IPL 2025 Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans – Match Highlights
Ahmedabad, March 25, 2025 – IPL 2025 Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans – The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kicked off its fifth match with an electrifying clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where Punjab emerged victorious by 11 runs in a nail-biting encounter. Led by their new captain Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings showcased a batting masterclass, setting a daunting target of 244, which Gujarat Titans fought valiantly to chase but fell short at 232/5.
Match Highlights
The match began with Gujarat Titans winning the toss and opting to bowl, a decision that initially seemed promising but quickly turned challenging as Punjab’s batsmen unleashed an onslaught. The powerplay set the tone for Punjab’s innings, with the team racing to 73/1 in the first six overs. Young opener Priyansh Arya played a pivotal role, smashing 47 off just 23 balls, including a fearless assault on Gujarat’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada. However, Rashid Khan struck in the seventh over, dismissing Arya to give Gujarat a glimmer of hope.
Shreyas Iyer, making his debut as Punjab Kings’ captain, then took center stage. Displaying impeccable timing and aggression, Iyer hammered 97 not out off 42 balls, falling agonizingly short of a well-deserved century. His knock featured 9 sixes and 5 fours, dismantling Gujarat’s bowling attack with clinical precision. Supporting him brilliantly was Shashank Singh, who blazed his way to an unbeaten 44 off 16 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. The duo’s fireworks in the death overs, particularly Shashank’s 23-run onslaught against Mohammed Siraj in the final over, propelled Punjab to a formidable 243/5 in 20 overs.
Gujarat Titans’ chase started strongly, with openers Shubman Gill (33) and Sai Sudharsan (74) providing a solid foundation. Jos Buttler, the explosive Englishman, kept the momentum going with a brisk 54 off 33 balls, raising hopes of an improbable victory. At one point, Gujarat seemed in control, needing 99 runs off the last seven overs with wickets in hand. However, Punjab’s bowling spearhead Arshdeep Singh turned the tide, dismissing Sudharsan in the 14th over to break a dangerous partnership.
Sherfane Rutherford (46 off 28) kept Gujarat in the hunt with some lusty blows, but the mounting required run rate proved too much. In the final over, needing 27 runs, Rutherford smashed a six off Arshdeep but was bowled two balls later, effectively sealing Gujarat’s fate. Marco Jansen and Glenn Maxwell also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring Punjab’s defense held firm despite Gujarat’s spirited effort.
Scorecard
Punjab Kings Innings: 243/5 (20 overs)
- Priyansh Arya: 47 (23)
- Shreyas Iyer (c): 97* (42) – 9 sixes, 5 fours
- Shashank Singh: 44* (16) – 6 fours, 2 sixes
- Prabhsimran Singh: 5 (9)
- Bowling (GT): Sai Kishore 3/40, Rashid Khan 1/42, Kagiso Rabada 1/48
Gujarat Titans Innings: 232/5 (20 overs)
- Sai Sudharsan: 74 (unspecified balls)
- Jos Buttler: 54 (33)
- Sherfane Rutherford: 46 (28)
- Shubman Gill (c): 33 (unspecified balls)
- Bowling (PBKS): Arshdeep Singh 2/45, Marco Jansen 1/38, Glenn Maxwell 1/20
Key Moments and Analysis
Shreyas Iyer’s 97* was the cornerstone of Punjab’s victory, marking a statement of intent in his first match as captain after leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024. His ability to accelerate in the middle and death overs, combined with Shashank Singh’s finishing prowess, highlighted Punjab’s revamped batting firepower under coach Ricky Ponting.
For Gujarat, Sai Sudharsan’s 74 and Jos Buttler’s 54 showcased their batting depth, but the loss of key wickets at crucial junctures derailed their chase. Arshdeep Singh’s composure under pressure, particularly in the death overs, proved decisive, reinforcing his reputation as one of India’s premier T20 bowlers.
Looking Ahead
This win gives Punjab Kings a strong start to their IPL 2025 campaign, boosting their confidence as they aim to end a decade-long playoff drought. Gujarat Titans, despite the loss, displayed resilience and will look to bounce back in their next outing. With the tournament just beginning, both teams have set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season.
The IPL 2025 action continues tomorrow, with fans eagerly awaiting more high-octane clashes in this 18th edition of the world’s premier T20 league.
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