Shreyas Iyer with stunning 97 led PBKS to post a total of 243 and win the match by 11 runs
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of yesterday’s thrilling IPL match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad:
It was the first game for this season for both the teams and both wanted to set the tone in their first appearance in the season with a strong opening performance.
PBKS won the toss and decided to bat first.
PBKS Batting:
Punjab Kings displayed exceptional batting, putting up a formidable score of 243/5 in their 20 overs.
- Shreyas Iyer: The skipper was the star of the show, smashing an unbeaten 97 off 42 balls, which included 9 sixes and 5 fours. His innovative shot-making and controlled aggression were the highlights of the innings.
- Shashank Singh: Provided late fireworks with a blistering knock of 44 not out off 16 balls, ensuring PBKS reached a strong total.
Openers’ Start: Prabhsimran Singh and Atharva Taide gave PBKS a brisk start, scoring 41 runs in the powerplay.
For GT, Bowling performance led by:
- Rashid Khan (GT): Took 2 wickets but was expensive, conceding 48 runs in 4 overs.
- Mohammed Shami: Bowled economically in the death overs, ending with 1/36 in 4 overs.
Gujarat Titans’ Chase:
Gujarat Titans fought valiantly in their chase but fell short, scoring 232/5 in their 20 overs.
- Sai Sudharsan: Played a sensational innings, scoring 74 off 41 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes. He anchored the chase and kept GT in the game.
- Jos Buttler: Looked in sublime touch with a brisk 54 off 33 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes, but was dismissed at a crucial moment.
- Middle-Order Struggle: The middle order, including Jos Buttler and Rahul Tewatia, couldn’t capitalize on the momentum, leaving too much for the lower order to chase.
PBKS’s Bowling:
- Arshdeep Singh: Delivered an excellent last over under pressure, conceding just 9 runs and taking the crucial wicket of David Miller.
- Sam Curran: Bowled economically, finishing with figures of 1/28.
Differentiator:
- Shreyas Iyer’s Innings: His ability to accelerate in the middle overs was pivotal in setting a daunting target.
- Arshdeep’s Last Over: His calmness under pressure and smart variations sealed the game for PBKS.
- Rashid Khan’s Dismissal: When Rashid came to bat, the required run rate was manageable, but his dismissal swung the match in PBKS’s favor.
Player of the Match:
Shreyas Iyer for his match-winning innings of 97 not out.
Another Young Talent Display on Debut:
Priyansh Arya made an impressive IPL debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) against Gujarat Titans (GT)
Playing his first game in IPL, he scored 47 runs off 23 balls with a strike rate of over 200. His innings included 7 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing his aggressive batting style.
He was eventually dismissed by Rashid Khan, falling short of a half-century.