Best moments from MI vs PBKS clash [Source: OneCricket]
The MI vs PBKS Qualifier 2 encounter on June 1 was nothing short of extraordinary. The rain-curtailed encounter turned out to be a thrilling contest filled with intensity, emotion, and electrifying action. While the chase itself had fans on the edge of their seats, the match offered much more than just cricketing brilliance.
From passionate celebrations to nail-biting finishes, this contest captured the true spirit of the game. In this article, we highlight some of the best moments that made this fixture truly unforgettable.
5. The Shashank-Shreyas Feud
Shreyas Iyer and Shashank Singh spat [Source: @irfan_speak786/X]
To start off, not probably the best moment, but a tense one that highlighted the passion for the game, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was seen visibly furious with teammate Shashank Singh after their thrilling win over MI.
A viral video showed him scolding Shashank during the post-match handshakes. The outburst is believed to be due to Shashank's careless running, which led to his run-out at a crucial moment when 35 runs were needed off 20 balls. Fans were puzzled by Iyer’s reaction, though many linked it to the narrow margin and high-pressure situation of the playoff clash.
4. Shell-Shocked Nita Ambani!
To cap off with the fourth one, Mumbai Indians’ team owner Nita Ambani was left visibly stunned after Trent Boult dropped a regulation catch during the high-stakes Qualifier 2 clash against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Nita Ambani [Source: @Drjain21/X]
The moment came in the 10th over when Nehal Wadhera top-edged a pull of Hardik Pandya. Positioned at long-leg, Boult misjudged the simple chance, letting the ball slip through and run away for four. Nita Ambani’s shocked expression quickly went viral, highlighting the gravity of the missed opportunity. Wadhera capitalised, playing a game-changing innings that tilted momentum in PBKS’ favour.
3. Preity Zinta Winks At Iyer
For the third one, the Bollywood actress and PBKS owner Preity Zinta’s joyful reaction lit up the Narendra Modi Stadium after the Punjab Kings reached their first IPL final in 11 years. Following the win, a video of the co-owner went viral, showing her winking at Shreyas Iyer in celebration.
Preity Zinta winking [Source: OneCricket]
The cheerful gesture reflected Zinta’s elation after years of waiting, as Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 powered PBKS into a long-awaited final showdown against Bengaluru.
2. Marcus Stoinis Consoling Hardik Pandya
Stoinis consoling Hardik Pandya [Source: iplt20.com]
Cricket is a gentleman's game and Marcus Stoinis perhaps was the epitome of compassion that night. After Shreyas Iyer hit the match-winning six off Ashwani Kumar, Hardik Pandya broke down in the pain of defeat.
Stoinis however, after celebrating with Iyer, walked down to a disheartened Hardik who was sitting on the ground in despair, rubbed his head and consoled him as Mumbai got knocked out before creating history with 6 IPL titles.
1. Shreyas Iyer's Winning Six
Shreyas Iyer hits Six [Source: @96ShreyasIyer/X]
The most scintillating moment of the match was nothing but the match-winning knock from Shreyas Iyer that sealed the fate of MI and took Punjab to the Finals after 11 years! In the last ball of the 19th over, Shreyas Iyer sealed the win in style, smashing a full delivery outside off straight over wide long-on for a towering six.
With eyes locked on the ball, he cleared his front leg and launched it deep into the stands. A thunderous finish to a captain’s match-winning knock under immense pressure.