The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 2 got off to a late start due to rain at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The match went on till 1:41 AM. If it wasn't for Shreyas Iyer smashing four sixes in the penultimate over bowled by Ashwani Kumar, the game would have continued for a few more minutes. As the game progressed slower, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Iyer and Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya have been fined for maintaining slow over rate.
This was Iyer's second-over rate offence of the ongoing season. Hence, he has been fined Rs 24 lakh. On the other hand, Pandya has faced a fine of Rs 30 lakh as it was MI's third offence of the season. In addition, all PBKS team members in Qualifier 2 will pay a fine of Rs 6 lakh or 25 per cent of their match fees, whichever is lesser. It is worse for MI players. They will pay Rs 12 lakh or 50 per cent of their match fees, whichever is lesser.
Had it not been for the updation of IPL rules this season, Pandya would have faced another one-match suspension. Even if MI progressed to the final, he would sit on the sidelines. However, the rules have been amended and Pandya will be available to play the first match of next season, unlike this year.
Iyer's PBKS qualifying for the final means, there will be a brand new winner of the IPL trophy this season. They will go up against Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the same venue on June 2023.
How captains performed in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2
Pandya had a tough day at the office, both as a captain and as all-rounder. With the bat, he walked in at no.5 and managed to score 15 runs from 13 balls. He was dismissed by Afghanistan pacer Azmatullah Omarzai in the 18th over. He bowled two overs and conceded 19 runs. He got the prized wicket of Josh Inglis. However, he did not bring himself back to bowl in the slog overs.
On the other hand, Iyer led from the front. He scored 87 runs from 41 balls, including five fours and eight sixes. He is currently PBKS' leading run-scorer in the season.