High-Stakes Battle for a Spot in the Final
The Indian Premier League 2025 has reached its most critical juncture as Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) lock horns in Qualifier 2 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 1. With the grand finale just one step away, both franchises are expected to bring their A-game to secure a ticket to the championship clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3.
Punjab Kings will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss in Qualifier 1, while Mumbai Indians come into this encounter with momentum, having defeated Gujarat Titans convincingly in the Eliminator. With both teams boasting explosive talent and experienced leadership, this promises to be a thrilling contest.
Pitch Report: Batters’ Paradise in Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium has been a run-fest throughout IPL 2025. Out of the 14 matches hosted at this venue during the season, nine games saw totals surpassing the 200-run mark. The surface has remained largely consistent—hard and flat with minimal lateral movement early on.
Batsmen can expect true bounce and good pace off the pitch, making stroke play easier. As the match progresses, especially in the second innings, the dew factor might come into play, giving an edge to the chasing team. Captains winning the toss are likely to opt to bowl first, looking to capitalize on improved batting conditions under lights.
Average first innings score: 198
Winning percentage while chasing: 60%
Weather Forecast: Hot and Dry Conditions Expected
Cricket fans and players can breathe easy, as the weather forecast for Ahmedabad on June 1 is favorable for an uninterrupted match. The temperature is expected to hover around 38°C during the day and settle near 32°C by evening. There is virtually no chance of rain, and humidity levels will stay below 40%.
Key weather highlights:
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Temperature at match start: 36–38°C
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Humidity: 35–40%
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Rain probability: 0%
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Dew factor: Likely in the second innings
Team Form and Key Battles
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Redemption on Their Mind
PBKS had a remarkable league stage, finishing in the top two. However, they suffered a heavy defeat in Qualifier 1 against RCB. Their top order failed to fire, and their bowling attack looked under pressure against an in-form Bengaluru side.
Skipper Shikhar Dhawan and the explosive Jonny Bairstow will be crucial at the top. In the middle order, Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma add firepower. Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack, while Rahul Chahar’s spin could prove vital against MI’s left-handers.
Mumbai Indians (MI): Gaining Momentum at the Right Time
Mumbai Indians began their season slowly but have peaked at the right time. Their Eliminator win over Gujarat Titans showed strong intent, with Suryakumar Yadav back in form and Jasprit Bumrah delivering a match-winning spell.
Under the guidance of skipper Hardik Pandya, MI’s balanced unit includes the hard-hitting Tim David, reliable Tilak Varma, and the dangerous Ishan Kishan. With Bumrah, Gerald Coetzee, and Shreyas Gopal in form, Mumbai’s bowling arsenal is well-equipped to handle any batting unit.
Predicted Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
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Shikhar Dhawan (c)
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Jonny Bairstow (wk)
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Liam Livingstone
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Jitesh Sharma
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Sikandar Raza
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Sam Curran
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Shahrukh Khan
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Rahul Chahar
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Harpreet Brar
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Arshdeep Singh
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Kagiso Rabada
Mumbai Indians (MI):
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Ishan Kishan (wk)
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Rohit Sharma
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Suryakumar Yadav
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Tilak Varma
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Tim David
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Hardik Pandya (c)
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Nehal Wadhera
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Shreyas Gopal
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Gerald Coetzee
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Akash Madhwal
Key Players to Watch
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Suryakumar Yadav (MI): His form has surged in the knockout phase. His innovative stroke play can demolish any attack.
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Jonny Bairstow (PBKS): If he gets going in the powerplay, PBKS can post or chase down any total.
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Jasprit Bumrah (MI): His death-over expertise remains unmatched and could be the difference-maker.
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Sam Curran (PBKS): Offers valuable contributions with both bat and ball and brings versatility to the side.
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches played: 32
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Mumbai Indians won: 17
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Punjab Kings won: 15
MI slightly edge out PBKS in head-to-head encounters, but PBKS has won both meetings in IPL 2025 so far—something they’ll draw confidence from.
A Clash of Firepower and Nerves
As PBKS and MI prepare to battle it out in front of a packed Ahmedabad crowd, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a place in the IPL 2025 final on the line, expect a high-octane encounter filled with big hits, key wickets, and tactical masterstrokes. The team that handles the pressure better and seizes the big moments will earn the right to challenge RCB in the final on June 3.