Key Points:
- Punjab Kings’ Victory: Punjab Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by 11 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2025 match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
- Shreyas Iyer’s Masterclass: PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer smashed an unbeaten 97 off 42 balls, leading his team to a formidable total of 243/5.
- Points Table Update: Punjab Kings climbed to third place in the IPL points table, while Sunrisers Hyderabad retained the top spot.
- Gujarat Titans Fall Short: Despite Sai Sudharsan’s 74 and Jos Buttler’s 54, GT managed only 232/5 in their chase.
Ahmedabad: The fifth match of IPL 2025 witnessed an electrifying showdown between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Punjab Kings emerged victorious by 11 runs in a nail-biting contest that showcased stellar performances from both sides.
Shreyas Iyer Leads From the Front
Put to bat first, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer delivered a batting masterclass, smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls. His innings included nine towering sixes and five boundaries, propelling Punjab Kings to their second-highest IPL total of 243/5. Debutant Priyansh Arya (47 off 23) and Shashank Singh (44 off 16) provided valuable support, ensuring PBKS set a daunting target for GT.
Sai Kishore was the pick of the bowlers for GT, claiming three wickets for 30 runs. However, his efforts were overshadowed by the sheer dominance of Punjab’s batting lineup.
Gujarat Titans’ Spirited Chase
Chasing a mammoth target of 244, Gujarat Titans started strong with skipper Shubman Gill (33 off 14) and Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41) laying a solid foundation. Jos Buttler marked his debut for GT with a composed fifty (54 off 33), while Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with a quickfire 46 off 28 balls. Despite their valiant efforts, GT fell short, managing only 232/5.
Punjab’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs, with Marco Jansen’s pinpoint yorker dismissing Buttler at a crucial juncture. Arshdeep Singh also contributed with figures of 2/36.
Points Table Shake-Up
This victory catapulted Punjab Kings to third place on the IPL points table. Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins, retained the top spot with two wins and a superior net run rate. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings occupy second and fourth positions, respectively. Delhi Capitals round out the top five.
Teams Yet to Register Wins
Several teams are still searching for their first win this season. Lucknow Super Giants lost to Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians succumbed to Chennai Super Kings, and Gujarat Titans were defeated by Punjab Kings. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals also remain winless after losses to RCB and SRH.
Match Highlights
- Punjab Kings: Scored 243/5 in 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 97*, Priyansh Arya 47).
- Gujarat Titans: Scored 232/5 in response (Sai Sudharsan 74, Jos Buttler 54).
- Key Bowling Performances: Sai Kishore (3/30), Marco Jansen’s crucial yorker dismissing Buttler.
Punjab’s thrilling victory sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting IPL season ahead!
