In the Indian Premier League (IPL), it’s not merely about cricket, it’s about passion, pride, and memories that last a lifetime. Among such engrossing battles has been that of Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). While MI has been one of the most successful teams in IPL history, PBKS has tended to be the unpredictable giant killer. This piece offers a never-before-seen chronicle of their iconic clashes, decisive moments, and thrilling twists that have characterized this rivalry.
Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Timeline
| Metric | Mumbai Indians (MI) | Punjab Kings (PBKS) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 33 | 33 |
| Matches Won | 18 | 15 |
| Highest Team Score | 230+ | 230+ |
| Biggest Victory Margin | 9 wickets | 76 runs |
| Closest Match | Tie (2 Super Overs) | Tie (2 Super Overs) |
2008–2010: Early Battles & Equal Footing
The inaugural years of IPL saw both teams still finding their footing. Surprisingly, Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) started off stronger in this rivalry.
- 2008: Punjab won both encounters. Shaun Marsh was instrumental with the bat.
- 2009: MI managed a win, but PBKS edged them out again in the return fixture.
- 2010: With players like Sachin Tendulkar and Lasith Malinga coming into their own, MI finally began to dominate the rivalry.
Scoreline: PBKS led 4–2 after the first three seasons.
2011–2014: MI Rises, PBKS Stumbles
This period was crucial for Mumbai Indians. With a more balanced team and stronger leadership, MI started asserting dominance.
- 2012: Rohit Sharma’s emergence as a match-winner began to show.
- 2013: MI won the IPL title, and their matches against PBKS reflected that confidence.
- 2014: Despite a powerful PBKS lineup featuring Glenn Maxwell and David Miller, MI gave them a run for their money in tightly contested matches.
Turning Point: MI’s consistency versus PBKS’s hit-or-miss performances started tilting the rivalry.
2015–2018: Thriller Years & Super Overs
This phase of the rivalry is remembered for thrillers and last-over finishes, showcasing some of the most nail-biting contests in IPL history.
- 2017: MI won a nail-biter at the Wankhede with a six off the last ball.
- 2018: KL Rahul’s rapid half-centuries kept PBKS in the hunt, but MI’s bowling attack often pulled them back.
Highlight Match:
In 2018, MI chased down 198 with 6 wickets in hand, powered by Kieron Pollard’s brutal hitting.
MI’s Edge: The team started building a psychological advantage, often outsmarting PBKS in crucial moments.
2019–2021: KL Rahul Era vs MI’s Empire
This was a phase where KL Rahul and Mohammed Shami became the faces of PBKS, while MI was led by the calm and tactical Rohit Sharma.
- 2020 Super Over Classic: Possibly one of the greatest IPL games ever. Not one, but two Super Overs were needed! PBKS won it, but MI’s fightback was extraordinary.
- 2021: Despite PBKS’s low position on the table, they stunned MI with brilliant spells by Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi.
Fan Memory: This period gave fans incredible drama — double super overs, death-over masterclasses, and jaw-dropping catches.
2022–2023: PBKS’s New Identity vs MI’s Rebuilding Phase
The new era of PBKS, under changing leadership, started facing a slightly weakened MI after the mega-auction.
- 2022: PBKS successfully defended 198 runs against MI, with Odean Smith showcasing his bowling strength.
- 2023: Arshdeep Singh broke the stumps twice in one over, helping PBKS win by 13 runs in another last-over thriller.
Key Takeaway: Despite MI’s past dominance, PBKS has found ways to punch above their weight and redefine this rivalry.
Head-to-Head Stats (As of 2023)
| Team | Wins |
|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | 16 |
| Punjab Kings | 15 |
The rivalry stands almost equal — showcasing how unpredictable and thrilling their encounters have been over the years.
2024–2025: The Next Chapter of Rivalry
2024
- MI fought back strongly.
- A breakout year for Nehal Wadhera and Dewald Brevis.
- They defeated PBKS in both matches, marking a comeback after years of struggle.
- Arjun Tendulkar impressed with his first 4-wicket haul against Punjab.
2025 – Latest Encounter
- In the latest MI vs PBKS match in 2025, Punjab stunned Mumbai at Wankhede.
- Rilee Rossouw and Livingstone smashed MI bowlers all around the park.
- MI’s chase fell short by just 7 runs, despite a fighting 80 by Ishan Kishan.
Thematic Rivalry
- MI represents calculated aggression, stability, and long-term planning.
- PBKS embodies unpredictability, raw flair, and explosive finishes.
It’s a classic Fire vs Ice battle, where any team can dominate depending on the day.
Notable Player Showdowns
- Rohit Sharma vs Mohammed Shami: Tactical patience vs seam brilliance.
- Pollard vs Arshdeep Singh: Power-hitting vs pinpoint yorkers.
- KL Rahul vs Jasprit Bumrah: Technique vs precision.
These individual rivalries have added more fire to this epic timeline.
Conclusion
The Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings timeline is more than just a win-loss record. It’s a tale of momentum shifts, emotional wins, heroic failures, and unforgettable cricketing memories. Whether it’s double Super Overs or last-ball sixes, this rivalry has given IPL fans everything they crave.
Also read about: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians Match Scorecard, Rivalry, & More