In a dramatic, rain-interrupted Qualifier 2 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) overcame Mumbai Indians (MI) in a late-night thriller to secure a historic spot in the IPL 2025 final. The contest, packed with high-octane moments and standout performances, was marred by significant slow over-rate breaches from both sides, prompting stern penalties from the BCCI.
After unseasonal rain delayed the toss and start of play, the match finally got underway at 9:45 PM IST under revised conditions. Even with an extended time window, both PBKS and MI fell short of maintaining the mandated over-rate, stretching the match to a finish around 2:00 AM IST, despite Punjab chasing down the target with an over to spare.
The BCCI came down hard on both teams for their lapses. For PBKS, it was the second such offence of the season, resulting in a Rs 24 lakh fine for skipper Shreyas Iyer. Other team members, including the Impact Player, faced penalties of Rs 6 lakh or 25% of their match fee, whichever was lower.
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MI, having breached the code for a third time, faced even stiffer consequences. Captain Hardik Pandya was fined Rs 30 lakh, while the rest of the squad received penalties of Rs 12 lakh or 50% of their match fees. However, Hardik avoided suspension thanks to a rule revision introduced this season. Under the new IPL 2025 guidelines, repeated over-rate violations result in escalating fines and demerit points, but not suspensions.
Despite the disciplinary concerns, the cricketing action on the field lived up to the playoff hype. Shreyas Iyer was the standout performer, anchoring the PBKS chase with a sublime unbeaten 87 off just 41 deliveries. His innings, full of crisp timing and powerful strokeplay, proved decisive as Punjab hunted down the target in 19 overs.
Earlier in the night, MI posted a competitive total, but failed to defend it amid some lackluster bowling and sloppy fielding. The PBKS batting unit, led by their captain, showed composure and intent in the chase, with Iyer playing a true captain’s knock to guide his side to their first IPL final since 2014.
Final Showdown
Punjab Kings will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the much-anticipated final on June 3. With neither franchise having previously lifted the IPL trophy, fans are set for a blockbuster finale that will see a new champion crowned.
While the night brought joy for Punjab and heartbreak for Mumbai, it also served as a wake-up call for franchises regarding in-game discipline, with the BCCI signaling its intent to clamp down firmly on slow over-rates moving forward.
