Punjab Kings began their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling 11-run win over Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 25. Led by newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer, Punjab posted a commanding 243/5, before restricting the Titans to 232/5 in a chase that went down to the wire.
Iyer leads from the front with career-best 97*
Batting first, Punjab Kings were off to a flying start, thanks to a blistering 47 off 23 balls from youngster Priyansh Arya, who smashed 7 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 204.35. After a brief stumble with the wickets of Prabhsimran Singh (5) and Arya in quick succession, it was the Shreyas Iyer show.
In his debut outing as PBKS captain, Iyer unleashed a breathtaking knock of 97 not out off 42 balls, laced with 5 fours and 9 sixes, striking at 230.95. He was well supported by Shashank Singh, who chipped in with a fiery 44 off just 16 balls* to close out the innings. Iyer missed out on a maiden IPL ton by 3 runs, unable to face the last 7 deliveries.
For Gujarat, the bowling attack had a tough outing. Mohammed Siraj (4-0-54-0) and Arshad Khan (1-0-21-0) were particularly expensive. Only Sai Kishore managed to keep things tight, returning figures of 4-0-30-3.
Sudharsan, Buttler shine but Gujarat fall short
Chasing 244 for victory, Gujarat Titans made a strong start with captain Shubman Gill racing to 33 off just 14 balls, but he once again fell to Glenn Maxwell, continuing his struggles against the off-spinner.
Sai Sudharsan anchored the innings brilliantly with a 74-run knock off 41 balls, including 5 fours and 6 sixes. He was well-supported by Jos Buttler (54 off 33) and Sherfane Rutherford (46 off 28), who kept GT in the hunt till the 20th over.
However, the pressure of an ever-rising asking rate proved too much. Arshdeep Singh delivered two crucial blows — dismissing Sudharsan and Rutherford — and also effected a run-out of Rahul Tewatia to derail Gujarat’s chase at the death.
Punjab’s bowling was tested but did enough to defend the total. Arshdeep finished with 2/36, while Marco Jansen and Glenn Maxwell picked up a wicket each.
Final Summary:
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Punjab Kings: 243/5 (Shreyas Iyer 97*, Priyansh Arya 47; Sai Kishore 3/30)
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Gujarat Titans: 232/5 (Sai Sudharsan 74, Buttler 54; Arshdeep Singh 2/36)
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Result: Punjab Kings won by 11 runs
With this victory, Punjab Kings kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with momentum, while Gujarat Titans will rue missed opportunities despite a strong batting display.
