Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya praised Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer’s batting while acknowledging his team’s inability to execute their bowling strategy effectively. Pandya acknowledged that the decision-making during the crucial overs could have been better, specifically mentioning Jasprit Bumrah’s under-utilisation at a key moment. “Especially Shreyas, the way he batted, he took his chances and played really well. It was a par score, but it really needed great execution from the bowling unit. They were really calm and put us under pressure, and we were not able to execute the way we wanted
Punjab’s chase began on a shaky note as Prabhsimran Singh fell early to Trent Boult for just 6, leaving PBKS at 13/1 in 2.1 overs. Priyansh Arya provided a quick spark with a brisk 20 off 10 balls before being dismissed by Ashwani Kumar, with the score at 55/2 in 5.1 overs
Indian Premier League, Qualifier 2, Ahmedabad
Mumbai Indians 203-6 (20 overs): Suryakumar 44 (26), Varma 44 (29); Azmatullah 2-43
Punjab Kings 207-5 (19 overs): Shreyas 87* (41), Wadhera 48 (29); Ashwani 2-55
Punjab Kings won by five wickets
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer hit a sparkling unbeaten 87 to lead his side to their first Indian Premier League final in 11 years with victory over Mumbai Indians.
Chasing 204 to win, Shreyas clattered eight sixes in his 41-ball knock, smacking Ashwani Kumar into the stands to seal a five-wicket win with an over to spare.
Kings will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Tuesday’s final, also taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
A new IPL champion will be crowned, with both sides having never won the tournament.