Shreyas Iyer and Shashank Singh propel Punjab Kings to a formidable 243 against Gujarat Titans

Iyer’s Explosive 97, Shashank’s Support Power Punjab Kings to 243 Against Gujarat Titans

Shreyas Iyer was on the brink of a century, sitting at 97 off just 42 balls as the final over against Gujarat Titans began. Yet, he chose not to chase personal glory, telling his partner Shashank Singh, “Don’t worry about my hundred,” and didn’t face a single delivery in the last six balls. Iyer, who had expressed a desire to bat at No. 3 this season, showed exactly why with a dominant display of power-hitting, smashing nine sixes—his second-highest tally in an IPL innings.

Punjab Kings had multiple contributors to their mammoth total of 243. Debutant opener Priyansh Arya impressed on his IPL debut with a fluent 43 off 27, looking fully at ease with the competition’s high standards. He accounted for eight of Punjab's 12 boundaries in the powerplay, giving them early momentum.

Gujarat’s spinners managed to apply some pressure in the middle overs. Rashid Khan struck in his first over, while R Sai Kishore almost turned the game on its head with a hat-trick opportunity. He finished with figures of 3 for 30, helped by Glenn Maxwell's golden duck on his return to Punjab. However, Maxwell may count himself unlucky—had he reviewed the LBW decision, he would’ve been reprieved, with replays showing the ball bouncing over the stumps.

Despite Ahmedabad’s reputation as a chasing-friendly venue—five of the last six matches there were won by the team batting second—Punjab’s innings may have neutralized that trend. Gujarat captain Shubman Gill had opted to bowl first with that in mind, but Iyer's knock, brimming with intent, put Punjab in command.

Iyer was in aggressive mode from the start, launching the fourth ball he faced for six. He went after Sai Kishore even after the left-arm spinner had taken two wickets in two balls, and dispatched Rashid Khan for a pair of maximums as well. So focused was he that he even called out a wide from the non-striker’s end in the 15th over—an extra delivery he punished for six.

Catch the match live updates, highlights, and full match coverage on CricRadio. Get fast, accurate, and ad-free updates throughout the game. Download the CricRadio app from the Play Store to stay connected. You can also get the live scores of cricket series directly on the CricRadio website for real-time coverage.