Shreyas Iyer begins PBKS journey with a bang, skipper sets up win over GT

Shreyas Iyer shines in his Punjab Kings debut, smashing an unbeaten 97 to set up a thrilling 17-run win over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025.

New Delhi: Punjab Kings successfully defended a mammoth target of 244 runs to clinch a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans in the 5th match of IPL 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Despite a valiant effort from Gujarat’s top order, Punjab’s disciplined death bowling sealed the contest in their favor.

Punjab Kings Set a Mammoth Total

After being put in to bat, Punjab Kings capitalized on the favorable conditions, amassing a formidable total of 243/5 in 20 overs. Captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a stunning 97* off just 42 balls, showcasing his class with five fours and nine towering sixes.

Priyansh Arya provided an explosive start, smashing 47 off 23 balls at a strike rate of 204.34, while bs 5 ’s blistering 44* off 16 deliveries gave Punjab a perfect finish. Sai Kishore was the standout bowler for Gujarat, taking 3/30 in his four overs, dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis. However, the rest of GT’s attack struggled to contain the onslaught.

Gujarat Titans’ Brave Chase Falls Short

Chasing 244, Gujarat Titans put up a spirited effort but ultimately fell 17 runs short, finishing at 225/5 in 19.4 overs. Sai Sudharsan was the standout performer for GT, scoring a brilliant 74 off 41 balls, while Jos Buttler contributed 54 off 33. Captain Shubman Gill’s rapid 33 off 14 gave Gujarat an explosive start, but wickets at crucial junctures derailed their chase.

Sherfane Rutherford’s 46 off 28 kept the hopes alive until the final over, but Arshdeep Singh’s calm death bowling ensured Punjab’s triumph. Arshdeep was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/29 in 3.4 overs, while Marco Jansen and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a wicket each.

Turning Point

The dismissal of Jos Buttler in the 18th over proved to be the turning point, as Gujarat lost momentum in the crucial final phase of the chase. Punjab’s bowlers held their nerve under pressure, preventing the lower order from accelerating.

Conclusion

With this victory, Punjab Kings have showcased their batting firepower and resilience under pressure. Gujarat Titans, despite falling short, can take positives from their batting performance as they look to bounce back in the tournament. Punjab’s well-rounded effort, led by Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, has firmly put them in the early race for the playoffs.