The Punjab Kings (PBKS) began their IPL 2025 journey on a high note, securing a thrilling 11-run victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.
Leading from the front, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer played a spectacular knock, remaining unbeaten on 97 runs, while Priyansh Arya and Shashank Singh added crucial runs to help PBKS post a massive 243/5 in 20 overs.
Chasing 244, the Gujarat Titans got off to a shaky start as Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan struggled against the sharp bowling of Arshdeep Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai. However, Gill later picked up the pace, fighting hard to keep up with the increasing required run rate.
In the end, the Punjab Kings’ strong performance with both bat and ball ensured they started their IPL season with a well-earned victory! 🚀🔥
Glenn Maxwell may have set an unwanted record for the most ducks in IPL history, surpassing Dinesh Karthik, but he made up for it with the ball.
In the final over of the powerplay, Maxwell delivered a crucial breakthrough for Punjab Kings. He got Shubman Gill to edge the ball, which popped up to cover point, giving PBKS a much-needed wicket at an important moment in the game.
Buttler’s GT Debut & Sudharsan’s Fighting Knock
Jos Buttler, playing his first match for Gujarat Titans after seven seasons with Rajasthan Royals, started cautiously, while Sai Sudharsan took charge with an aggressive approach.
Sudharsan reached his seventh IPL fifty in just 31 balls and kept the scoreboard ticking. He played a fantastic knock of 74 runs, hitting five fours and six sixes, before Arshdeep Singh got him out.
To boost their chase, Gujarat brought in their Impact Player, Sherfane Rutherford, who made an explosive start by smashing two sixes and a four off Marcus Stoinis. However, with 70 runs needed off the last 30 balls, Punjab’s bowlers stepped up, giving away just 12 runs in the next two overs.
Buttler, who had reached his 20th IPL half-century, tried to take the game deep but was dismissed by Marco Jansen, leaving Rahul Tewatia with a tough task in the final overs.
Punjab’s Bowlers Secure the Win
Gujarat’s chase fell apart in the final overs. Rahul Tewatia was run out on the very first ball he faced, putting more pressure on the team. Soon after, Arshdeep Singh cleaned up Sherfane Rutherford, sealing a well-deserved victory for the Punjab Kings.
Priyansh Arya’s Dream Debut & Iyer’s Masterclass
Punjab’s young debutant, Priyansh Arya, got an early lifeline when Arshad Khan dropped his catch in the second over. Making the most of it, he went on the attack after Prabhsimran Singh got out early. Arya, along with Shreyas Iyer, dominated the Gujarat bowlers, including a massive 21-run over off Arshad. However, just when Arya was looking dangerous, Rashid Khan struck in the seventh over, giving Gujarat a much-needed breakthrough.
Sai Kishore Shifts Momentum for Gujarat
Sai Kishore gave Gujarat a much-needed boost with his tight bowling. After a tidy first over, he turned the game around by dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai and trapping Glenn Maxwell LBW on back-to-back deliveries. Maxwell had a quick chat with his captain but chose not to review the decision—only for replays to later show that the ball was missing the stumps.
Iyer & Shashank’s Fiery Finish
Even with Gujarat fighting back, Shreyas Iyer kept Punjab steady, first adding 57 runs with Marcus Stoinis and then unleashing a 71-run blitz with Shashank Singh. In the final over, Shashank went on a rampage, smashing five boundaries and staying unbeaten on 44 off just 16 balls. Meanwhile, Iyer fell heartbreakingly short of his first IPL century, getting out on 97.
Match Summary: Punjab Kings Edge Gujarat in a High-Scoring Thriller
Punjab Kings put up a massive 243/5 in their 20 overs, powered by Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97 and Priyansh Arya’s quick 47. For the Gujarat Titans, Sai Kishore impressed with 3/30, while Rabada and Rashid Khan picked up a wicket each.
In response, the Gujarat Titans fought hard, with Sai Sudharsan (74) and Jos Buttler (54) leading the chase. Sherfane Rutherford’s quickfire 46 kept hopes alive, but Arshdeep Singh (2/36) and Marco Jansen (2/44) held their nerve in the final overs.
In the end, Punjab Kings sealed an 11-run victory in an entertaining, high-scoring clash! 🚀
ALSO READ – Shreyas Stars as PBKS Posts Massive 243/5 vs Gujarat Titans
