The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a stage for epic cricketing rivalries since its inception in 2008, and few matchups encapsulate the thrill, drama, and unpredictability of T20 cricket quite like the battles between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab until their rebranding in 2021. Over 18 seasons, these two franchises have clashed 34 times as of the end of IPL 2025, with the head-to-head record standing at a perfectly balanced 17 wins each mumbai indians vs punjab kings timeline. This equilibrium speaks volumes about the competitive nature of their encounters, where no team has ever dominated for long stretches. MI, the most successful IPL side with five titles, brings star power and tactical acumen, while PBKS, perennial underdogs with explosive batting lineups, often punch above their weight. Their matches have featured everything from nail-biting super overs to record chases, high-scoring shootouts, and heartbreaking collapses. This article delves into the complete timeline of their IPL battles, highlighting key seasons, iconic moments, standout performances, and the evolution of this riveting rivalry.
The Early Years: Foundations of a Fierce Rivalry (2008-2012)
The rivalry kicked off in the inaugural IPL season of 2008, when both teams were among the original eight franchises. Their first encounter on April 25, 2008, at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, set the tone for what would become a seesaw battle. PBKS, led by Yuvraj Singh, posted a formidable 182/9, thanks to Kumar Sangakkara’s blistering 94 off 56 balls. MI, despite Sachin Tendulkar’s 65, fell short by 66 runs. Just under a month later, on May 21 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the teams met again in a thriller. PBKS chased down 189 with one ball to spare, winning by one run after Shaun Marsh’s unbeaten 81 anchored the innings. These early defeats stung MI, who were still finding their feet under Tendulkar’s captaincy.
In 2009, played in South Africa due to India’s general elections, PBKS continued their dominance. On April 29 at Kingsmead in Durban, they defended 119 to win by three runs in a low-scoring affair, with Irfan Pathan claiming crucial wickets. MI finally broke through on May 12 at SuperSport Park in Centurion, chasing 120 with eight wickets in hand, powered by Dwayne Bravo’s all-round show. This win marked the beginning of MI’s resurgence, but PBKS held the upper hand with three wins out of four in the first two seasons.
The 2010 season saw the rivalry intensify with home-and-away fixtures. On March 30 at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, MI won by four wickets, chasing 164, with Tendulkar’s 89* steering them home. But PBKS bounced back on April 9 in Mohali, winning by six wickets after Mahela Jayawardene’s 59* sealed a comfortable chase of 155. By now, the matches were drawing massive crowds, fueled by star players like Adam Gilchrist for PBKS and Lasith Malinga for MI.
2011 brought more drama. MI triumphed on May 2 at Wankhede, defending 159 to win by 23 runs, with Harbhajan Singh’s spin wizardry dismantling PBKS. However, PBKS exacted revenge on May 10 in Mohali, posting 231/2 – their highest score against MI to date – led by Shaun Marsh’s century (115), and bowling out MI for 155 to win by 76 runs. This match highlighted PBKS’s batting firepower, a recurring theme in the rivalry.
The 2012 encounters were equally split. On April 22 at Wankhede, PBKS chased 164 by six wickets, with David Hussey’s unbeaten 68 proving decisive. MI responded on April 25 in Mohali, winning by four wickets after Robin Uthappa’s 69 guided them to 169. By the end of 2012, PBKS led the head-to-head 7-5, but MI’s growing consistency hinted at a shift.
Mid-Era Dominance and Thrillers (2013-2018)
The mid-2010s saw MI assert themselves as IPL powerhouses, winning titles in 2013, 2015, and 2017, while PBKS struggled with inconsistency. Their 2013 clashes reflected this. On April 29 at Wankhede, MI defended 174 to win by four runs in a tense finish, with Rohit Sharma’s captaincy shining through. PBKS hit back on May 18 in Dharamsala, posting 183/8 and bowling MI out for 133 to win by 50 runs, thanks to Azhar Mahmood’s 80.
In 2014, MI swept the series. On May 3 at Wankhede, they chased 169 by five wickets, with Corey Anderson’s 35* finishing it off. Then on May 21 in Mohali, MI won by seven wickets, chasing 157 effortlessly. This double victory boosted MI’s playoff push.
2015 flipped the script again. On April 12 at Wankhede, PBKS defended 177 to win by 18 runs, with George Bailey’s 61 setting the tone. MI responded on May 3 in Mohali, winning by 23 runs after Lendl Simmons’ 71 helped post 172.
The 2016 season featured MI’s dominance. On April 25 in Mohali, they won by 25 runs, defending 189 with Parthiv Patel’s 81. PBKS won the return leg on May 13 in Visakhapatnam by seven wickets, chasing 125 easily.
2017 produced two classics. On April 20 in Indore, MI chased 199 in just 15.3 overs to win by eight wickets – one of the fastest chases in IPL history – powered by Jos Buttler’s 77 off 37. PBKS won the rematch on May 11 at Wankhede by seven runs, defending 230/3 after Wriddhiman Saha’s 93*.
