Win or Go Home: MI and PBKS Face Off in a Do-or-Die Playoff Battle

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The stage is set for a high-octane battle as Mumbai Indians (MI) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2025. With a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at stake, both teams will look to bring their A-game to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.

📅 Match Details

  • Date & Time: Sunday, June 1, 2025 | 7:30 PM IST

  • Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

  • Broadcast: Star Sports Network

  • Live Streaming: JioCinema (app & website)

🏟️ Pitch & Venue Insights

The Narendra Modi Stadium is known for its batting-friendly pitch, often producing high-scoring encounters. The average first-innings score here stands at 177, which means the toss could play a key role in deciding the strategy.

Interestingly, the two sides have had contrasting fortunes at this venue:

  • The statistics hint at PBKS feeling more at home in Ahmedabad—a factor that could influence the outcome.

🔢 Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches Played: 33

  • Mumbai Indians Wins: 17

  • Punjab Kings Wins: 16

PBKS edged out MI earlier in the 2025 league phase, adding extra spice to this crucial playoff clash. With such a narrow gap in the overall head-to-head, fans can expect another nail-biting thriller.

🔍 Team Form & Key Players

🟦 Mumbai Indians (MI)

The five-time champions boast one of the strongest playoff records in IPL history, winning 14 of their 21 knockout games. They carry form, experience, and individual brilliance into this fixture.

Key Players:

  • Suryakumar Yadav – The stylish batter has amassed 673 runs this season and remains MI’s batting pillar.

  • Trent Boult – With 21 wickets, he’s been the spearhead of MI’s pace attack.

  • Jasprit Bumrah – His death-over magic remains a massive asset, especially in pressure games.

  • Rohit Sharma – The veteran opener delivered a crucial knock in the Eliminator to help MI book their spot in Qualifier 2.

🔴 Punjab Kings (PBKS)

PBKS has been the underdog story of the season. Despite limited playoff success in the past (just one playoff win in five appearances), they’ve shown tremendous resilience throughout the 2025 campaign.

Key Players:

  • Prabhsimran Singh – The young opener has racked up 517 runs, providing strong starts at the top.

  • Arshdeep Singh – With 18 wickets, he’s led the pace unit with accuracy and aggression.

  • Shreyas Iyer – The middle-order batter will be keen to make a statement after being left out of India’s England tour.

📊 Player Battle to Watch: Suryakumar Yadav vs Yuzvendra Chahal

One of the most intriguing matchups will be between Suryakumar Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Across T20s:

  • Yadav has scored 83 runs off 71 balls against Chahal.

  • Chahal has dismissed him three times.

With Yadav likely to bat during the middle overs, this duel could be decisive in shifting momentum either way.

🏆 Final Thoughts

As both teams gear up for their biggest challenge yet, the stakes couldn’t be higher. MI’s legacy and PBKS’ hunger will collide under the lights in Ahmedabad, with a final berth on the line.

Cricket fans, brace yourselves for an electrifying contest that promises drama, fireworks, and perhaps, a new chapter in IPL history.

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