India
Shreyas Iyer plays an all-time great knock, PBKS set up final against RCB to ensure a new IPL champion
In a pulsating, high-octane clash that will be etched in IPL folklore for years to come, Shreyas Iyer produced an innings of a lifetime, a masterclass under pressure that not only salvaged his side from the brink but also powered them into their first-ever Indian Premier League final, where they will now face Royal Challengers Bangalore in a historic showdown that guarantees a brand-new champion. The Eden Gardens roared in collective disbelief and admiration as Iyer, the steely-eyed right-hander, unleashed a knock that defied the odds, silenced doubters, and revived his team’s fortunes in a match that looked lost at several junctures.
Chasing a daunting total set by Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2, the Punjab Kings were reeling at 45 for 4 when Iyer walked in, amid a flurry of wickets and a growing sense of inevitability. But the Delhi-born batter had other ideas. Combining surgical precision with fearless aggression, Iyer stitched together a majestic 112* off just 61 balls, blending classical strokeplay with inventive shot-making. His ability to pierce the gaps, manipulate field placements, and accelerate with grace underlined his evolution as a big-match player.
The pivotal moment came in the 16th over, when Iyer launched into seasoned pacer Trent Boult with back-to-back sixes and a scything cover drive that shifted the momentum irreversibly in Punjab’s favor. From there, the equation melted down under the sheer weight of Iyer’s calm, calculated assault. Supported briefly by Jitesh Sharma and a spirited cameo from Liam Livingstone, the innings was undeniably Iyer’s canvas, painted with strokes of resolve, maturity, and brilliance.
The PBKS dugout erupted as he sealed the victory with a towering six over long-on, punching the air as teammates swarmed the field, finally breaking their playoff jinx and marching into the final with renewed belief. It was a tale of redemption for Iyer too, who had faced criticism earlier in the season for inconsistency but timed his resurgence perfectly, rising when it mattered most. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore, having dispatched tournament favorites Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1, wait eagerly at the other end of the draw for what will be their fourth final — and like PBKS, a potential maiden title.
With both teams historically known more for their heartbreaks than their hardware, the upcoming final is more than just a match; it’s a promise of new beginnings, a shot at legacy.
Fans across the country are bracing for a titanic clash of two squads brimming with talent and desperation in equal measure. For PBKS, the triumph in the semifinal is emblematic of their season — erratic yet exhilarating, chaotic but courageous.
Led ably by Sam Curran, whose tactical acumen and all-round contributions have been central to the team’s resurgence, Punjab have found late-season form that makes them a legitimate threat. Add to that the form of Jonny Bairstow, the X-factor of Livingstone, and a quietly effective bowling core anchored by Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar, and PBKS look like a side peaking at just the right time.
RCB, on the other hand, are riding on a wave of Virat Kohli’s vintage brilliance, Faf du Plessis’s calm leadership, and a bowling attack spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj and Karn Sharma that has outperformed expectations. The final promises a showdown between two explosive batting line-ups, smart captains, and passionate fanbases who have waited for this moment for over a decade.
But on this night, it was all about Shreyas Iyer — his timing, temperament, and tenacity. The innings wasn’t just about boundaries and numbers; it was about soaking pressure, rewriting narratives, and showing the cricketing world the value of composure in chaos.
As fireworks lit up the Kolkata sky and the crowd chanted his name, Iyer stood with his bat raised, soaking in the adulation, knowing he had just played one of the greatest knocks in IPL knockout history. In a tournament that has seen legends rise and fall, Shreyas Iyer’s heroics will now be remembered as a defining act, the very heartbeat of Punjab Kings’ dream run.
Now, with destiny within touching distance, PBKS and RCB are set to battle not just for a trophy, but for validation, for history, and for that elusive crown that has remained just out of reach for too long.
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