NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer produced a batting masterclass, hammering an unbeaten 97 off just 42 deliveries to power his team to a nail-biting 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans in an enthralling Indian Premier League 2025 contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
The match, which saw a staggering 475 runs scored across both innings, will be remembered as one of the most explosive batting exhibitions in IPL history. PBKS posted a colossal 243/5 – the highest-ever T20 total at this venue – before restricting GT to 232/5 despite a valiant chase.
“The wicket was beautiful to bat on, and I just backed my instincts,” said Iyer after his stunning knock that featured nine towering sixes and five boundaries. “We knew we needed something special today, and I’m glad I could deliver when it mattered.”
The foundation for Punjab’s mammoth total was laid by young opener Priyansh Arya, who blazed his way to a quickfire 47 off 23 balls, smashing seven fours and two sixes. His aggressive intent set the perfect platform for Iyer’s pyrotechnics later in the innings.
Iyer’s batting reached another level during the death overs as he ruthlessly dispatched GT bowlers to all corners of the stadium. He was brilliantly supported by Shashank Singh, whose unbeaten 44 off just 16 deliveries (three fours, four sixes) further accelerated the scoring rate.
For Gujarat, left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore was the lone bowling bright spot, finishing with impressive figures of 3/30 despite the run-fest around him.
Chasing a daunting 244-run target, Gujarat Titans responded with remarkable courage and skill. Left-handed Sai Sudharsan anchored the innings with a stylish 74, while England’s Jos Buttler, playing his first match for GT this season, smashed a typically aggressive 54.
GT captain Shubman Gill contributed a quick 33, and West Indian Sherfane Rutherford threatened to snatch victory with a blistering 46 not out off just 19 balls in the closing stages.
“We gave it our absolute best,” said Gill after the match. “When you’re chasing 244, you need everything to go perfectly. We came incredibly close but full credit to Punjab for holding their nerve.”
Despite posting their highest-ever total while chasing and the second-highest overall team score in their franchise history (after 233/3 against Mumbai Indians in 2023), GT ultimately fell just short of completing what would have been a record IPL run-chase.
Punjab’s bowling attack, led by India international Arshdeep Singh (2/36), executed crucial yorkers and slower deliveries in the final overs to secure a memorable victory that propels them into the playoff conversation.
The win – Punjab’s third in their last four matches – moves them to sixth place on the points table, while Gujarat remains in fourth position despite the defeat.
Brief Scores: Punjab Kings 243/5 in 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 97*, Priyansh Arya 47, Shashank Singh 44*; R Sai Kishore 3/30) beat Gujarat Titans 232/5 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 74, Jos Buttler 54, Sherfane Rutherford 46*; Arshdeep Singh 2/36) by 11 runs.