IPL 2025: PBKS vs MI Qualifier 2 Match Preview, Dream11 Prediction, Pitch and Weather Report

IPL 2025: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – The Ultimate Showdown in Qualifier 2

PBKS vs MI Match Preview: The Indian Premier League 2025 is hurtling towards its grand finale, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) lock horns with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2. Set to take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this match is a do-or-die encounter. The winner will earn the coveted spot in the IPL 2025 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), while the loser will see their tournament journey end.

The Road to Qualifier 2: A Tale of Contrasts

Punjab Kings (PBKS) had a remarkable league stage, finishing at the top of the table with nine wins out of fourteen matches. However, their Qualifier 1 clash against RCB was a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the playoffs. They suffered a crushing defeat, being bowled out for a mere 101 runs, with RCB comfortably chasing it down with eight wickets in hand. This loss means PBKS will be eager to bounce back with a dominant performance and prove their league stage supremacy was no fluke.

Mumbai Indians (MI), the five-time IPL champions, had a more challenging road to the playoffs, finishing fourth in the league stage. However, they demonstrated their playoff pedigree in the Eliminator, outclassing Gujarat Titans (GT) with a commanding 228/5 and a 20-run victory. Rohit Sharma’s crucial knock of 81 was a testament to their renewed form and big-match temperament. MI’s ability to peak at the right time makes them formidable opponents in any knockout fixture.

PBKS vs MI Head-to-Head: A Fiercely Contested Rivalry

The rivalry between PBKS and MI has historically been fiercely contested. In 33 matches played between the two sides in IPL history:

• Mumbai Indians (MI) have won 17 matches.
• Punjab Kings (PBKS) have won 16 matches.
• One match ended in a tie, which PBKS won in the Super Over.

This season, they met once during the league stage on May 26, where PBKS emerged victorious, securing a top-two finish. This recent win will give PBKS confidence, but MI’s momentum from the Eliminator makes this rematch an explosive prospect.

PBKS vs MI Pitch and Weather Report: Ahmedabad’s Batting Paradise

Pitch Report (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad): The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has consistently offered batting-friendly surfaces in IPL 2025. This season has seen multiple 200-plus totals, indicating a high-scoring encounter is on the cards. The ball comes nicely onto the bat, allowing batsmen to play their strokes freely. While new-ball bowlers might get some initial assistance, the pitch generally remains true throughout the match, making chasing a viable option. However, interestingly, in IPL 2025, the trend at this venue has shifted slightly, with six out of seven matches won by the team batting first. This suggests that the captain winning the toss might be tempted to bat first and put a big score on the board.

Weather Report (Ahmedabad): The weather forecast for Sunday, June 1st, in Ahmedabad looks favorable for a full game of cricket. The temperature is expected to hover around 33°C, with a clear sky and negligible probability of rain. Players can expect a hot and humid evening, but there should be no interruptions due to weather.

PBKS vs MI Dream11 Prediction: Key Players and Fantasy Tips

Given the high-stakes nature of Qualifier 2, selecting the right combination of players for your Dream11 fantasy team will be crucial. Here are some hot picks and potential captain/vice-captain choices:

Hot Picks

• Suryakumar Yadav (MI): A dynamic right-handed batsman, Suryakumar has been in exceptional form, consistently scoring runs at a high strike rate. His ability to impact the game significantly makes him a top pick.
  
   
• Jonny Bairstow (MI): Now with MI for the playoffs, Bairstow’s explosive batting at the top of the order can provide quick runs. His recent performance in the Eliminator was a good sign.
  
   
• Josh Inglis (PBKS): A skilled right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman for PBKS, Inglis can provide quick starts and anchor the innings.
  
   
• Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): The PBKS captain is a talented batsman who can hold the innings together and accelerate when needed.
  
   
• Rohit Sharma (MI): His impactful 81 in the Eliminator shows he’s found his touch at a crucial time. A big game player.
• Marcus Stoinis (PBKS): A versatile all-rounder, Stoinis can contribute significantly with both bat and ball, making him a valuable fantasy asset.
• Hardik Pandya (MI): The MI captain’s all-round abilities, including his bowling and power-hitting, are vital for his team.
  
   
• Jasprit Bumrah (MI): MI’s ace pacer is a consistent wicket-taker and a death-over specialist.
  
   
• Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): PBKS’s primary left-arm pacer, Arshdeep can pick up crucial wickets, especially in the powerplay and death overs.
  
   

Captain and Vice-captain Choices

• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): His consistent high scores and aggressive style make him a prime candidate for captaincy.
• Josh Inglis (Vice-captain): As a wicketkeeper, he offers points from catches and stumpings in addition to his batting.
• Jonny Bairstow (Captain/Vice-captain): If he fires, he can single-handedly change the course of the game.
• Shreyas Iyer (Vice-captain): Can provide stability and runs in the middle order.
• Hardik Pandya (Captain/Vice-captain): His all-round contribution can fetch big points.
• Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-captain): A safe bet for consistent wickets.

PBKS vs MI Predicted Dream11 Team

• Wicketkeepers: Jonny Bairstow, Josh Inglis
• Batsmen: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer
• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Marcus Stoinis
  
   
• Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Trent Boult, Harpreet Brar
  
   

Players to Avoid (based on recent form/impact):

• Pravin Dubey (PBKS)
• Raj Angad Bawa (MI)
  
   

PBKS vs MI Match Prediction: Who Holds the Edge?

This Qualifier 2 promises to be a thrilling encounter between two strong teams with contrasting recent forms. While PBKS topped the league stage, their capitulation in Qualifier 1 against RCB raises questions about their temperament under immense pressure. On the other hand, MI, despite a slower start to the season, have found their rhythm at the most crucial time and possess a wealth of playoff experience.

Factors favoring MI:

• Momentum: Coming off a convincing win in the Eliminator.
• Playoff Experience: MI has an enviable record in knockout games, with five IPL trophies and a high win rate in playoff matches.
• Individual Brilliance: Players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah are match-winners.
  
   
• Head-to-head in Playoffs: This is their first-ever playoff meeting, but MI’s overall playoff record is superior.

Factors favoring PBKS:

• Top of the Table Finish: They were the most consistent team in the league stage.
• Recent Win against MI: They defeated MI earlier in the season, giving them confidence.
• Strong Record at Ahmedabad: PBKS has a good record at the Narendra Modi Stadium, winning four out of six matches. MI, in contrast, have a poor record here with only one win in six games.

Considering the momentum and the proven ability to perform under pressure, Mumbai Indians might have a slight edge in this Qualifier 2. However, PBKS’s strong league stage performance and good record at the venue cannot be discounted. Expect a closely fought battle, with individual brilliance likely to decide the outcome.

The stage is set for a blockbuster clash. May the best team proceed to the IPL 2025 final!