IPL 2025: Punjab Kings’ all-round show earns them 11-run win over Gujarat Titans

Punjab Kings kicked off their 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with an impressive all-round performance, securing an 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.

Leading from the front, Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer delivered a stunning unbeaten knock of 97, while key contributions from Priyansh Arya and Shashank Singh propelled the visitors to a formidable total of 243/5 in 20 overs. Gujarat Titans, chasing 244, saw their skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan struggle early against the sharp bowling attack of Arshdeep Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai before Gill shifted gears to keep up with the mounting required run rate.

Glenn Maxwell, who surpassed Dinesh Karthik for the most ducks in IPL history, made an impact with the ball in the final over of the powerplay. He drew an edge from Gill, which ballooned to cover point, giving Punjab a crucial breakthrough.

Jos Buttler’s GT Debut and Sudharsan’s Resistance

Jos Buttler, making his Gujarat Titans debut after seven seasons with Rajasthan Royals, took his time at the crease while Sudharsan counter-attacked. Sudharsan reached his seventh IPL fifty in 31 balls before accelerating to a well-made 74, featuring five boundaries and six sixes, before falling to Arshdeep.

Gujarat introduced their Impact Player, Sherfane Rutherford, who made an immediate statement by smashing two sixes and a four off Marcus Stoinis. With 70 runs needed off 30 balls, Punjab’s death bowling proved decisive, conceding just 12 runs in the next two overs. Buttler, who had reached his 20th IPL half-century, was dismissed by Marco Jansen, leaving Rahul Tewatia with a steep task.

Punjab’s Bowling Seals the Deal

Gujarat's chase faltered in the final overs as Tewatia was run out on the first ball he faced, followed by Arshdeep cleaning up Rutherford to seal Punjab’s victory.

Priyansh Arya’s Dream Start and Iyer’s Heroics

Earlier, Punjab’s debutant Priyansh Arya got a lucky break after Arshad Khan dropped him in the second over. He capitalized on it, attacking Gujarat’s bowlers after Prabhsimran Singh's early dismissal. Arya, in partnership with Iyer, took the bowlers to task, including a 21-run over off Arshad. However, Rashid Khan provided Gujarat a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Arya in the seventh over.

Sai Kishore Turns the Tide for GT

The introduction of Sai Kishore momentarily put Gujarat back in the game. After an economical first over, he dismissed Azmatullah Omarzai and trapped Maxwell LBW on consecutive deliveries. Maxwell, after consulting his captain, opted not to review, but replays later confirmed the ball was missing the stumps.

Iyer and Shashank’s Late Blitz

Despite Gujarat’s fightback, Iyer anchored Punjab’s innings, building a 57-run stand with Stoinis before forming a rapid 71-run partnership with Shashank Singh. Shashank’s explosive finish saw him smash five boundaries in the final over, remaining unbeaten on 44 off 16 deliveries, while Iyer agonizingly fell three runs short of his maiden IPL century.

Brief Scores:

Punjab Kings 243/5 in 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 97*, Priyansh Arya 47; Sai Kishore 3-30, Kagiso Rabada 1-41, Rashid Khan 1-48)

Gujarat Titans 232/5 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 74, Jos Buttler 54, Sherfane Rutherford 46; Arshdeep Singh 2-36, Marco Jansen 2-44)

Result: Punjab Kings won by 11 runs.

(With IANS inputs)