Following the Punjab Kings' defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 1, Shreyas Iyer remarked, "We have lost the battle, not the war." The team had everything to play for in Qualifier 2 against give-time champions Mumbai Indians, and skipper Shreyas led from the front to help Punjab Kings reach the IPL final for just the second time in their history.

With the help of 5 fours and 8 sixes, the right-handed Shreyas Iyer scored an undefeated 87 off 41 deliveries to help PBKS chase down 204 with six balls remaining and five wickets in hand. The Punjab Kings' dugout erupted in joyous celebration when he struck the match-winning six off Ashwani Kumar's bowling.

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the Punjab Kings, initially broke out in the dugout by hugging each player. He then went down to the pitch to embrace his skipper Shreyas and congratulate him for a great innings under tremendous duress. In recognition of Shreyas' work in the run-chase, he even gave him a pat on the shoulder.

The victory was also celebrated in style by Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia, the co-owners of PBKS. As soon as Shreyas scored the game-winning runs, the Bollywood actress began to bounce up and down while waving her arms in the air. After that, she approached Shreyas Iyer on the ground for a hug.

As the two discussed the victory, she also hugged PBKS head coach Ponting. Preity Zinta was seen even winking at one of her players throughout the post-match ceremony. Preity Zinta waited 11 years to get to the final after 2014, so the wink might be seen as a sign of unadulterated happiness.

It should be noted that Shreyas Iyer maintained a solemn demeanor during the festivities, and Preity Zinta was successful in bringing him out of his shell and giving the cameras a little grin.

In contrast, Ness Wadia gave each member of the Punjab Kings team a big hug.

Hardik Pandya left heartbroken 

The Mumbai Indians camp was devastated by the defeat in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2025 season, while the Punjab Kings rejoiced. The captain Hardik Pandya fell to the ground, contemplating what could have been, as soon as Ashwani was struck for a maximum on the last ball of the 19th over.

Jasprit Bumrah had to console Hardik. The Mumbai captain rose and approached the Punjab Kings camp to shake their hands after spending several minutes on the ground.

Following the defeat, even the owners of the Mumbai Indians, Nita and Akash Ambani, wore sad faces, which was a letdown.

The game between the Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium began after a rain-induced delay of over two hours.

The Mumbai Indians batted first and scored 203/8 in their 20 overs. Nevertheless, after Shreyas' match-winning innings, PBKS chased down the total with six balls remaining.

The Narendra Modi Stadium will now host the IPL 2025 championship game between the Punjab Kings and RCB on Tuesday, June 3.

Read Also: BCCI Signals Future Captaincy for Iyer After Inspiring PBKS IPL 2025 Run

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