The clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) has always been one of the most entertaining rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While Mumbai has been the most successful team in IPL history, Punjab has earned a reputation for playing fearless cricket and producing nail-biting matches. Their encounters have given fans unforgettable memories, from thrilling last-ball finishes to record-breaking performances.
This article takes you through the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings timeline, highlighting season-wise performances, iconic matches, and the players who shaped this rivalry.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Record
Here is a quick look at the overall statistics between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings until IPL 2024:
- Total Matches Played: 31
- Mumbai Indians Wins: 16
- Punjab Kings Wins: 15
- Tied Matches: 0
- Top Run-Scorer in this Rivalry: KL Rahul (PBKS)
- Top Wicket-Taker in this Rivalry: Lasith Malinga (MI)
These figures show how balanced this rivalry has been over the years.
Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Timeline
The table below shows the season-by-season results of matches between the two franchises, along with important highlights.
| Year | Matches Played | MI Wins | PBKS Wins | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Punjab Kings won both inaugural matches. |
| 2009 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Rivalry balanced during South Africa edition. |
| 2010 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Tendulkar’s form carried MI. |
| 2011 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Both teams evenly matched. |
| 2012 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Mandeep Singh impressed for PBKS. |
| 2013 | 2 | 2 | 0 | MI dominated and went on to lift their first title. |
| 2014 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Glenn Maxwell’s explosive batting lit up the season. |
| 2015 | 2 | 1 | 1 | MI’s consistency led to their second title. |
| 2016 | 2 | 1 | 1 | PBKS stunned MI at Wankhede. |
| 2017 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Maxwell’s captaincy era began. |
| 2018 | 2 | 2 | 0 | MI’s batting line-up crushed PBKS. |
| 2019 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Pollard’s 83 vs Rahul’s class. |
| 2020 | 2 | 1 | 1 | PBKS won the historic double Super Over. |
| 2021 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Rahul vs Rohit Sharma contest. |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 1 | PBKS secured a crucial win. |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant death bowling. |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 | 0 | MI clean-swept PBKS with youngsters starring. |
Early Years (2008–2012)
Punjab Kings, then known as Kings XI Punjab, started strongly in this rivalry by winning both matches in the inaugural season. With players like Shaun Marsh, Yuvraj Singh, and Kumar Sangakkara, PBKS had the upper hand in the early stages. Mumbai Indians relied heavily on Sachin Tendulkar, but the head-to-head record remained balanced during these years.
Mumbai Indians’ Dominance (2013–2015)
From 2013 onwards, Mumbai Indians began to establish themselves as a powerhouse. They beat Punjab in both fixtures in 2013, and later went on to win their first IPL trophy. Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, MI found their winning formula with Pollard’s finishing, Malinga’s yorkers, and a strong middle order. Punjab still managed to keep the rivalry alive with Glenn Maxwell and David Miller providing fireworks.
The KL Rahul Years (2018–2021)
Punjab’s fortunes began to revolve around KL Rahul, who consistently dominated Mumbai’s bowling attack. Rahul’s elegant yet powerful batting made him the leading run-scorer in this rivalry.
The most memorable clash came in IPL 2020, when the two sides played out the first-ever double Super Over in cricket history. Punjab Kings eventually pulled off a famous win, and that match remains one of the greatest moments in IPL.
Recent Clashes (2022–2024)
In recent seasons, the rivalry has stayed competitive. PBKS defeated MI in 2022 with a solid all-round effort. In 2023, Arshdeep Singh produced a memorable spell at Wankhede by defending 16 runs in the last over with pinpoint yorkers. However, MI bounced back in 2024, winning both matches thanks to the brilliance of young talents like Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera.
Star Performers
Mumbai Indians
- Rohit Sharma – Inspirational leader and consistent scorer.
- Kieron Pollard – Match-winner with his explosive batting.
- Lasith Malinga – Lethal with his deadly yorkers.
- Jasprit Bumrah – Key weapon in crunch moments.
Punjab Kings
- KL Rahul – The face of PBKS in recent years with unmatched consistency.
- Shaun Marsh – Early seasons’ top run-getter.
- Glenn Maxwell – Power-hitter who changed games single-handedly.
- Arshdeep Singh – Young pacer known for his death bowling.
Memorable Matches
The Double Super Over (2020)
This was one of the greatest matches in IPL history. After both the regular game and Super Over ended in a tie, a second Super Over was played. PBKS eventually sealed victory, creating history.
Pollard’s Blazing 83 (2019)
In a run chase against PBKS, Kieron Pollard smashed 83 runs off just 31 balls, rescuing MI in dramatic fashion. It remains one of his best IPL innings.
Arshdeep’s Death Bowling Heroics (2023)
At Wankhede, Arshdeep Singh bowled a remarkable final over against MI, breaking the stumps twice and securing a famous win for PBKS.
Conclusion
The Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings rivalry has been one of the most exciting storylines in IPL history. It has produced balanced results, high-scoring thrillers, and moments that fans still talk about. From Sachin Tendulkar’s graceful knocks to KL Rahul’s consistent brilliance, from Pollard’s brutal hitting to Arshdeep’s calm death bowling, this rivalry has seen it all.
Looking ahead, as both teams continue to nurture young talent, fans can expect even more drama and unforgettable cricket in future seasons.
