In one of the best IPL playoff batting performances ever, Shreyas Iyer blasted an outstanding 87* off just 41 balls, sending his Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which might be the first-ever winner of the competition. The Mumbai Indians were on the receiving end of this incredible display.

The first time in franchise history that an opposing team chased down a target of over 200 was when MI was unable to defend 204. Captain Hardik Pandya pondered what went wrong for his side as this amazing run came to an end, signaling the conclusion of MI's season.

He gave his counterpart credit for the manner in which he managed the chase when PBKS was at bat. "Yeah definitely, particularly Shreyas the way he batted, took his chances, and some of the shots he played were outstanding." Four of Iyer's eight massive sixes came in Ashwani Kumar's 19th over, with many of them sailing high into the air.

When asked if 203 was sufficient on an Ahmedabad pitch where the average first innings score was closer to 220, Hardik defended his batting lineup, noting that the execution was lacking at important times. “I believe it was par, but it required excellent execution as a bowling unit, which counts in a major game. They were really calm, put us under pressure, and we were unable to execute,” Hardik said.

"If we had to do anything better, it would have been to throw the proper length or the right bowler at the right time, but I wouldn't have placed it on the wicket. I have a tendency to assume responsibility for everything, and perhaps I could have handled my troops a little bit better.

Hardik thinks about strategic choices.

Despite Bumrah's somewhat early dismissal in MI's victory against GT, he still delivered the game-changing and momentum-swinging overs. Bumrah was kept safe in Ahmedabad until the 18th over, at which point PBKS only needed 31 runs from 18 balls. Pandya was questioned about whether Bumrah might have bowled earlier in order to attempt to end Iyer's innings before it actually began, even though he only acknowledged 8.

In support of his choice, Hardik said, "It might have been better if we bowled Bumrah earlier, but it might have been a little too early instead." "Knowing Boom, the situation even if 18 balls are left, Jassi can be Jassi and do something special." Unfortunately, it did not occur today.

Josh Inglis's early takedown of the best T20 bowler in the world quickly shifted momentum in Punjab's favor, and Bumrah's terrible day at the workplace was a major factor in Punjab pulling down the total with an over to spare. With Mumbai wrapping things up and aiming to improve in 2026, they are now anticipating a rematch against RCB.

Read Also: Iyer’s Dazzling Shot Off Bumrah Yorker Goes Viral, de Villiers Confesses: ‘I’d Have Lost My Wicket’

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