The fifth match of IPL 2025 lit up the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 25, 2025, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT). This high-scoring encounter saw PBKS set a daunting 243/5, which GT couldn’t quite chase down, finishing at 232/5 despite a valiant effort.
PBKS’s batting was a spectacle, led by captain Shreyas Iyer, who smashed an unbeaten 97 off 42 balls. His innings, packed with 8 fours and 6 sixes, was a perfect display of aggression, keeping the GT bowlers under constant pressure. Debutant Priyansh Arya made an instant impact, scoring a quickfire 47 off 23 balls, giving PBKS a solid start. Shashank Singh then provided the finishing touches, hammering an unbeaten 44 off 16 balls, ensuring PBKS racked up 77 runs in the final five overs to reach 243/5, their second-highest total ever.
GT’s bowling struggled to contain the onslaught, though Sai Kishore stood out with 3/30, picking up key wickets to slow PBKS down momentarily. However, the rest of the attack, including Mohit Sharma, Spencer Johnson, Umesh Yadav, and Noor Ahmed, couldn’t find their rhythm, leaking runs as PBKS capitalized on every loose delivery.
GT’s chase started with promise, as Shubman Gill raced to 33 off 14 balls and Jos Buttler scored a steady 54 off 33, stitching together an 87-run opening stand. Sai Sudharsan then took charge, playing a brilliant 74 off 41 balls, laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes, keeping GT in the hunt. Azmatullah Omarzai supported with a brisk 46 off 29 balls, but PBKS’s bowlers turned the screws in the death overs. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with 2/36, while Vijaykumar Vyshak’s tight bowling proved crucial, conceding just 10 runs in his 15th and 17th overs. GT eventually fell short, finishing at 232/5.
HIGHLIGHTS | GUJARAT TITANS VS PUNJAB KINGS
- Iyer’s Near-Century: Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97, just three runs shy of a century, was the cornerstone of PBKS’s massive total.
- Arya’s Debut Fireworks: Priyansh Arya’s 47 off 23 on debut was a surprising highlight, marking a strong start for the young opener.
- Vyshak’s Tight Spell: Vijaykumar Vyshak’s economical bowling in the 15th and 17th overs, giving away only 10 runs, slowed GT’s momentum.
- Sudharsan’s Resistance: Sai Sudharsan’s 74 kept GT in the game, but PBKS’s total proved too steep.
Player Performances and Statistics
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Wickets | Economy |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | 97* | 42 | 8 | 6 | – | – |
| Priyansh Arya | PBKS | 47 | 23 | 5 | 3 | – | – |
| Shashank Singh | PBKS | 44* | 16 | 6 | 2 | – | – |
| Sai Sudharsan | GT | 74 | 41 | 6 | 4 | – | – |
| Jos Buttler | GT | 54 | 33 | 4 | 3 | – | – |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | GT | 46 | 29 | 3 | 3 | – | – |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | – | – | – | – | 2 | 9.00 |
| Sai Kishore | GT | – | – | – | – | 3 | 7.50 |
| Vijaykumar Vyshak | PBKS | – | – | – | – | 1 | 7.00 |
PBKS’s victory boosted their confidence, with Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting setting a strong tone for their campaign. For GT, Sai Sudharsan’s knock was a positive, but their bowling needs urgent attention. As IPL 2025 progresses, both teams will look to fine-tune their strategies. This match sets the stage for more exciting battles in the tournament ahead.