Stats, streaks, and stakes: Will PBKS redeem themselves or MI upset the odds?

The stage is set at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday as Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings face off in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, with a coveted spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the line.

Mumbai Indians will aim to reach their seventh IPL final, having previously done so in 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. The five-time champions continue to be a dominant force in the tournament’s history. In contrast, Punjab Kings, led by captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, are looking to secure only their second appearance in an IPL final, the first being back in 2014. A title continues to elude them, and this year is another golden opportunity to break that drought.

Punjab enter this clash following a six-wicket defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1, where Marcus Stoinis managed a modest 25. Meanwhile, MI earned their spot in this knockout encounter after a clinical 20-run victory over Gujarat Titans, with veteran opener Rohit Sharma anchoring the innings with a vital 81.

Historically, the rivalry between MI and PBKS has been closely contested. In 32 IPL meetings, Mumbai hold a slight edge with 17 wins to Punjab’s 15. This season, the two sides have shared the spoils, winning one match apiece.

Punjab’s resurgence this season has largely been powered by an aggressive batting unit under Ponting’s guidance. The team has surpassed the 200-run mark in seven of their 15 innings, a testament to their fearless approach. Though their attacking strategy faltered on a slower Mullanpur surface, it may find greater success on the batting-friendly pitch in Ahmedabad.

Mumbai, meanwhile, boasts a formidable top seven, featuring a blend of international experience and Indian talent. Suryakumar Yadav continues to be the linchpin in the middle order, while Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, and skipper Hardik Pandya have stepped up when needed. Hardik, in particular, has been devastating during the death overs, scoring 109 runs off 53 deliveries at a strike rate of 205.66, the second-best among batters facing 50 or more balls in that phase.

Iyer leads Punjab’s power-hitting efforts, having smashed 31 sixes in 302 balls this season, trailing only Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Punjab may receive a significant boost with the potential return of star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has missed the last three matches due to injury. His presence could trouble Mumbai, especially considering his strong record against key MI batters, dismissing Jonny Bairstow four times and Suryakumar Yadav thrice in IPL encounters. Meanwhile, MI faces injury concerns of their own, with pacers Deepak Chahar and Richard Gleeson racing against time to recover from hamstring issues ahead of this crucial match. 

This article first appeared on Mid Day