On May 26, 2025, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Priyansh Arya delivered a breathtaking performance in the IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI). His explosive 62 runs off 35 balls, studded with 11 fours and 4 sixes, was instrumental in PBKS’s 7-wicket victory, securing their place in Qualifier 1 and a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 standings.
The 69th match of IPL 2025 was a high-stakes encounter, with PBKS aiming to cement a top-two position and MI fighting to strengthen their playoff chances. MI, batting first after PBKS won the toss and elected to bowl, posted a competitive 184/7, largely due to Suryakumar Yadav’s 57. PBKS’s bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Marco Jansen, each claimed three wickets to restrict MI below 200. The stage was set for a challenging chase on a pitch that offered some assistance to bowlers, unlike the high-scoring thrillers seen earlier at the venue.
Priyansh Arya sets the pace with a solid 62(35) 👏
🎥🔽 WATCH | #TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI | @PunjabKingsIPL
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2025
Priyansh Arya’s Explosive Innings
Entering the crease after an early wicket, Priyansh Arya, the 24-year-old left-handed opener from Delhi, wasted no time asserting his dominance. Partnering with Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, Arya forged a match-defining 109-run stand for the second wicket off just 59 balls. His innings of 62 runs off 35 balls was a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated T20 batting, boasting a strike rate of over 177.
Arya set the tone early, attacking MI’s premier pacer Trent Boult with three boundaries in his first four deliveries. This fearless approach put immediate pressure on MI’s bowling unit. His ability to find gaps and clear the ropes was evident as he amassed 11 fours and 4 sixes, particularly dominating the middle overs with a run rate of 11.
A standout moment came when Arya brought up his fifty with a towering six off Hardik Pandya, showcasing his ability to take on MI’s key bowlers. He didn’t shy away from Jasprit Bumrah either, dispatching a short ball from the star pacer over the boundary with ease.
However, Arya’s innings was cut short when he mistimed a lofted shot off Mitchell Santner, caught by Suryakumar Yadav in the deep. By then, PBKS were at 180/3 after 18 overs, needing just 5 more runs to win. Skipper Shreyas Iyer sealed the chase with a six off Boult, completing the victory in 18.3 overs. Arya’s contribution was pivotal, turning a potentially tricky chase into a comfortable win.
Impact on the Match
Arya’s 62 runs were not just about the numbers but the manner in which they were scored. His partnership with Inglis, who scored 73 off 42 balls, dismantled MI’s bowling attack, ensuring PBKS maintained a high run rate throughout the chase. The 109-run stand was described as a “masterclass in T20 batting” by commentators, blending power and precision.
This victory marked PBKS’s first top-two finish in 11 years, guaranteeing them a spot in Qualifier 1 on May 29 in Mullanpur, while MI were relegated to the Eliminator.
The Jaipur pitch, known for high-scoring games earlier in the season, was slightly more challenging on this occasion. Arya’s ability to adapt and dominate under these conditions highlighted his versatility. His performance was lauded by PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, who said, “Priyansh has been phenomenal this season. His ability to take on the bowlers from the start sets the tone for us”.
Season Context and Priyansh Arya’s Rise
Arya’s performance against MI was part of a breakout IPL 2025 campaign. Earlier in the season, he smashed a 39-ball century against Chennai Super Kings, the fastest by an uncapped player in IPL history. With 397 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 185.51, Arya has emerged as a cornerstone of PBKS’s batting lineup. His ability to dominate powerplays and take on world-class bowlers like Bumrah and Pandya has drawn comparisons to other IPL prodigies.
Analysts praised Arya’s blend of aggression and cricketing intelligence. One commentator noted, “Arya’s innings was a perfect blend of power and timing. He didn’t just slog; he played proper cricketing shots, which is rare for someone so young”. His performance against MI further solidified his reputation as a powerplay dasher with the ability to evolve his game.
Priyansh Arya’s 62 off 35 balls against MI on May 26, 2025, was a defining moment in PBKS’s IPL 2025 campaign. His aggressive yet composed innings, coupled with a century partnership with Josh Inglis, ensured a comfortable chase and a top-two finish for PBKS. As the team heads into the playoffs, Arya’s form will be crucial.
His ability to dominate world-class bowlers and adapt to varying conditions marks him as a future star of Indian cricket. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he aims to carry this momentum into Qualifier 1.