KKN Gurugram Desk | Cricket fans witnessed a rare batting masterclass in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, where Shreyas Iyer scripted a sensational unbeaten knock of 87 off 41 balls to guide Punjab Kings to the final, defeating Mumbai Indians by 5 wickets. But what truly stole the spotlight was how Iyer outplayed two of the finest death-over bowlers in the world – Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult – with clinical, stylish, and calculated strokes under immense pressure.

The Bumrah Moment: A Yorker That Turned into a Masterstroke

The match reached a tense climax with Punjab needing 31 runs from the last 3 overs. Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya handed the ball to his most trusted weapon – Jasprit Bumrah, renowned for his deadly yorkers and unmatched accuracy at the death.

On the second delivery of the over, Shreyas Iyer faced a pinpoint yorker targeted at middle and off stump. Where most batters would be grateful just to survive, Iyer responded with finesse — opening the face of his bat and guiding the ball past the wicketkeeper and short third man for a boundary.

The shot, executed with minimal power and maximum timing, used Bumrah’s own pace against him. Even the commentators — Ravi Shastri and Michael Clarke — were in disbelief. Former South African great AB de Villiers later tweeted, calling it the “Shot of the Tournament.”

Not Just Bumrah: Boult’s Yorkers Also Met the Same Fate

Shreyas Iyer’s performance wasn’t a one-off moment. Earlier in the innings, in the 17th over, Trent Boult – another world-class left-arm quick – also tested Iyer with well-directed yorkers. On the second ball, Boult delivered an inch-perfect yorker just outside off stump. Iyer anticipated it and carved it with precision between backward point and short third man for four.

If that wasn’t enough, on the last ball of the same over, Iyer once again threaded the gap between the keeper and short third man, earning another boundary — this time with sheer late wrist work.

These shots weren’t just lucky connections; they were the product of world-class anticipation, balance, and confidence.

Iyer’s Final Numbers: 87 off 41 – A Knock That Will Be Remembered*

With the pressure mounting and the target still looming, Iyer’s calm presence and technically solid shot selection ensured Punjab Kings chased down the target with 3 balls to spare. His unbeaten 87 off 41 deliveries included some of the most high-pressure boundaries ever seen in an IPL knockout match.

• Strike Rate: 212.19

• Fours: 10

• Sixes: 3

• Key Partnerships: Anchored the chase with lower middle-order support

• Player of the Match: Deservedly, Shreyas Iyer

Social Media Reacts: A Shot That Shook the Internet

Within minutes of the match-ending, a clip of Iyer’s shot off Bumrah’s yorker went viral. Several cricket analysts, former players, and fans lauded the shot, calling it “technically perfect”, and a “once-in-a-season moment.”

• @ABdeVilliers17: “That shot off Bumrah… absolutely outrageous. Pure class under pressure.”

• @CricCrazyJohns: “Shreyas Iyer just made the impossible look effortless. Shot of the IPL 2025?”

• Hashtags trending: #IyerMasterclass #BumrahVsIyer #IPLQualifier2

Bumrah and Boult: Rarely Outplayed, But Iyer Made It Look Easy

Both Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult are respected across the cricketing world for their ability to close out games. In fact, both bowlers have collectively dominated the death overs in IPL history. Yet on this occasion, Shreyas Iyer showed that elite bowling can be countered with elite composure.

What made the innings more impressive was Iyer’s ability to predict the line and length. Instead of playing premeditated shots, he reacted late, adjusted his body position perfectly, and used the field placements to his advantage.

A Technically Sound, Emotionally Composed Performance

Iyer’s footwork, bat angle, and head position were perfectly aligned – a sign of a batsman in total control. It was not just about hitting; it was about constructing an innings, respecting the good balls, and attacking the right opportunities.

In a knockout game where even top-order players from both sides struggled to time the ball, Iyer’s innings stood out for its maturity, awareness, and execution.

Punjab Kings Into the Final: Can They Break Their Title Drought?

With this victory, Punjab Kings secured their place in the IPL 2025 Final, defeating Mumbai Indians, a five-time champion, on a grand stage in Ahmedabad.

This is only the second time Punjab have reached the IPL final — the first being in 2014, where they lost narrowly. The question now: Can Shreyas Iyer lead Punjab to their first-ever IPL title?

Match Summary: IPL 2025 Qualifier 2

Expert Take: Shreyas Iyer’s Redemption Story

Iyer’s career has seen ups and downs — from injury setbacks to losing captaincy, and questions around consistency. But this performance reaffirms why he remains one of India‘s finest middle-order batters, especially in crunch moments.

Former players praised his game awareness, temperament, and the ability to rise when it mattered most.

Key Takeaways:

• Shreyas Iyer vs Bumrah: Shot of the tournament

• Against Trent Boult: Anticipation and placement at its best

• Match-Winning Knock: 87* in 41 balls under pressure

• Punjab Kings into Final: Beating MI by 5 wickets

• Trending Everywhere: Iyer’s shots break the internet

In cricket, there are centuries that are forgotten, and then there are knocks like Iyer’s 87 that become folklore*. The boundaries off Bumrah and Boult were not just runs — they were statements of self-belief, of reading the game, and of trusting one’s skill under extreme pressure.

Punjab fans will hope this is just the beginning of something bigger. But for now, Shreyas Iyer’s knock in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 will be remembered as one of the greatest playoff innings in the tournament’s history.