The atmosphere was electric as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured their place in the IPL 2025 final, triggering euphoric celebrations both on and off the field. Co-owner Preity Zinta's uncontainable joy quickly became a highlight, with videos and photos of her exuberant reactions flooding social media, echoing the sentiments of countless fans.
PBKS's journey to the final was hard-earned, culminating in a thrilling Qualifier 2 victory against the Mumbai Indians (MI). The match, played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 1, 2025, saw PBKS chase down a target of 204 with five wickets to spare. Captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front with an explosive, unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls, smashing five fours and eight sixes to propel his team to victory. Iyer's performance not only secured the win but also marked his 50th win as captain in the IPL and his second successive IPL final appearance as captain after leading Kolkata Knight Riders to triumph in 2024.
Zinta's celebrations were a sight to behold. Videos shared by the IPL captured her jumping with joy in the stands alongside co-owner Ness Wadia as Iyer hit the winning runs. She then made her way onto the field to congratulate the players and coaching staff, sharing an emotional hug with Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting. Her genuine excitement and unwavering support for the team resonated with fans, many of whom have followed her journey with PBKS for years.
Social media was flooded with reactions to Zinta's celebrations. One user wrote, "Punjab clinched the win, and Preity Zinta's joy was the perfect finishing touch. Always a delight to see her celebrate her team's success with such heart.” Another user commented, "Shreyas was always serious until he met Preity Zinta. Only she could bring a smile to his face.” Even an 11-year-old tweet by Salman Khan, asking "Zinta's team won kya?" resurfaced and went viral, highlighting the long-awaited success for the franchise.
The victory was especially sweet for PBKS, as it marked their first IPL final appearance since 2014. After finishing ninth in the previous season, the team underwent significant changes, including appointing Shreyas Iyer as the new captain and bringing in Ricky Ponting as head coach, replacing Trevor Bayliss. These changes proved fruitful as the team finished the group stage with 8 victories in 12 matches.
While the team may lack experience in IPL finals, key players have tasted success with other teams. Captain Shreyas Iyer won IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders, and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal won IPL 2013 with Mumbai Indians.
PBKS will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final on June 3 at the same venue in Ahmedabad. This sets up a historic clash as both teams seek their first-ever IPL title. The final is a repeat of the first qualifier match, in which RCB defeated Kings. As both teams gear up for the final showdown, one thing is certain: Preity Zinta and the Punjab Kings faithful will be cheering their team on with unwavering passion, hoping to finally lift the coveted IPL trophy.
