IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: Mumbai Indians Smash 203 as SKY, Tilak Dismantle Punjab Kings

Mumbai’s batting muscle puts Punjab under pressure in Ahmedabad knockout

Arun Upadhayay 3 weeks agoLast Updated: June 7, 2025

4 3 minutes read

Ahmedabad — On a warm Sunday night at the Narendra Modi Stadium, under knockout lights and playoff pressure, Mumbai Indians delivered a batting statement that could well decide their season. Powered by crucial fifties from Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, Mumbai piled on 203/6 against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025, setting up a fiery second innings at one of the IPL’s loudest cauldrons.

It was the kind of innings that never really exploded all at once—but never died either.

Tilak, SKY Take Charge After Early Blow

Sent in to bat, Mumbai had a scratchy start. Rohit Sharma didn’t last long—he was gone for 8 off 7, trying to force the issue too early against Marcus Stoinis. The real tempo shift came when Jonny Bairstow, promoted up top, found rhythm. He cracked 38 off 24, punching three boundaries and smoking two sixes before falling right after the powerplay to Vyshak.

But the innings truly ignited when Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav joined hands. Over the next 28 deliveries, they stitched together a 72-run stand that swung the momentum. It wasn’t just about the boundaries—it was the placement, the hustle between wickets, the quick pickup of lengths. Both batters timed their acceleration to perfection, not letting Punjab settle.

Yadav, especially, was in one of those moods where even mishits cleared the rope. He whipped Chahal over midwicket, scooped Vyshak behind the keeper, and threw Punjab’s field placements into chaos. His 44 off 26 was peak SKY—unbothered by conditions, focused only on match tempo.

A Late Dash from Dhir

Just as Punjab got a double breakthrough—removing both Yadav and Varma within four balls—Naman Dhir walked in and gave them no breathing room. Dhir’s 18-ball 37 was all about clean, flat hits and smart gaps. There were no sixes, but he slammed seven fours and kept the scoreboard rattling.

He was eventually dismissed in the 20th over, but by then Mumbai had crossed 200—only the third time in IPL playoff history that a team has reached that mark.

Hardik Pandya, who’s had a relatively quiet season with the bat, chipped in with 15. It wasn’t flashy, but it kept the innings ticking through the middle.

Punjab’s Bowling Lacked Sting

For a side playing to reach their first IPL final since inception, Punjab Kings didn’t look switched on with the ball. Arshdeep Singh couldn’t find his rhythm and finished with 0/44 in four overs—his most expensive spell of the season.

Yuzvendra Chahal, returning for this game, was treated with disdain by both Tilak and SKY. He did manage to get Yadav out but was taken for 39.

Among the six bowlers used, only Kyle Jamieson looked in control. The tall Kiwi used his angles well and bowled tight lines to finish with 1/30 from four overs. Azmatullah Omarzai picked up two wickets but leaked runs at over 10 an over.

In a key blunder, Punjab were also hit with a slow over-rate penalty, forcing them to keep an extra fielder inside the circle during the death overs—a lapse that may have cost them 10-15 runs in a match of fine margins.

Innings in Numbers

Powerplay: 65/1 (Bairstow the aggressor)
Highest Partnership: 72 (Tilak & Suryakumar)
Death Overs (16-20): 61 runs, 3 wickets
Total Extras: 9 (including 4 wides and 2 no-balls)

Mumbai passed 100 in under 10 overs and reached 150 in the 16th—telling signs of their aggressive middle-over plan.

The Chase Ahead for Punjab

So, it’s now down to 204 in a do-or-die clash. That’s no easy task—not against a side with Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Reece Topley fresh and ready. Mumbai’s pace trio has been clinical in the latter half of the season, and this total gives them room to attack.

Punjab’s batting will revolve around Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, and possibly Prabhsimran Singh, who was subbed in as the Impact Player. All three will need to fire if PBKS are to stay in the contest. Inglis, in particular, holds the key with his ability to take down spin and pace alike.

Mumbai, with their big-match muscle and deep experience, hold the upper hand—but knockout cricket has a way of surprising everyone.

Credit: ESPNCricInfo

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Author Profile

Arun Upadhayay

Sports Contributor at Hindustan Herald | Web

Arun Upadhayay is a sports journalist and former district-level cricketer with over four years of experience in event production and digital content. Currently freelancing with the India Today Group, Arun brings a deep understanding of sports and storytelling. His work blends expert analysis, live event insights, and engaging coverage of the game.