A blistering knock from the skipper sets the tone as Kings edge out Titans in a high-scoring encounter
Updated – March 26, 2025 12:04 am
Shreyas Iyer announced his arrival as Punjab Kings captain in grand fashion, hammering an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls to steer his team to an exhilarating 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday (March 25, 2025). A composed bowling effort from Arshdeep Singh and Impact Player Vyshak Vijaykumar sealed the deal in a high-scoring contest.
Shreyas Iyer led from the front
On a pitch that played true to its reputation of being batting-friendly, Iyer led from the front, ensuring that Punjab Kings posted an imposing total despite a shaky middle order. His aggressive strokeplay, supported by young Priyansh Arya and a late flourish from Shashank Singh, propelled the Kings to their second-highest total in IPL history.
However, Gujarat Titans put up a spirited fight, with Sai Sudharsan’s explosive 74 off 41 balls and Jos Buttler’s quickfire 54 off 33 keeping them in contention. But disciplined bowling in the death overs, particularly from Vyshak and Arshdeep, helped Punjab clinch a crucial win.
Led by Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans got off to a fiery start, smashing 61 runs in the PowerPlay before Glenn Maxwell provided the breakthrough by dismissing the captain. However, Sudharsan and Buttler capitalized on some lapses in fielding, forming a vital 84-run partnership that kept the Titans within reach of the steep target.
Arshdeep turned the tide by dismissing Sudharsan, while Impact Player Sherfane Rutherford provided a late spark for Gujarat. With 27 runs needed from the final over, Arshdeep held his nerve, conceding only 15 and ensuring Punjab’s triumph.
Earlier, Punjab Kings made full use of the PowerPlay, reaching 73 for one in just six overs. Young opener Priyansh Arya showcased his talent, playing with fearless intent and punishing the bowlers early on. He took full advantage of an early reprieve and dominated the attack, taking 21 runs off Arshad Khan’s first over before falling agonizingly short of his maiden IPL fifty at 47.
Shreyas Iyer then took center stage, showcasing his prowess against both pace and spin. Shreyas Iyer took Prasidh Krishna to task early in his innings and even dismantled Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan. Shreyas Iyer fearless approach ensured Punjab did not lose momentum despite a brief stutter in the middle overs when Azmatullah Omarzai and Glenn Maxwell fell to Sai Kishore in quick succession.
The real fireworks came in the final five overs as Punjab Kings plundered 87 runs. While Shreyas Iyer was on the brink of a maiden IPL hundred, it was Shashank Singh who stole the spotlight in the final over, smashing Mohammed Siraj for 23 runs. Shashank remained unbeaten on 44 off just 16 deliveries, providing the perfect finishing touch to Punjab’s innings.
As the crowd erupted in chants, Iyer embraced Shashank and walked off with a victorious smile, having led his side with authority. His ability to seamlessly transition from his Champions Trophy form to the IPL was evident, as he meticulously constructed an innings that dismantled a star-studded Gujarat bowling attack.
Sai Kishore was the standout bowler for Gujarat with figures of 3/32, but his efforts were overshadowed by an underwhelming performance from Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, who struggled to justify Gill’s decision to bowl first.
With this victory, Punjab Kings have laid down an early marker in the tournament, signaling their intent as serious title contenders.
