Shreyas Iyer’s explosive 97 not-out and Shashank Singh’s late fireworks powered Punjab Kings to a thrilling 11-run win over Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2025 oprner. Despite Sai Sudharsan’s valiant 74, GT fell short in their chase of 244.
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Punjab Kings (PBKS) kicked off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign in style, securing a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. Captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a breathtaking unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls, propelling PBKS to a mammoth total of 243/5 after being asked to bat first by the home side at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite valiant efforts from Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41) and Jos Buttler (54 off 33), GT fell short at 232/5.
Iyer’s captain’s knock sets the tone
Making his debut as Punjab Kings skipper,
Shreyas Iyer delivered a sensational knock, striking nine sixes and five fours. Coming in after Prabhsimran Singh’s early dismissal, Iyer took charge, tackling the Gujarat bowling attack with authority. Although he fell short of his maiden IPL century, his explosive batting ensured PBKS posted a mammoth target.
Shashank Singh provided the perfect finish, hammering 44 off just 16 balls, including six fours and two sixes. The duo’s onslaught in the final overs saw PBKS amass 135 runs in the last eight overs, exposing GT’s struggling death bowling.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩 🫡
A perfect start as #PBKS skipper for Shreyas Iyer to guide his team to a splendid win! ❤️
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/PYWUriwSzY#TATAIPL | #GTvPBKS | @PunjabKingsIPL | @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/LdjeEOOAfb
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2025
GT’s valiant chase falls short
Chasing a massive 244, Gujarat Titans got off to a promising start with Shubman Gill (33 off 14) and Sudharsan adding 61 runs in under six overs. However, Gill’s dismissal to Glenn Maxwell proved to be a setback. Buttler then combined with Sudharsan to keep GT in the hunt, adding 84 runs for the second wicket. But with Sudharsan’s dismissal, the momentum began to shift.
Sherfane Rutherford (23 off 11) briefly ignited hopes with a few powerful hits, but PBKS’ Impact Player Vijaykumar Vyshak turned the game on its head with a tight spell in the death overs. His economical 15th over, where he conceded just five runs, put pressure on GT. Marco Jansen’s disciplined bowling further complicated GT’s struggles.
Priyansh Arya’s explosive start
PBKS’ innings had earlier witnessed an explosive start, courtesy of Priyansh Arya’s 47 off 23 balls. The young batter took the attack to the opposition, smashing Mohammed Siraj and Arshad Khan for boundaries at will. However, Rashid Khan’s introduction slowed PBKS momentarily, with Arya getting dismissed to a sharp-turning delivery from the Afghan spinner.
Gujarat’s death bowling woes
Despite Rashid and R Sai Kishore picking crucial wickets in the middle overs, GT’s bowling woes at the death continued. The final overs saw Shreyas Iyer and Shashank Singh scoring comfortably, taking apart GT’s attack and setting a total that ultimately proved too big for the home side.