Ahmedabad: The stage is set for an exciting Qualifier 2 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Sunday, June 1, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The winner of this high-stakes match will advance to the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3.

Historically, the Mumbai Indians have a marginal advantage over Punjab Kings in IPL encounters. Out of 33 matches played between the two teams, Mumbai has won 17 games, while Punjab has clinched 16 victories.

Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim weighed in on the upcoming clash, expressing confidence in Mumbai Indians’ current form. Speaking at the Fit India ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative in Delhi, Karim said, “With the momentum that Mumbai Indians have, I think it will be favourable for their victory. It is a good team, they have a strong bowling. They look more dominant the way they are playing.”

On the other hand, Punjab Kings had a promising league stage finish, beating Mumbai in their last match on May 26 in Jaipur. That victory, powered by a brilliant partnership between Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis, saw PBKS chase down an under-par target with ease.

Former India pacer Varun Aaron believes PBKS might have a slight advantage in Ahmedabad due to the nature of the pitch, which suits their top-order batters.

"I think the Ahmedabad surface, first of all, is going to suit Punjab. It'll suit both teams, but Punjab more as such, because they rely heavily on both the openers. I think it's good that they qualified in the top two. They've got that one game out. At least their young Indian contingent has seen a high-pressure, knockout kind of a game. And now they know what it's all about. What they have to do and what they don't have to do," Aaron said on ESPNcricinfo's Time Out show.

"I'm sure Ricky Ponting has been in there. And now they can reset and go into this game. Like Shreyas Iyer said (after Qualifier 1), they lost a battle but they haven't lost the war yet," he added.

Punjab will also be hopeful about the possible return of their experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who missed the last three matches due to a wrist injury. Chahal trained lightly ahead of the match and may opt for injections to be fit for the game. His presence could boost Punjab’s bowling strength.

The Qualifier 2 promises to be a closely fought contest, with Mumbai Indians holding a slight edge based on past results and current form, while Punjab Kings will be eager to replicate their recent success against MI.