PBKS have reached the IPL playoffs for the first time in 11 years.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have reached the IPL playoffs for the first time in 11 years under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. They defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets in Jaipur on Monday (May 26) to secure a top-two spot, thereby sealing their place in Qualifier 1.
Chasing 185 to win, PBKS rode on half-centuries from Priyansh Arya (62 off35) and Josh Inglis (73 off 42) to get over the line with nine deliveries to spare.
Impressed by their performance, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on the PBKS management for how they picked players at the mega auction.
"Nobody took Punjab Kings seriously. They have also picked wisely at the auction, where they got lot of young, uncapped Indian players. They have seen them. They have seen what they have done, where they have done. There are so many of these state leagues which are happening but you can’t always go by what's happening in the state leagues. The bowling attacks may not always be good,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
"Even then if somebody like a Priyansh Arya hits seven sixes you know that this guy has talent. Picking the international players too. They have done it really well. Full marks to them. Really happy for them. I told you before the start of the match that a new name will be written on the trophy, well,” he added.
Punjab Kings will now travel back to their home ground in Mullanpur for the Qualifier 1, scheduled for May 29. Mumbai Indians will play Eliminator at the same venue on the following day.
The complete playoffs line-up will be decided after the contest between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the already eliminated Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday (May 27).
(With agency inputs)