Different stakes, same goal: MI and PBKS chase IPL 2025 glory in Qualifier 2

One is eyeing its sixth trophy that would make it the most successful in the IPL history. Another is eyeing its maiden title in the course of 18 seasons, as Mumbai Indians round up against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru took a clear shot at the final spot, beating PBKS heartily in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1. While Punjab Kings were forced to take the longer route, the path to the final was always a coarse track for MI. While MI ensured a spot among the final four with a late finish, the five-time champions couldn't get to a Top 2 spot as they locked horns in the Eliminator against Gujarat Titans. Taking different paths, MI and PBKS have now reached the same spot, as they gear up for Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad.

How do Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings shape up before the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad?

Just two matches and three teams remain as IPL 2025 nears its thrilling conclusion, with the fight for the title reaching its boiling point. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already sealed their place in the grand finale, and the question now is who will join them, Punjab Kings or Mumbai Indians. The answer to this would be found out in Ahmedabad later on Sunday when the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 action kicks off. Both teams have scripted a run worthy of a final berth, but with a sole spot left, one is bound to see their title dreams cut short.

Punjab Kings emerged as the table-toppers this season, obtaining consistent wins and clinching first place by defeating Mumbai Indians in the final league stage match. Despite that momentum, PBKS stumbled in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against RCB. The fumble in Mullanpur was a mighty one where Shreyas Iyer and Co. were rattled at a paltry 101. Nonetheless, qualifying as the toppers offered them the room for one hiccup. Now, the chance has elapsed as the PBKS vs MI IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 is a do-or-die take for both the teams.

Mumbai Indians, in contrast to Punjab's seamless run at the group stage, observed a topsy-turvy journey up to the playoffs. A shaky start saw them lose four of their first five games. However, the return of Jasprit Bumrah sparked a dramatic turnaround, leading to a six-match winning streak that firmly brought them into playoff contention. They edged out Delhi Capitals in what was essentially a knockout clash. Meanwhile, MI played true to their playoff legacy, clinching a thrilling 20-run victory in the GT vs MI IPL 2025 Eliminator to push Gujarat Titans out of the tournament.

When it comes to head-to-head records, Mumbai Indians hold a slight edge over Punjab Kings, with 17 wins to PBKS’s 16. Their playoff pedigree is undeniable too, five-time champions with a proven ability to thrive under pressure, a sharp contrast to PBKS, who are still in search of their first title. Still, there’s a recent silver lining for PBKS. They got the better of Mumbai just a few days ago in Jaipur, when they put together a commanding display in the PBKS vs MI match. Their bowlers kept MI to a modest total, and the chase was expertly managed through a solid partnership between Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis. If PBKS are to bounce back from their lackluster batting show against RCB, they’ll be hoping to replicate that efficiency.

PBKS have already shown they can outplay this MI side in a high-stakes game. But playoff-MI is a hard to challenge side, a unit known for stepping up under pressure. With Hardik Pandya set to lead MI at a venue he knows inside out, and coming off a confidence-boosting win, the momentum may well be with them. For PBKS, it’s a must-win challenge that demands far more grit and precision than their last outing. If Punjab Kings manage to outplay Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad, the IPL 2025 final would be a battle between two teams fighting for their maiden glory.