Shreyas Iyer's (97*) stellar knock and a superb bowling performance helped Punjab Kings defeat Gujarat Titans by 11 runs. Iyer highlighted a game-changing shot and lauded his bowlers' efforts.
IPL 2025: Punjab Kings made a spectacular start to IPL 2025, defeating Gujarat Titans by 11 runs in their opening match. Captain Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 97 and a b bowling performance played crucial roles in the victory.
High-Scoring Encounter in Ahmedabad
In a thrilling match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Punjab Kings, batting first, scored 243 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs. Gujarat Titans put up a b fight in reply but managed only 232 runs for 5 wickets in their 20 overs.
Iyer's Explosive Innings and Shashank's Support
Shreyas Iyer smashed an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls, including 5 fours and 9 sixes. His electrifying innings earned him the Player of the Match award. Shashank Singh also contributed significantly with an unbeaten 44 off 16 balls, studded with 6 fours and 2 sixes. Together, they forged an unbroken 81-run partnership for the sixth wicket, bolstering Punjab's score.
One Shot Changed the Game
After the match, Shreyas Iyer expressed his delight about his innings, saying, "It feels good to score an unbeaten 97 in the first match. I hit a boundary off the first ball, which boosted my confidence. But the shot that really changed the game was a flick six off Kagiso Rabada. From there, my rhythm completely changed."
High Praise for the Bowlers
Iyer praised the team's bowlers, particularly Vijaykumar Vyshak and Arshdeep Singh. He stated, "Vyshak is an interesting bowler; his bowling offers great variety. Arshdeep also played a crucial role, and his reverse swing was very helpful."
