AHMEDABAD: Captain Shreyas Iyer produced a batting masterclass, smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 42 deliveries to power Punjab Kings to a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans in an IPL run-fest at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.
Iyer’s pyrotechnics, complemented by valuable contributions from young opener Priyansh Arya (47 off 23) and finisher Shashank Singh (44* off 16), propelled Punjab to a mammoth 243/5 – the highest total ever recorded at this venue.
In response, Gujarat Titans mounted a spirited chase through Sai Sudharsan’s aggressive 74 off 41 balls and Jos Buttler’s calculated 54 off 33 deliveries, but fell short by 11 runs, finishing at 232/7.
The match, characterized by boundary-hitting prowess from both sides, ultimately turned in the death overs when Punjab’s ‘Impact Player’ Vijaykumar Vyshak executed a disciplined bowling plan against hard-hitting Sherfane Rutherford, denying the West Indian the length to free his arms. This tactical bowling, coupled with Marco Jansen’s crucial dismissal of Buttler in the 18th over, derailed Titans’ run-chase momentum.
Earlier, Punjab Kings’ innings was built around Iyer’s breathtaking display of power-hitting. After Prabhsimran Singh’s early dismissal, caught at third man off Kagiso Rabada, Priyansh Arya showcased his potential with some audacious strokes, including a magnificent flicked six over deep square leg against Mohammed Siraj.
Arya’s promising innings ended when he scooped a Rashid Khan delivery to Sai Sudharsan at cover, bringing in Azmatullah Omarzai, who immediately announced his arrival with a straight six off Khan. Marcus Stoinis partnered with Iyer for a rapid 57-run stand before falling to a reverse sweep.
The final phase of Punjab’s innings witnessed extraordinary hitting from Iyer and Shashank Singh, who plundered 87 runs in the last five overs. Iyer, particularly severe against pace, displayed his full repertoire of shots, including his trademark inside-out drives and powerful pulls, narrowly missing what would have been a well-deserved century.
Gujarat’s chase began promisingly with Gill and Sudharsan racing to a 61-run opening partnership. After Gill’s dismissal, Sudharsan combined with Buttler for an 84-run stand off just 40 deliveries, keeping Titans in the hunt.
Rutherford’s explosive entrance – 18 runs off his first seven balls – further threatened Punjab’s total. However, strategic bowling from Vyshak and clinical execution in the death overs by Jansen and Arshdeep Singh, who castled Rutherford for 46 in the final over, sealed Punjab’s victory.
This impressive start to the season augurs well for Punjab Kings, who have historically struggled for consistency. Iyer’s reunion with coach Ricky Ponting appears to have injected new energy into the franchise, which is still hunting for its maiden IPL title. The captain’s performance not only demonstrated his personal form but also his ability to lead from the front under pressure – exactly what Punjab needs to mount a serious challenge this season.