Punjab Kings kicked off their TATA IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Match 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. In a high-scoring contest, Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls—his highest IPL score—to propel his side to a formidable 243/5. Debutant Priyansh Arya (47 off 23) and Shashank Singh (44 off 16) provided the perfect support, ensuring PBKS set a daunting target.

Gujarat Titans put up a valiant fight in response, with Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41), Jos Buttler (54 off 33), and Sherfane Rutherford (46 off 28) keeping the chase alive. However, Punjab’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, securing a crucial opening victory.

Iyer’s Masterclass and PBKS’ Explosive Batting

Opting to bat first, Punjab Kings signaled intent right from the start. Regular opener Prabhsimran Singh partnered with young debutant Priyansh Arya, who played with fearless aggression. While Kagiso Rabada removed Prabhsimran early, Priyansh remained undeterred, showcasing an array of exquisite strokes.

Newly-appointed skipper Shreyas Iyer made his presence felt with a sublime lofted drive, and Punjab raced to 73/1 in the powerplay. However, Gujarat’s spin maestro Rashid Khan struck, dismissing Priyansh for a dazzling 47 off 23. Azmatullah Omarzai continued Punjab’s attacking approach but was undone by Sai Kishore, who also dismissed Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis in quick succession, finishing with impressive figures of 3/30.

With wickets falling, Iyer took charge, launching a counterattack with precision. His aggressive stroke play saw him race to a scintillating half-century off just 27 balls. The real fireworks came in the final overs, with 22 runs off Prasidh Krishna’s over pushing Punjab past the 200-run mark. Iyer remained unbeaten on a career-best 97* (42), smashing five fours and nine towering sixes. Shashank Singh added the finishing touches with a rapid 44 off 16, taking PBKS to an imposing 243/5.

Gujarat’s Gallant Chase Falls Short

Chasing a mammoth 244, Gujarat Titans started with confidence as skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan laid a solid foundation. Gill’s explosive 33 off 14 set the tempo before Glenn Maxwell dismissed him on the final delivery of the powerplay, leaving GT at 61/1.

Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler kept Gujarat in the hunt, forming a fluent 84-run partnership. Sudharsan played a classy knock of 74 off 41 balls—his seventh IPL fifty—before Arshdeep Singh broke the stand. Impact player Sherfane Rutherford made an instant impact, launching a massive 97m six off Marcus Stoinis.

With GT needing 57 off the final 18 balls, Buttler, well set at the crease, brought up his fifty on debut for the Titans. However, just as Gujarat’s hopes surged, Marco Jansen delivered a perfect yorker to dismiss Buttler for 54 off 33. Despite Rutherford’s fighting 46 off 28 and late efforts from Rahul Tewatia, Punjab’s bowlers executed their plans meticulously, sealing a thrilling win and a strong start to their campaign.

IPL Points Table 2025

* The top four teams will qualify for the playoffs