The stage is set for a high-octane clash as Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in the second Qualifier of IPL 2025 on June 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Punjab Kings head into the knockout as table-toppers, winning 9 of their 14 league games. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, made a late surge to finish fourth, securing 8 wins and keeping their title hopes alive with a solid performance in the Eliminator.
Rohit Sharma’s crucial 81 helped MI defeat Gujarat Titans by 20 runs and book their spot in Qualifier 2. Punjab, however, will be eager to bounce back after a six-wicket loss to RCB in their previous outing. Historically, MI have had a slight edge in head-to-head battles, winning 17 of the 32 matches played between the two sides. However, Punjab have often proved to be a tricky opponent for the five-time champions.
In fact, they defeated MI in their last league-stage meeting this season to clinch a spot in the top two. Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium has proven to be a paradise for batters this season. The average first-innings total stands at a staggering 221, with just one sub-200 score — posted by GT against MI. The flat pitch and quick outfield, despite large boundaries, have consistently produced high-scoring thrillers.
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With powerful batting units on both sides, fans can expect another run-fest. The weather forecast looks promising with clear skies expected after some early cloud cover. Strong winds will offer relief from the heat, with temperatures ranging between 30 and 35°C.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians are expected to stick with their winning combination from the Eliminator, retaining Jonny Bairstow as a replacement for Ryan Rickelton and Richard Gleeson for Will Jacks to strengthen their bowling. Raj Angad Bawa continues to fill in for the injured Deepak Chahar.
Probable XII: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Richard Gleeson, Ashwani Kumar
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, were forced to bring in Musheer Khan as an emergency Impact Player in Qualifier 1 following a top-order collapse. However, they are likely to field Vijaykumar Vyshak in that role this time. Kyle Jamieson holds his spot with Marco Jansen unavailable, having departed to join South Africa for the World Test Championship Final.
Probable XII: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Jonny Bairstow, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Priyansh Arya, Hardik Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Josh Inglis (c), Jonny Bairstow (vc), Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Trent Boult
