan Kishan, Jason Behrendorff, Chris Jordan, Hrithik Shokeen, Tymal Mills, Murugan Ashwin, Jayant Yadav, Richard Gleeson, Sanjay Yadav, Aryan Juyal, Jofra Archer, Basil Thampi, Mohsin Khan, Anshul Kamboj, Nandre Burger, Piyush Chawla, Aditya Tare, Tanush Kotian, Anmolpreet Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Arjun Tendulkar, Siddhesh Lad, Akaash Chopra, Sandeep Warrier, Dilip Doshi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Manan Vohra, Ishwar Pandey, Shardul Thakur, Rahul Buddhi, Saurabh Dubey, Anukul Roy, Vishnu Vinod, Simarjeet Singh, Ashwani Kumar, Deepak Chahar (Impact Player)
Probable Playing XI
Punjab Kings | Mumbai Indians |
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Prabhsimran Singh (wk) | Jonny Bairstow (wk) |
Priyansh Arya | Rohit Sharma |
Josh Inglis | Suryakumar Yadav |
Shreyas Iyer (c) | Tilak Varma |
Nehal Wadhera | Hardik Pandya (c) |
Shashank Singh | Naman Dhir |
Marcus Stoinis | Raj Bawa |
Azmatullah Omarzai | Mitchell Santner |
Harpreet Brar | Trent Boult |
Arshdeep Singh | Jasprit Bumrah |
Kyle Jamieson | Ashwani Kumar |
Impact Player:Yuzvendra Chahal | Impact Player:Deepak Chahar |
Pitch Report
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Average First Innings Score: 177
- Recent Scores: Teams batting first have posted totals above 230 in recent matches.
- Batting Conditions: Excellent for stroke play, flat and true bounce.
- Bowling Conditions: Pace bowlers can exploit swing early, and slower balls are effective later. Spinners get some grip but aren’t dominant.
- Second Innings: Chasing becomes harder as dew sets in and scoring slows down.
Ideal Total: 210–215
Toss Prediction
Given that six of the seven matches at this venue have been won by the chasing side, the toss is likely to be opted for batting first . The pitch supports high scores, and putting up a big total gives a psychological advantage.
Winner Prediction
While both teams are evenly matched, Mumbai Indians have the edge due to their rich history in knockouts, superior recent form, and more balanced squad. Punjab Kings are dangerous with the bat and have individual match-winners, but their nerves might falter under pressure.
Final Verdict: Mumbai Indians to win and face RCB in the Final.
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