Cricholic
A scintillating, unbeaten 97 from skipper Shreyas Iyer, a fiery finish from Shashank Singh, and an exceptional display of death bowling by impact sub Vijaykumar Vyshak powered Punjab Kings to a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2025 opener. Despite facing a daunting target of 244, Gujarat Titans stayed in contention for most of the chase but eventually fell short in the final overs.
Key Turning Point: Death Overs Brilliance
Punjab Kings’ triumph was largely built in the final five overs, where they amassed 87 runs—77 of which came in the last four. When Gujarat needed 70 from 30 balls, Vyshak and Marco Jansen showcased superb death bowling to ultimately seal the win.
Punjab Kings Innings: A Power-Packed Performance
Powerplay – Priyansh Arya Shines Early
Score: 73/1 (Run Rate: 12.16, 4s/6s: 9/3)
Emerging Indian talent Priyansh Arya made an immediate impact, striking a boundary off just his second delivery. A dropped catch in the second over proved costly for Gujarat as Arya capitalized, taking on Mohammed Siraj with a six and a four in quick succession. While Kagiso Rabada dismissed Prabhsimran Singh early, Shreyas Iyer entered with intent, smashing a four and a six off Rabada. Meanwhile, Arya continued his assault, punishing Arshad Khan for three fours and a six, guiding Punjab to a strong 73/1 at the end of the powerplay.
Middle Overs – Iyer Takes Charge Amidst Sai Kishore’s Magic
Score: 83/3 (Run Rate: 9.22, 4s/6s: 5/7)
With Gujarat needing a breakthrough, Rashid Khan delivered by removing Arya for 47. However, Azmatullah Omarzai immediately launched Rashid for a six, setting the tone for an aggressive phase. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Sai Kishore struck back with consecutive wickets of Omarzai and Glenn Maxwell, putting Punjab under slight pressure. Yet, Shreyas Iyer remained unshaken, hammering Kishore and Rashid for multiple sixes to bring up his fifty. As a result, the momentum stayed with Punjab as Iyer and Marcus Stoinis continued their counterattack.
Shashank Singh’s Explosive Finish in Death Overs
Score: 87/1 (Run Rate: 17.6, 4s/6s: 8/6)
Sai Kishore briefly halted Punjab’s charge by dismissing Stoinis, but Shreyas and Shashank Singh turned the game on its head. Iyer’s blistering 24-run over saw him clear the ropes thrice, propelling him to 90. However, Shashank Singh took center stage in the final over, blasting Siraj for five boundaries. He denied Iyer the strike on 97 and, in the end, ensured Punjab Kings finished at a staggering 243/5.
Gujarat Titans’ Chase: A Spirited Effort Falls Short
Powerplay – A Mixed Start for GT
Score: 61/1 (Run Rate: 10.16, 4s/6s: 3/5)
Gujarat had a cautious start, managing only 17 runs in the first three overs. However, Shubman Gill broke free, taking Omarzai for consecutive sixes, while Sai Sudharsan also joined the action. Yet, Maxwell’s introduction in the final powerplay over worked wonders for Punjab, as he dismissed Gill (33 off 14) to halt Gujarat’s early momentum.
Middle Overs – Titans Stay in the Fight
Score: 113/1 (Run Rate: 12.55, 4s/6s: 8/8)
Despite Gill’s departure, Sudharsan and Jos Buttler kept Titans in the hunt, with Sudharsan taking apart Stoinis and Chahal. Meanwhile, both batters targeted Maxwell, smashing sixes to shift the momentum back in Gujarat’s favor. After Sudharsan (74) fell to Arshdeep Singh, Sherfane Rutherford entered and played a blistering cameo alongside Buttler, reducing the equation to 75 off 36 balls with eight wickets in hand.
Death Overs – Punjab’s Impact Sub Seals the Game
Score: 58/3 (Run Rate: 11.6, 4s/6s: 4/3)
At this stage, Vyshak, Punjab’s impact sub, proved to be the difference-maker. His pinpoint wide yorkers restricted Rutherford and created immense pressure. Furthermore, Marco Jansen complemented him with an economical over, removing Buttler (54) in the process. Vyshak was finally taken for a couple of boundaries in his last over, but by then, the damage had already been done. With 27 needed off the final over, Arshdeep sealed the game by dismissing Rutherford, confirming Punjab’s thrilling 11-run victory.
Match Summary
Punjab Kings: 243/5 in 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 97*, Priyansh Arya 47, Shashank Singh 44*; Sai Kishore 3/30)
Gujarat Titans: 232/5 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 74, Jos Buttler 54; Arshdeep Singh 2/36)
Result: Punjab Kings won by 11 runs
What’s Next?
Gujarat Titans will look to bounce back when they face Mumbai Indians at home on Saturday, with both teams seeking their first win. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings get a much-needed break before clashing with Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, as LSG already plays another match before that encounter.
