Shreyas Iyer delivered a masterful captain's performance, scoring an unbeaten 87, to guide Punjab Kings (PBKS) into their first Indian Premier League (IPL) final in 11 years. In a thrilling Qualifier 2 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, PBKS chased down a formidable target of 204 set by Mumbai Indians (MI), securing a five-wicket victory with an over to spare. This win sets up a highly anticipated final clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3, where both teams will vie for their maiden IPL trophy.

Dubbed "captain fantastic" by teammate Shashank Singh, Shreyas Iyer lived up to the moniker with a composed yet powerful innings of 87 not out from just 41 balls, featuring five fours and eight towering sixes. His calculated assault included a memorable 13th over where he hammered Reece Topley for a hat-trick of sixes, shifting the momentum decisively in PBKS's favor. This performance not only propelled PBKS to the final but also etched Iyer's name in IPL history. He became the first captain to lead three different teams to an IPL final (Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders to a title in 2024, and PBKS in 2025) and the first to captain two different teams in successive finals. Furthermore, this victory marked his 50th IPL win as a captain, making him only the fifth skipper to achieve this milestone. Iyer, who remained calm throughout the chase and even after hitting the winning runs, later attributed his composure to his mantra: "the bigger the occasion, the calmer you should be."

Chasing 204, Punjab Kings received a brisk start from Priyansh Arya (20 off 10 balls) and No. 3 batsman Josh Inglis, who blasted 38 off 21 balls, notably taking 20 runs off Jasprit Bumrah's first over. Despite a couple of wickets, Iyer found a crucial partner in Nehal Wadhera, affectionately called "Ludhiana's Yuvraj Singh." Wadhera played a counter-attacking knock of 48 from 29 balls, forging a vital 84-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Iyer in just 47 deliveries. Their combined efforts ensured that PBKS, despite losing Qualifier 1 to RCB, made a resounding statement and stayed ahead of the required run rate, ultimately overhauling MI's total.

Earlier, after Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to field due to weather conditions (though no overs were lost despite a two-hour rain delay), Mumbai Indians posted an imposing 203/6. Their innings was powered by a strong start from Jonny Bairstow (38 off 24) and Tilak Varma, and a late explosive cameo from Naman Dhir (37 off 18 balls). The experienced duo of Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, who both scored an identical 44, stitched a rapid 72-run partnership for the third wicket. However, PBKS managed to pull things back, with Yuzvendra Chahal, bowling with an injection in his hand, dismissing Suryakumar Yadav. Despite their strong batting display, MI faced their first-ever defeat when defending a total of 200 or more. During MI's innings, the PBKS bowling and fielding appeared somewhat shaky, being described as "wayward with the ball and abysmal in the field," and they were even penalized for a slow over-rate, forcing an extra fielder inside the circle for the final two overs.

Beyond the on-field heroics, PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta's unwavering support and enthusiastic celebrations captured significant attention. Always a vibrant presence in the stands, Zinta was seen beaming with pride, celebrating animatedly, and sharing warm embraces with Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting after the historic win. A playful wink she gave towards the camera, and possibly towards Nehal Wadhera, quickly went viral on social media, with fans lauding her as the "heart of Punjab Kings." Social media users praised her for standing by the team through thick and thin for 18 years, highlighting that her joy was "earned." Her passionate support was a key feature of PBKS's journey to the final.

With this victory, Punjab Kings have set up a tantalizing final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3. Both franchises are seeking their first-ever IPL championship, promising an emotionally charged and fiercely contested match. PBKS will be looking to avenge their earlier playoff defeat to RCB and carry the momentum from their Qualifier 2 triumph. Meanwhile, the Rajat Patidar-led RCB enter the final on the back of an impressive season, including a remarkable record of being unbeaten in all seven away games. The stage is set for a spectacular culmination to the IPL 2025 season.