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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, after all the thrill and excitement is heading into its final stretch. While four teams have already booked their spots in the playoffs, the race for the top two positions is still alive. Two of the standout teams this season, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), are also in the hunt for a top finish. As both sides face each other today, the winner will secure a place in the top two. Let’s explore which team has a better chance to guarantee their berth in the qualifier.
PBKS vs MI match preview
PBKS suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Delhi Capitals (DC) in their previous outing, a result that severely dented their chances of finishing in the top two. This match becomes do-or-die for them if they want to secure a top-two finish and the added advantage in the playoffs. While their batting, led by Shreyas Iyer, has been consistent and composed, their bowling has sometimes let them down, especially during death overs where they’ve leaked runs at crucial moments.
MI, on the other hand, are peaking at just the right time. MI have been clinical in recent games, losing only once in their last eight outings. Jasprit Bumrah has led the bowling attack with skill and precision, often delivering key breakthroughs in the powerplay and at the death. Their batting has been equally dominant, with Suryakumar Yadav leading from the front, supported by a deep and explosive middle order.
Punjab Kings’ chances
The equation is straightforward for Punjab — a win will guarantee them a top-two finish. Currently placed second on the points table with 8 wins, 4 losses, and 17 points from 13 matches, a victory on Monday would take them to 19 points and to the top of the table. With only Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) only in contention to reach 19 points, a win would seal PBKS’s place in the top two regardless of other results.
However, even in the event of a loss, PBKS could still qualify — but their fate would then depend on the outcome of the clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and RCB. If LSG manage to defeat RCB and PBKS maintain a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), PBKS would still secure their place in the top two.
- Win against MI, top two spot confirmed.
- Lose against MI, LSG beat RCB along with PBKS’s net run rate remain better
Mumbai Indians’ chances
For Mumbai, a win is the only way forward. Currently placed fourth on the points table with 8 wins, 5 losses, and 16 points from 13 matches, a victory would secure them a spot in the top two. However, a loss against PBKS would relegate them to the eliminator.
- Win against PBKS, top-2 confirmed
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