On March 25, 2025 the PBKS defeated GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad through an 11-run win in their first IPL 2025 match. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer delivered an outstanding display which enabled his team to win the match. Shreyas Iyer's career-best 97 runs without losing his wicket against 42 balls became PBKS's highest total of 243/5 during that match
Punjab Kings' Innings: PBKS decided to take the bat first position to establish a difficult score for the opposition. The match started as Rabada eliminated the first batsman Prabhsimran Singh in the opening overs. The team received necessary momentum from debutant Priyansh Arya who scored 47 runs from only 23 deliveries. Shreyas Iyer established himself as the leading batsman by showing both powerful batting and refined technique. Throughout his half-century innings he hit 50 runs off 27 balls while attacking all bowling types. His bat stroke during the innings allowed him to hit nine sixes combined with five boundaries which displayed complete domination over the opposition bowlers.
Iyer formed a powerful partnership with Shashank Singh after the middle stage of the innings began. Shashank arrived at the batting crease during the 17th over before hitting 44 not out runs from 16 balls. Shashank and Iyer batted without interruption through 28 balls to score 81 points while Shashank hit five boundaries against Mohammed Siraj in the final over. Iyer encouraged Shashank to keep playing aggressively even though he was close to his first IPL century since he wanted the team to have a strong total.
Gujarat Titans' Response: GT's batting performance aimed to conquer 244 runs using the partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler. Butler teamed up with Sudharsan to build a partnership that produced 84 valuable runs after captain Gill left the field following his 33-run opening blast. Sudharsan hit 74 elegant runs from 41 balls and Buttler hit 54 aggressive runs from 33 balls to keep GT fighting. The PBKS bowling line-up successfully limited the contribution of GT's middle-order batsmen. GT finished with 232/5 after Sherfane Rutherford hit 46 runs from 28 deliveries while PBKS maintained control in the final overs which pushed up GT's run requirement too much.
Vijaykumar Vyshak's Impactful Bowling Performance: GT's batting lineup began to accelerate as Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler took the crease together. The precise bowling of Vijaykumar Vyshak transformed the game when PBKS brought him into the match as an impact player. The attack received Vyshak at a crucial moment and he implemented his wide yorker strategy to finish those two overs with only 10 runs allowed. PBKS's disciplined bowling tactics successfully reduced GT's scoring rate thus turning the game toward their favor.
Key Moments and Performances: Under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy PBKS achieved victory because of his leadership skills. The team-oriented attitude of Shreyas Iyer became evident when he let Shashank Singh hit the last over despite reaching a personal achievement. The fast 44 not out score by Shashank Singh gave PBKS the momentum to reach a winning total through his explosive batting in the closing stage. Shreyas Iyer made his assault in the last over the turning point for PBKS to reach 243 runs. During GT's challenging run chase Sudharsan displayed his growth as a reliable opener by maintaining his cool to score 74 runs and keep the team competitive. The death overs bowling adjustments by PBKS led to decreased GT scoring when Arshdeep Singh successfully blocked 27 runs in the last over.
Post-Match Reflections: According to GT captain Shubman Gill the effective tight overs from impact player Vyshak proved crucial for determining the match result. Gill pointed out that the team scored 18 runs across three overs during a vital stage that proved important for their chase.
Conclusion: The match showcased how T20 cricket continues to change because teams now defeat high-scoring totals of more than 240 runs. The winning outcome at PBKS's match came from unified teamwork and individual exceptional performance which creates a bright outlook for their IPL 2025 season. The top-order batting display by GT gives hope for their upcoming matches despite their defeat.
Brief Scores:
Punjab Innings: 243/5 (20 Overs) Shreyas Iyer 97* off 42 Balls 5 fours and 9 Sixes. & Shashank Singh (44 off 16 balls 6 Fours and 2 Sixes).
Gujarat Titans Bowling: Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore 3/30 (4 Overs) , Kagiso Rabada 1/41 (4 Overs)
Gujarat innings: 232/5 (20 Overs) Sai Sudharsan "72 off 41 balls (5 fours and 6 Sixes" & Jos Buttler 54 off 33 Balls (4 Fours and 2 Sixes).
Punjab Kings Bowling: Arshdeep Singh 2/36 (4 Overs) & Marco Jansen 1/44(4 Overs),