Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Qualifier 2 - Live Cricket Score

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, who was also adjudged Player of the Match, shared his thoughts:

I thrive on big-stage matches. I often tell myself and my teammates — the bigger the occasion, the calmer you need to stay, and success will follow. Today, I was particularly mindful of my breathing throughout the innings.

Each player has to be proactive and display intent right from the first delivery. While a few couldn't convert their starts, the intent they showed was outstanding. Once I got in, I knew I had to settle in before accelerating.

Forget about 'recovery' — I threw that thought out entirely. One bad game doesn't define who we are as a team.

I don’t put too much pressure on them. I let them play their natural game. I admire the boldness they bring and the fresh perspectives they offer. Even without much experience, their fearless attitude matters most in high-pressure games. These experiences will shape them further.

I feel at ease around the management and the entire setup. The atmosphere is extremely encouraging. Right now, I'm soaking in the moment, heading to the dressing room to celebrate with the team after sealing a spot in the final. But in my head, the mission isn’t complete yet. I’ll relax, get some recovery done, and prepare for the next challenge. I was completely focused — still mentally in the zone.

Nehal Wadhera:

I wait for moments like these, and delivering in such a high-stakes match means a lot to me personally.

[On his stand with Iyer] Our approach was quite straightforward. Having spent two seasons with MI, I had a fair idea of how they'd bowl to me, so I adjusted my strategy accordingly. I’m happy that it paid off. Whenever the ball was in my slot, I went after it. I wasn’t focused on targeting any bowler in particular — just aimed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Iyer is a master when it comes to chasing, and he once again showed why. There's a lot to learn from him, and we’re hopeful of carrying this momentum into the match against RCB.

Hardik Pandya:

Especially Shreyas — the way he batted stood out. He backed himself and played brilliantly. It was a par total, but it demanded top-class execution from our bowling attack. Unfortunately, they remained composed, applied pressure on us, and we couldn’t deliver as planned.

[On Bumrah bowling the 17th over] Looking back, it might have been a better choice. Perhaps we went in a bit too early with our plans.