Shreyas Iyer Shines as PBKS Clinch Victory Over GT in a High-Scoring Thriller
Punjab Kings (PBKS) kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling 11-run win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. Leading from the front, Shreyas Iyer delivered a career-best IPL knock, steering PBKS to a mammoth total of 243/5—their second-highest in IPL history.
Iyer’s Power-Packed Innings Sets the Stage
Shreyas Iyer came out with clear intent, proving why he is one of the most dangerous No. 3 batters in the tournament. He remained unbeaten on 97 off just 42 balls, smashing 9 sixes in his breathtaking innings. Although he missed out on a century, his focus was always on the team’s total rather than personal milestones.
His calculated assault saw him take on top bowlers fearlessly—flicking Kagiso Rabada for a six early on, dispatching Sai Kishore for two sixes right after he struck twice in an over, and even taking down Rashid Khan with two powerful maximums. His sharp awareness was evident when he noticed a wide ball while standing at the non-striker’s end in the 15th over. Once on strike, he made the most of it, sending it over the ropes for another six.
Iyer found strong support from Shashank Singh, with whom he stitched an unbeaten 81-run partnership off just 28 balls, providing PBKS with a perfect finishing flourish.
Priyansh Arya Makes a Statement
PBKS’ newest opening sensation, Priyansh Arya, lived up to the hype. The 24-year-old left-hander, who had received high praise from coach Ricky Ponting ahead of the season, played a fearless knock of 47 runs, smashing eight boundaries in the powerplay. His performance against top bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada was a strong indicator of his talent.
Gujarat’s Fightback: Sudharsan and Buttler Lead the Charge
Chasing 244, GT showed immense fight, led by Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41) and Jos Buttler (54). Sudharsan, who had previously scored a century at this venue in the IPL final, once again demonstrated his ability to anchor an innings while accelerating at the right moments. He played a key role in GT’s aggressive 87-run surge between the 9th and 14th overs, putting them in the driver’s seat.
Vyshak Turns the Game for PBKS
Just when it seemed like GT might pull off the chase, Vijaykumar Vyshak turned the game around with his pinpoint execution. Subbed in as an Impact Player, Vyshak focused solely on hitting the blockhole. His disciplined bowling in the 15th and 17th overs—where he conceded just 10 runs—sucked the momentum out of the chase.
Despite Punjab smashing 77 runs in their last five overs, GT could only manage 50, falling short by 11 runs in a pulsating contest.
Final Scorecard:
📌 Punjab Kings: 243/5 (Shreyas Iyer 97*, Priyansh Arya 47, Shashank Singh 44*; Sai Kishore 3/30)
📌 Gujarat Titans: 232/5 (Sai Sudharsan 74, Jos Buttler 54, Rutherford 46, Shubman Gill 33; Arshdeep Singh 2/36)
PBKS have made a strong statement with this win, and with Iyer leading the charge, they look like a team to watch out for in IPL 2025. 🚀🔥
