GT vs PBKS Highlights: Iyer, Shashank Shine in Punjab’s High-Scoring Victory
IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Edge Gujarat Titans in a High-Scoring Thriller
On March 25, 2025, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a run-fest as Punjab Kings (PBKS) kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with an 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 5 of the season. Led by a sensational knock from captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKS showcased their batting might, while GT fought hard but fell just short despite valiant efforts from their top order. Here’s a look at the top performers and key moments that defined this nail-biting encounter.
Top Performers of the Match
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – 97 off 42 balls
The new PBKS skipper announced his arrival in style, smashing 9 sixes and 5 fours in an unbeaten 97. Falling agonizingly short of a maiden IPL century, Iyer’s aggressive stroke play set the tone for Punjab’s massive total of 243/5. His ability to tackle short balls—a past weakness—left fans and critics in awe. - Shashank Singh (PBKS) – 44 off 16 balls*
Shashank turned the game into a nightmare for GT bowlers with a blistering cameo. His 6 fours and 2 sixes, including 23 runs off the final over bowled by Mohammed Siraj, ensured PBKS finished with a daunting total. His 81-run partnership with Iyer for the sixth wicket was a game-changer. - Priyansh Arya (PBKS) – 47 off 23 balls
The debutant opener gave PBKS a fiery start, hammering 7 fours and 2 sixes. His fearless approach against GT’s pace attack, including a six off Siraj, laid a solid foundation before Rashid Khan dismissed him. - Sai Sudharsan (GT) – 74 off 41 balls
Sudharsan led GT’s chase with a classy 74, keeping the Titans in the hunt. His composure under pressure and elegant strokeplay gave GT hope, but his departure in the 18th over tilted the scales. - Jos Buttler (GT) – 54 off 33 balls
The former England captain played a crucial role in GT’s chase, scoring a quickfire 54. His 54-run stand with Sherfane Rutherford kept GT alive, but his dismissal in the death overs proved costly. - Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) – 2/36
The left-arm pacer held his nerve in the final over, defending 27 runs to seal the win for PBKS. Finishing with 2 wickets, including Rutherford’s, Arshdeep’s composure under pressure was pivotal.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
- PBKS’s Explosive Finish
After a steady start, PBKS unleashed chaos in the last 8 overs, scoring 135 runs. Iyer’s 24-run onslaught against Prasidh Krishna in the 17th over and Shashank’s 23-run final over against Siraj propelled PBKS to 243/5—their highest-ever IPL total. - GT’s Strong Start
Chasing 244, GT got off to a flyer with Shubman Gill (33 off 14) and Sai Sudharsan putting on 61 runs in under 6 overs. Gill’s departure, caught off Glenn Maxwell, was an early blow, but Sudharsan and Buttler kept the momentum going. - Vijaykumar Vyshak’s Game-Changing Spell
Introduced as an Impact Player, Vyshak turned the tide for PBKS. His tight 15th over, conceding just 5 runs when GT needed 75 off 36, sucked the momentum out of the chase. Finishing with 0/28 in 3 overs, he proved to be the unsung hero. - Sudharsan’s Exit and GT’s Collapse
At 169/2 after 16 overs, GT looked poised to pull off the chase. However, Sudharsan’s dismissal in the 18th over, followed by Rutherford’s wicket in the final over, derailed their efforts. Needing 19 off the last 3 balls, GT couldn’t recover. - Arshdeep’s Clutch Final Over
With 27 runs to defend, Arshdeep Singh delivered a masterclass. Despite a six from Shahrukh Khan, he restricted GT to 15 runs, sealing an 11-run victory for PBKS and showcasing his death-over prowess.
Match Summary
PBKS posted 243/5 in 20 overs, thanks to Iyer’s 97*, Arya’s 47, and Shashank’s 44*. GT fought back with Sudharsan’s 74, Buttler’s 54, and Rutherford’s 46, but finished at 232/5. R Sai Kishore (3/30) was GT’s best bowler, while Arshdeep’s 2/36 and Vyshak’s tight spell ensured PBKS started their campaign on a high.
This match was a classic IPL thriller—high scores, big hits, and tense finishes. PBKS’s batting depth and smart bowling in the clutch moments outshone GT’s spirited chase. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths from this electrifying opener.