2018 saw MI complete another sweep. On May 4 in Indore, they chased 175 by six wickets. The May 16 clash at Wankhede was a last-ball thriller, with MI winning by three runs after Jasprit Bumrah’s 3/15 defended 186. By 2018, MI had pulled ahead in the head-to-head, 13-9.
Recent Explosions: Super Overs, Chases, and Parity (2019-2025)
The last seven seasons have been defined by high scores, super overs, and PBKS’s resurgence. In 2019, PBKS won on March 30 in Mohali by eight wickets, chasing 177 with KL Rahul’s 71*. MI won the April 10 rematch at Wankhede by three wickets, thanks to Kieron Pollard’s 83 off 31.
2020’s UAE edition featured MI’s 48-run win on October 1 in Abu Dhabi, defending 191. But the October 18 Dubai clash is legendary: both teams scored 176, leading to a super over tie (both made 5), then a second super over where PBKS won, with Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal starring. This remains the only double super over in IPL history.
In 2021, PBKS won April 23 in Chennai by nine wickets, chasing 132. MI won September 28 in Abu Dhabi by six wickets, chasing 136.
2022 had one match: April 13 in Pune, PBKS won by 12 runs, defending 198 with Shikhar Dhawan’s 70.
2023 saw PBKS win April 22 at Wankhede by 13 runs, defending 214 after Sam Curran’s 55. MI won May 3 in Mohali by six wickets, chasing 215 with Ishan Kishan’s 75.
In 2024, only one clash: April 18 in Mullanpur, MI won by nine runs, defending 192 with Suryakumar Yadav’s 78.
IPL 2025 brought the rivalry to new heights, with PBKS winning both encounters to level the all-time record. On May 26 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur (Match 69), PBKS chased MI’s 184/7 with 187/3 in 18.3 overs, winning by seven wickets, led by Shreyas Iyer’s valiant but losing 87 for MI. The Qualifier 2 on June 1 was a playoff epic: MI posted 203/6, but PBKS chased it down with 207/5 in 19 overs, becoming the first team in IPL history to successfully chase 200+ in a knockout match. This victory propelled PBKS to the final and eliminated MI, marking a historic moment where PBKS achieved what no team had done before in playoffs.
Key Stats, Records, and Standout Performers
Throughout 34 matches, the rivalry has produced staggering stats. PBKS’s highest score against MI is 230/3 (2017), while MI’s is 223 (exact match unspecified in records, but high-scoring affairs abound). Best bowling figures include Bumrah’s 3/15 (2018) for MI and Pathan’s efforts in early years for PBKS. Rohit Sharma leads run-scorers with over 600 runs against PBKS, while KL Rahul and Shaun Marsh have been PBKS’s tormentors-in-chief mumbai indians vs punjab kings timeline. Pollard and Gayle have provided fireworks, with Pollard’s 83 off 31 (2019) and Gayle’s super over heroics standing out.
Venues have played a role: Wankhede favors MI (7-4), while Mohali/Punjab venues are even (6-6). Average first-innings score hovers around 170, but recent games often exceed 200.
Conclusion: A Rivalry for the Ages
The MI vs PBKS timeline is a testament to IPL’s essence – unpredictable, star-studded, and endlessly entertaining. From PBKS’s early dominance to MI’s mid-era surge and the recent parity, their battles have shaped seasons, broken records, and created legends. With 17 wins apiece heading into IPL 2026, the stage is set for more fireworks. Whether it’s a super over thriller or a playoff decider, this rivalry continues to captivate fans worldwide, embodying the spirit of T20 cricket.
FAQ
Q1: How many times have Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings faced each other in IPL history? A: As of the end of IPL 2025, MI and PBKS have played 34 matches against each other.
Q2: What is the head-to-head record between MI and PBKS? A: The record is tied at 17 wins each, with no tied matches (all decided by super overs where applicable).
Q3: Which team has the highest score in MI vs PBKS matches? A: PBKS holds the record with 230/3 in 2017 at Wankhede Stadium.
Q4: What is the most famous match in this rivalry? A: The 2020 Dubai encounter, which went to a double super over – the only such instance in IPL history – with PBKS emerging victorious.
Q5: Who has scored the most runs in MI vs PBKS clashes? A: Rohit Sharma (MI) leads with over 600 runs, followed by KL Rahul (PBKS) with significant contributions.
Q6: What was the outcome of their IPL 2025 matches? A: PBKS won both: by seven wickets in the league stage (May 26, Jaipur) and by five wickets in Qualifier 2 (June 1), chasing 204 – the first 200+ playoff chase in IPL history.
Q7: Has there ever been a tied match between MI and PBKS? A: No outright ties; the 2020 match tied twice before PBKS won the second super over.
Q8: Which venue has hosted the most MI vs PBKS games? A: Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and PCA Stadium in Mohali have hosted multiple games, with even results overall.
Q9: Who are the standout bowlers in this rivalry? A: Jasprit Bumrah (MI) with economical spells like 3/15, and Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) in recent years for key wickets.
Q10: Will they play each other in IPL 2026? A: Likely yes, depending on the schedule, but IPL format ensures at least one meeting, possibly two.