Punjab Kings (PBKS) have made it to their first IPL final in over a decade, and while much of the credit for their triumph in Qualifier 2 goes to their explosive batting unit, particularly Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant unbeaten 87, the PBKS bowling attack has played a crucial role in keeping Mumbai Indians (MI) to a chaseable total. After the match, PBKS bowling coach, James Hopes, reflected on how his bowlers managed to keep MI’s powerful batting lineup in check, especially on a high-scoring pitch in Ahmedabad.

A Challenging Start for MI
When MI was sent in to bat, they looked to be cruising toward a massive total, racing to 65/1 in the powerplay. At one stage, Mumbai was comfortably going at more than ten runs per over during the middle phase, and a total of 220-225 seemed within their reach. However, PBKS bowlers executed their plans well, breaking partnerships at crucial times and slowing MI down when they needed to. Hopes, in his post-match interview, shared his thoughts on how the bowling unit managed to reign in MI’s scoring rate.

“We could tell at one point that MI was aiming for 220 or 225. They were going well, but we kept pegging them back with timely wickets and restricting them to just 200 [203] in the end,” Hopes said. “We made sure we didn’t give up a big over in the 18th or 19th overs, and the bowlers stuck to their plans, knowing we had quality death bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai.”

Containing MI’s Batting Power
MI’s batting lineup is known for its ability to accelerate in the death overs, with players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya capable of turning the game with just a few big hits. However, PBKS didn’t let them get going. Despite a few boundaries in the later overs, they ensured that MI didn’t get the momentum they were looking for. Hopes mentioned that although there were a few extra runs conceded, they felt confident after MI finished with 203.

“We gave them a few extra runs, but looking at how the match was progressing, we were quite pleased with how we managed to hold them back. When they finished with 203, we felt like we had done well to drag them back, especially considering where they were at the halfway mark.”

The Impact of Dew and the Batting Conditions
The Ahmedabad surface, known for being a batting paradise, made it difficult for bowlers to contain runs. However, PBKS’ bowlers took full advantage of the dew that started to settle in the second half of the innings. Hopes noted that this change in conditions gave his team an edge.

“There was a noticeable difference in the way the ball came off the bat during our chase. You could tell the ball was skimming off a little more, and the dew had a part to play in that. It gave us a little bit of an advantage in the second innings,” Hopes explained.

At the time of MI’s innings, the surface was still playing true, but as the dew began to settle in, PBKS felt more confident about chasing the target. This was an important factor in their belief that 200 was a gettable total, despite MI’s excellent bowling attack.

Inglis’ Game-Changing Assault on Bumrah
Chasing down 204 against a five-time IPL champion team, led by one of the most reliable bowlers in the world, Jasprit Bumrah, was always going to be challenging. Bumrah, known for his impeccable death bowling, had a stellar economy rate of 6.36 going into the game, which made PBKS’ task even more daunting.

However, it was Josh Inglis who set the tone early in the chase by taking on Bumrah. He blasted two sixes and two fours off the premier pacer’s first over, bringing the chase back on track and giving PBKS the much-needed momentum. Hopes acknowledged Inglis' fearless approach and the impact it had on the overall game.

“Josh has a strong record against Bumrah in short-format cricket, and he showed that again today,” Hopes said. “When he came in, he didn’t hesitate to take Bumrah on. To score 20 off his first over was a big statement. It disrupted Bumrah’s rhythm and set the tone for the chase.”

Hopes further added that Inglis wasn’t simply swinging for the fences; he played smart, cricketing shots that found the boundary. This technical prowess against one of the best in the business is what stood out to Hopes and his team.

"Josh wasn’t just hitting the ball blindly; he was playing proper cricketing shots. His cover drives and the way he maneuvered the ball, even against a bowler like Bumrah, showed the kind of temperament and skill he brings to the table," Hopes explained.

Shreyas Iyer's Calm Leadership and Stellar Batting
While Inglis’ fireworks were crucial, it was Shreyas Iyer, PBKS captain, who anchored the chase. His composed innings, built on solid foundations, allowed PBKS to keep the required run rate in check while taking calculated risks when needed. Iyer's maturity in dealing with pressure, knowing when to accelerate and when to rotate the strike, was one of the reasons PBKS managed to stay ahead.

Hopes, who has worked with Iyer previously at Delhi Capitals (DC), praised his leadership and decision-making skills.

"Shreyas is a sensational captain and player. He knows his game inside out, and he’s calm under pressure. He understands match-ups really well and knows exactly when to take a risk," Hopes said. "I’ve seen him evolve over the years, and tonight, he showed his true leadership qualities again. He kept things calm, rotated the strike when needed, and then shifted gears when the time was right."

A Well-Rounded Team Performance
Hopes also highlighted the collective effort of the team, with every player stepping up when needed. Whether it was the bowlers’ ability to restrict MI to 203, the top-order’s aggressive approach, or Iyer’s captaincy, the entire PBKS unit clicked together to secure a memorable win.

“We had a team performance across the board, from our bowlers to our batters,” said Hopes. “The bowlers stuck to their plans, and when it was time to chase, our batters rose to the occasion.”

As PBKS prepared for their first-ever IPL final appearance in 11 years, Hopes expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle the pressure and bring home the trophy. For now, they can take pride in a thrilling and well-executed victory that pushed them one step closer to the ultimate prize.