In a stunning display of fearless cricket, Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis produced standout performances on Monday, May 26, helping Punjab Kings topple the star-laden Mumbai Indians by seven wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Their combined brilliance not only secured a commanding win over the five-time champions but also confirmed PBKS’s spot in the first qualifier of IPL 2025, ensuring a top-two finish on the league table.
It was a must-win encounter, and Punjab rose to the occasion with flair. Chasing a target of 185, they wrapped up the match in just 18.3 overs with only three wickets lost. The finishing touches came from skipper Shreyas Iyer, whose 27 off 16 balls culminated in a match-winning six off Trent Boult.
Young Priyansh Arya, a left-hander from Delhi who was bought for Rs 3.80 crore by the Preity Zinta-owned franchise in last year’s mega auction, lit up the stadium with his explosive 62 off 35 balls. “Hammered the Mumbai Indians to all corners of the ground” was a phrase that seemed tailor-made for his knock, which included nine boundaries and two towering sixes. His fifty came in just 27 balls, reflecting his commanding presence at the crease.
Not to be overshadowed, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis played a defining role of his own. He scored 73 runs and reached his first-ever IPL half-century in 29 balls. Inglis was particularly ruthless in the 11th over, dispatching Ashwani Kumar for three consecutive fours, showcasing not just flair but precision. With five fours and three sixes to his name, his innings ensured Punjab stayed well ahead of the required rate throughout the chase.
Looking ahead, Punjab Kings will face either Gujarat Titans or Royal Challengers in the first qualifier on Thursday, May 29, at Mullanpur. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, will play the eliminator on Friday, May 30, at the same venue, squaring off against whichever team finishes third in the standings.
