Punjab Kings (PBKS) were cruising. A blistering batting unit had propelled them into the playoffs with authority. For much of IPL 2025, their approach was fearless and fruitful. But just as the spotlight intensified, they stumbled. In Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), their red-hot top order was undone by pace, seam, and movement. Josh Hazlewood and his fellow quicks exposed a chink that few had noticed before.
Now, with the season on the line, Punjab have one more shot — this time against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2. The reward? A place in the IPL final — only the second in their history after their heartbreak in 2014. But standing in their way are two of the best new-ball bowlers in the world: Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.
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Bumrah has been typically lethal this season — 18 wickets in just 11 matches, maintaining his reputation as Mumbai’s strike weapon. Boult, too, has been relentless, picking up 21 wickets in 15 matches. For Punjab’s batters, already wounded by the Hazlewood-led assault, this is a psychological test as much as a technical one.
However, there is a twist in the tale — the venue. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which will host Qualifier 2, hasn’t been too generous to bowlers this season. In seven matches here, pacers have taken 56 wickets across 192.1 overs, but at an economy rate of 10.16. Spinners have fared similarly, with 28 wickets in 85 overs at 9.89 runs per over. This isn’t a graveyard for bowlers, but it certainly isn’t the seamer’s paradise Punjab encountered in Mullanpur.
This offers a glimmer of hope for the PBKS. In more batter-friendly conditions, their top order has looked unstoppable. Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, and Marcus Stoinis have all played pivotal knocks this season. But the scars from the RCB game may linger. The team was undone by swing, bounce, and discipline — all of which Bumrah and Boult can provide in different measures, even on less helpful surfaces.
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Punjab’s task will be two-fold: first, to mentally reset from their collapse in Qualifier 1, and second, to adapt better to the conditions than they did last time. There is also a question of depth. Punjab's middle order needs to fire if the top order is breached early again. Unlike the last game, they must be proactive in reading the pitch and adjusting their tempo accordingly.
Mumbai, on the other hand, will look to stick to their strengths. They know Punjab are vulnerable when put under early pressure. Boult’s inswingers and Bumrah’s hard lengths could once again be decisive. But they’ll also be aware of the high-scoring nature of Ahmedabad and the importance of breaking partnerships early.
IPL 2025: Getting outplayed in Qualifier 1 better for Punjab Kings than a narrow defeat
For Punjab, this isn’t just about reaching a final — it’s about proving that their aggressive brand of cricket can hold up in pressure games. Their season deserves more than a timid exit. But Bumrah and Boult have a habit of ending fairy tales early.
Redemption or repeat? On Sunday evening, we’ll find out if Punjab Kings can finally conquer their pace demons — or whether Bumrah and Boult will write the final chapter of their campaign.
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