IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: PBKS are rattled, but there's one MI loophole they can exploit

Punjab Kings (PBKS) looked rattled in their Qualifier 1 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Playing in front of a home crowd at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, expectations were high for a strong showing. However, PBKS collapsed dramatically, nearly being bowled out for under 100.

Despite fielding 11 out of 12 players with considerable batting credentials, including Impact Sub Musheer Khan, PBKS managed only a paltry 101 runs - falling 35 balls short of completing their 20 overs on Thursday.

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Hopes of repeating their remarkable defence against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the same venue, where they famously defended a record-low score of 111, were quickly dashed. RCB chased down the target comfortably in just 10 overs, putting an emphatic end to PBKS’s hopes in the match.

But despite their recent struggles, PBKS have something to be optimistic about. Heading into Qualifier 2 on Sunday, the Kings can take confidence from the Mumbai Indians’ dismal record at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad under the leadership of Hardik Pandya.

MI’s struggles at Narendra Modi Stadium

MI might want to avoid looking at their track record in Ahmedabad. Out of seven completed matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Mumbai-based franchise has managed just one win while losing five. They are currently on a five-match losing streak at the venue, with their last victory dating back to 2014 - a 25-run win over the Shane Watson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR).

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Batting second hasn't helped their cause either. MI have lost their last four matches chasing at this ground. On the other hand, PBKS have more reasons to feel confident, having already beaten MI by seven wickets during the league stage. All signs suggest that PBKS could head into this match with a psychological advantage.

MI, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their 20-run win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Eliminator. However, they would also be aware that Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional spell of 4-0-27-1 played a crucial role in defending the hefty total of 228. Without his brilliance, the outcome could have been very different.

With both teams hungry for a place in the final, the upcoming clash promises to be a blockbuster.

Mumbai Indians’ results in Ahmedabad in IPL

Mumbai Indians vs Otago Volts at Ahmedabad on 23 Sep 2013 – Match abandoned.

Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals at Ahmedabad on 19 May 2014 – Mumbai Indians won by 25 runs .

. Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals at Ahmedabad on 14 Apr 2015 – Mumbai Indians lost by 7 wickets .

. Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad on 25 Apr 2023 – Mumbai Indians lost by 55 runs .

. Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad on 26 May 2023 – Mumbai Indians lost by 62 runs .

. Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad on 24 Mar 2024 – Mumbai Indians lost by 6 runs .

. Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad on 29 Mar 2025 – Mumbai Indians lost by 36 runs.

Published By: sabyasachi chowdhury Published On: Jun 1, 2025

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