We are entering the final stretch of IPL 2025, and the battle for the top two spots is heating up. With just a few matches remaining, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) face off in what could be a crucial clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Punjab currently sit second with 17 points from 13 games, while Mumbai trail slightly behind in fourth place with 16 points from 13 matches. The winner of this encounter will gain an edge in securing a top-two finish, which grants them two chances to reach the finals — a massive advantage in tournament cricket.
This match promises high stakes and intense competition, with both teams looking to solidify their playoff positions. As we look ahead to this exciting clash, let’s break down the teams, analyze the playing conditions, and provide insights into fantasy picks and match predictions.
Match Details
Information | Details |
---|---|
Match | PBKS vs MI – Match 69 |
Date | May 26, 2025 |
Venue | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur |
Time | 7:30 PM IST |
Pitch Report | Batting-friendly, moderate pace |
Weather Forecast | Clear skies, no rain expected |
Toss Prediction | Punjab Kings likely to win toss |
Match Importance | Crucial for Top-2 race |
Team Previews
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings have been one of the most consistent performers this season, securing a playoff berth early. However, their hopes of finishing in the top two took a hit after a disappointing loss to Delhi Capitals despite posting a strong total of 206/8. Their batting has been their main strength throughout the tournament, led by Prabhsimran Singh (486 runs), Priyansh Arya (362 runs), and Shreyas Iyer (488 runs). Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis provide explosive firepower in the middle and death overs.
However, their bowling unit has shown inconsistency, particularly with Marco Jansen underperforming recently. Arshdeep Singh remains their go-to bowler, having taken 16 wickets so far, while Yuzvendra Chahal might return after sitting out the last game.
Key Players:
- Shreyas Iyer – Anchor of the innings, excellent under pressure
- Marcus Stoinis – Game-changer in the middle overs
- Arshdeep Singh – Reliable death bowler
Predicted Playing XI:
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Priyansh Arya
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Marco Jansen
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Arshdeep Singh
Impact Player: Suryansh Shedge / Harpreet Brar
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians have turned their campaign around dramatically, winning seven of their last eight matches. They are still in contention for a top-two spot and will be eager to capitalize on their momentum. Their middle-order, led by Suryakumar Yadav (583 runs at SR 170+), has been sensational, while Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya have chipped in with valuable contributions.
The bowling department looks well-balanced with Jasprit Bumrah (16 wickets) and Trent Boult leading the pace attack, and Mitchell Santner providing crucial breakthroughs with his left-arm spin. Deepak Chahar adds experience in the death overs.
Key Players:
- Suryakumar Yadav – Form player, capable of taking games away single-handedly
- Mitchell Santner – Effective spinner with economical spells
- Jasprit Bumrah – Death over specialist with sharp control
Predicted Playing XI:
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Rohit Sharma
- Will Jacks
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (c)
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Deepak Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Jasprit Bumrah
Impact Player: Karn Sharma
Head to Head Record
Last 3 Matches | PBKS Won | MI Won | No Result |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 0 |
In their most recent meeting earlier this season, Mumbai defeated Punjab by 9 runs.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
Team | Reasoning |
---|---|
Mumbai Indians | Riding a hot streak (7 wins in last 8 matches), strong middle order and balanced bowling attack make MI slight favorites. SKY is in scintillating form, and Bumrah-Boult combine gives them an edge in crunch moments. |
Why Mumbai Indians?
Mumbai Indians appear to be the more settled side heading into this match. Their recent form, especially with the bat, has been outstanding. Suryakumar Yadav is in career-best touch, and the addition of Mitchell Santner has strengthened their bowling lineup. While Punjab has a strong batting line-up too, their inconsistent bowling makes them vulnerable against a team like Mumbai that can chase down totals effectively.
Fantasy Team Suggestions
Fantasy Team XI (11 + 4)
Player | Team | Role | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Prabhsimran Singh | PBKS | Batter | Key Opener |
Rohit Sharma | MI | Batter | Safe Pick |
Suryakumar Yadav | MI | Batter (VC) | Captain Option |
Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | Batter | Consistent |
Tilak Varma | MI | Batter | Good Finisher |
Hardik Pandya | MI | All-Rounder | Valuable Bowler |
Marcus Stoinis | PBKS | All-Rounder | Big Hitter |
Mitchell Santner | MI | All-Rounder | Impact Bowler |
Jasprit Bumrah | MI | Bowler (C) | Must-Have |
Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | Bowler | Death Specialist |
Yuzvendra Chahal | PBKS | Bowler | Spin Threat |
Impact Players | |||
Karn Sharma | MI | Bowler | Backup Option |
Harpreet Brar | PBKS | Bowler | T20 Specialist |
Suryansh Shedge | PBKS | Bowler | Youngster |
Deepak Chahar | MI | Bowler | Death Overs |
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – In red-hot form, aggressive style suits Jaipur pitch
- Vice-Captain: Jasprit Bumrah (MI) – High impact bowler, economy and wicket-taking ability
Players to Avoid
- Marco Jansen (PBKS) – Struggling with consistency and expensive in recent outings
- Naman Dhir (MI) – Lacks impact with both bat and ball
Pitch Report
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur offers a flat and batter-friendly surface. Early dew can assist bowlers later in the night, but overall, the pitch supports stroke play and encourages big scores. Spinners may find it hard to extract turn, and pacers need to rely on variations and yorkers. The average first-innings score this season has been around 165, but teams have comfortably crossed 200 due to the small boundaries.
Expected Score Range: 180–210
Toss Prediction
Punjab Kings are likely to win the toss , being the home team in Jaipur. Given the pitch conditions favoring batters and the fact that chasing has been easier in recent games, the team winning the toss is expected to opt to bowl first .
Winning Prediction
Both teams are evenly matched, but Mumbai Indians hold a slight edge due to their superior form and depth in key areas. Their batting lineup is more stable, and the bowling attack is better balanced. Punjab relies heavily on individual brilliance and has shown inconsistency with the ball.
Prediction: Mumbai Indians win by 5–10 runs or 3–5 wickets.
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