PBKS Defeats GT by 11 Runs in Exciting Match

Narendra Modi Stadium living upto expectations…

The IPL season continues with a fantastic match; It is Kings vs Titans at IPL 2025.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosted the 5th match IPL 2025 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) on 25th March, 2025. The match delivered a batting spectacle, with PBKS setting a towering total of 243/5 in 20 overs. A High Strike Rate & Dropped catches on GT’s side, really did the work for PBKS. Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten knock of 97 runs proved to be the game-changer as PBKS successfully defended their massive total.

PBKS Batting Brilliance

Winning the toss, GT opted to bowl, whereas, PBKS utilized the batting potential of the pitch. Priyansh Arya provided a fiery start, however, after scoring 47 off just 23 balls with seven fours and two sixes, Rashid Khan dismissed him. Now the real game started, came from Shreyas Iyer, playing a magnificent innings.

Iyer’s unbeaten 97 off 42 balls, laced with five boundaries and nine towering sixes, lifted PBKS to be in control. His aggressive batting was well supported by Shashank Singh, who hammered 44 runs off just 16 deliveries with an astonishing strike rate of 275.00. Their partnership in the death overs ensured a high “ask rate”.

GT’s bowlers struggled to contain the assault, but Sai Kishore emerged as the most economical, picking up three crucial wickets at an economy rate of 7.50. GT’s dropped catches, with missed opportunities off Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, and others, costed them really well.

GT’s Spirited Chase Falls Short

With 244 runs to chase, GT needed an explosive start. Shubman Gill took charge, smashing 33 runs off just 14 balls at a staggering strike rate of 235.71 before Glenn Maxwell dismissed him. Sai Sudharsan then anchored the innings, playing a brilliant knock of 74 off 41 balls, keeping GT in the hunt, though a reduced Strike Rate.

Jos Buttler followed with a steady 54 off 33 deliveries. Sherfane Rutherford’s quickfire 46 off 28 balls added late fireworks. The lack of contribution from the middle order ultimately hurt GT’s chances, as they failed to keep up with the ever-mounting asking rate.

PBKS Bowlers Hold Their Nerve

Afterwards, PBKS bowlers really stepped up this time. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers, while taking two vital wickets, he also maintained an economy of 9.00. His crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Sudharsan and Rutherford, indeed, played a key role. The collective effort of PBKS’ bowling attack ensured GT couldn’t maintain the required run rate despite their strong top-order performance.

Pitch and Ground Conditions

The Narendra Modi Stadium proved once again to be a batting paradise. With 64m and 66m side boundaries, batters had the advantage to clear the ropes with ease. The surface played true, allowing high scores, with 200-plus totals being achieved 10 times in 17 matches at this venue. Dew was expected mid-game, making conditions trickier for bowlers in the second innings. Chasing teams generally have an advantage under such conditions, but PBKS’ total proved too steep to overhaul.

Conclusion

This match turned into a Bat v/s Bat, with both teams showcasing outstanding batting prowess. However, PBKS’ aggressive batting, led by Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97 and their bowlers’ composure in the final overs, secured a win. GT fought valiantly, but their inability to sustain the required run rate in the middle overs cost them the game. This contest was a perfect example of why T20 cricket remains the most unpredictable and exciting format in the sport.

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