Preity Zinta Celebrates as PBKS Reach IPL 2025 Final

In a gripping showdown that will be remembered for its emotion, drama, and outstanding , Punjab Kings (PBKS) stormed into the final of the (IPL) 2025, defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) by five wickets in Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, June 1. It was a night of high stakes, and the elation was evident — especially on the face of PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta, who could not hold back her tears of joy as captain Shreyas Iyer delivered a captain’s knock to secure the memorable win.

Shreyas Iyer’s Heroics Seal the Day

PBKS, who have often flirted with greatness but faltered at crucial moments in past seasons, showed nerves of steel as Shreyas Iyer led from the front. Chasing a formidable 204-run target set by the Mumbai Indians after a rain-delayed start, Iyer remained unbeaten on 87 and anchored the chase with calm determination. His knock, laced with elegant drives, clever placements, and calculated aggression, was the cornerstone of

A 1⃣1⃣ year wait ends... 🥹#PBKS are in the #TATAIPL 2025 Final and who better than Captain Shreyas Iyer to take them through ❤

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/vIzPVlDqoC#PBKSvMI | #Qualifier2 | #TheLastMile | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/vILymKxqXp

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 1, 2025

’s chase.

Losing Prabhsimran Singh early could have dented PBKS’s confidence, but Josh Inglis came out swinging, launching a counterattack that included a sensational over against Jasprit Bumrah where he hammered 20 runs. His quickfire innings reignited Punjab’s momentum before he and young Priyansh fell in quick succession. Just as the pressure mounted, Iyer took charge and stitched a crucial partnership with Nehal Wadhera, who played a gutsy hand of 48 runs.

Fittingly, it was Iyer who hit the winning runs, pulling into their first IPL final since 2014. The stadium erupted in joy, and none looked more emotional than Preity Zinta, whose support for the team has remained unwavering over the years.

Zinta’s Emotional Celebration Lights Up the Night

As the final boundary was struck, cameras panned to the stands where Preity Zinta was seen overwhelmed with emotion, jumping with joy among the sea of ecstatic Punjab fans. The actress-turned-team-owner, known for her passionate support, then rushed to the field to join in the post-match celebrations.

She shared a warm hug with captain Shreyas Iyer, who had just scripted one of the most memorable innings in PBKS history. She then embraced head coach Ricky Ponting, whose guidance and experience have been instrumental in transforming the team’s fortunes this season.

Zinta’s celebrations didn’t stop there — she went on to congratulate Nehal Wadhera, recognizing his crucial innings under pressure. Her interactions with the players and backroom staff highlighted the tight-knit and motivated unit that PBKS has become in 2025.

The IPL’s official social media handles captured the emotional scenes and shared a video showing Zinta celebrating alongside players and support staff in the dugout — a testament to the team’s family-like atmosphere.

How the Thriller Unfolded: MI vs PBKS, Qualifier 2

The highly anticipated clash began after a lengthy rain delay, which reduced some of the pre-match buzz but not the stakes. PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl first. Mumbai Indians started brightly, with Jonny Bairstow and Tilak Verma setting the tone. The middle overs saw Suryakumar Yadav step up with a stylish 44 that kept MI’s innings on track.

The true fireworks came towards the end of the innings, courtesy of Naman Dhir, who played a blistering cameo to push MI’s total to a daunting 203/5 in 20 overs. His late flourish looked match-defining at the time.

But Punjab had other plans. After a rocky start, Inglis’s audacious counterattack rattled the MI bowlers and gave PBKS the belief. Shreyas Iyer then steered the ship with Wadhera playing the perfect supporting role. Together, they managed the chase with composure and class, ensuring PBKS crossed the line with five wickets and four balls to spare.

The Road Ahead

With this win, Punjab Kings advance to the IPL 2025 final, where they will face a red-hot Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side on June 3. The final promises to be a blockbuster, with both teams eyeing their maiden IPL title.

For Preity Zinta and her beloved PBKS, the dream is now within touching distance. After years of near misses, heartbreaks, and rebuilding phases, the team stands one step away from history. And if Shreyas Iyer continues to lead with the same grit and grace, the final chapter of this fairytale season could be written in gold.