KATHMANDU, May 27: Josh Inglis and Priyansh Arya smashed half-centuries to power Punjab Kings past Mumbai Indians by seven wickets, securing a place in Qualifier 1 of the IPL. The second Qualifier team will emerge from today’s clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
On Monday, Mumbai Indians lost the toss and batted first, scoring 184 for seven in 20 overs. In response, Punjab Kings chased down the target in just 18.3 overs, reaching 187 for three to seal a dominant victory.
IPL: Punjab Kings storms into final after defeating Mumbai Indi...
Punjab Kings qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, having last done so in 2014. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the team wrapped up the league stage with nine wins and four losses from 14 matches. With 19 points and a net run rate of +0.372, Punjab pushed Gujarat Titans down to second place.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians finished fourth on the table with eight wins and six losses. Royal Challengers Bangalore currently sit third and will take on Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday. If Rajat Patidar's RCB wins, they will climb to second and face Punjab in Qualifier 1 on May 29.
While chasing 185, Punjab suffered an early blow at 34 when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Prabhsimran Singh for just 13 runs. However, Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis responded with a commanding 109-run partnership off 59 balls for the second wicket. Both batters struck fifties and dominated Mumbai's bowling attack. Arya smashed 62 runs with nine boundaries and two sixes.
Inglis followed with an explosive 73 off 42 balls. After their dismissals, Shreyas Iyer steered the team home, finishing unbeaten on 26 off 16 deliveries, while Nehal Wadhera remained not out on 2. For Mumbai, Mitchell Santner claimed two wickets, and Bumrah picked up one.
