After 11 long years of near-misses, heartbreaks, and endless rebuilds, the Punjab Kings have shattered the glass ceiling. A franchise that once seemed cursed—perennially stuck in mid-table obscurity—has stormed into the IPL 2025 Final, scripting a redemption arc for the ages. And they didn’t just sneak in—they owned their moment, defeating the mighty Mumbai Indians in a thrilling Qualifier 2 that had everything: rain delays, nerve-wracking chases, and a Shreyas Iyer masterclass that will be etched in IPL folklore forever.
The Miracle in Ahmedabad: How Punjab Defied the Odds
The stage was set at the Narendra Modi Stadium, but rain played spoilsport, delaying the match by over two hours. When play finally began, Punjab’s decision to bowl first was gutsy—especially against an MI lineup boasting Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.
- Early Drama: Rohit Sharma survived a dropped catch, but Punjab’s bowlers kept it tight.
- MI’s Fireworks: Tilak Varma and Jonny Bairstow steadied the ship before SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) exploded, threatening to take the game away.
- The Turning Point: Two quick wickets—SKY and Tilak falling in three balls—swung momentum back. Naman Dhir’s cameo (37 off 18) pushed MI to 203/6, but Punjab believed.
Shreyas Iyer’s Magnum Opus: A Knock for the Ages
Chasing 204 in a knockout against Bumrah, Boult, and Santner? Mission Impossible? Not for Shreyas Iyer.
- Ice in His Veins: Wickets tumbled, pressure mounted, but Iyer stood unshaken.
- Pure Domination: His *87* off 41 balls* wasn’t just about power—it was timing, temperament, and tactical genius.
- The Finisher’s Mentality: With 12 needed off the last over, Iyer sealed it with a six, proving why he’s one of the best clutch players in the game.
“The bigger the occasion, the calmer you must be.” — Iyer’s words post-match summed up his Zen-like dominance.
Why This Final is Unlike Any Other?
This isn’t just another IPL final—it’s a battle of redemption, legacy, and destiny.
- Punjab Kings: No title in 17 seasons. Last final appearance—2014. A fanbase that’s waited too long.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Zero trophies despite three finals. A franchise haunted by near-glories.
- First-Time Champion Guaranteed: One team’s heartbreak ends on June 3.
The Ultimate Showdown: PBKS vs RCB
- When: June 3, 7:30 PM IST
- Where: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Stakes: History. Legacy. Immortality.
Final Verdict: Who Will Script Their Destiny?
RCB had the upper hand in Qualifier 1, but Punjab has momentum, hunger, and Shreyas Iyer. If he replicates his Qualifier 2 heroics, the Kings may finally wear the crown.
One thing’s certain—this IPL final will be unforgettable. Because when two underdogs fight for glory, cricket wins.
Who are you backing? 🤯🏆 #IPL2025Final #NewChampionsAwa