The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed fireworks on Tuesday as Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings clashed in a high octane IPL 2025 encounter. PBKS posted a mammoth total of 243/5, thanks to skipper Shreyas Iyer’s blistering 97 off 42 balls and debutant Priyansh Arya’s explosive 47 off 23 balls. However, their bizarre strategy during Gujarat’s chase left fans scratching their heads and even legend Ricky Ponting was left disgusted. Let’s break down the action packed game.

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PBKS’ Explosive Start Sets the Stage

Punjab Kings were off to a flying start after being asked to bat first. Debutant Priyansh Arya lit up the stadium with his fearless batting, smashing 47 off just 23 balls, including four boundaries and three massive sixes. His aggressive approach gave PBKS the perfect platform to build a big total.

However, the middle overs saw Punjab losing wickets at regular intervals. That’s when skipper Shreyas Iyer took charge. The right hander unleashed his full arsenal, hammering 97 off just 42 balls, laced with eight boundaries and six towering sixes.

To cap off their innings, Shashank Singh played a scintillating cameo, scoring 44 off just 16 balls. His late assault ensured PBKS finished with a daunting total of 243/5 one of the highest totals in IPL history.

For Gujarat Titans, Sai Kishore was the standout bowler, claiming 3/48 in his four overs. Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada chipped in with one wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to stop PBKS from running riot.

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GT’s Chase Begins Amid PBKS’ Bizarre Tactics

Chasing a massive 244, Gujarat Titans began their innings with intent. Openers looked to get off the blocks quickly, but it was Sai Sudarshan who anchored the innings initially. He played a brilliant knock of 74 runs, showcasing both aggression and composure.

However, Arshdeep Singh provided Punjab Kings with a much needed breakthrough by dismissing Sudharsan. With Jos Buttler now joined by Sherfane Rutherford, GT’s chase intensified.

But what caught everyone’s attention was Punjab Kings’ bizarre bowling strategy. Despite having world-class bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel, PBKS opted for unconventional field placements and erratic bowling changes. This allowed Gujarat Titans to keep the scoreboard ticking without much resistance.

Legendary cricketer Ricky Ponting, watching the match, expressed his frustration. He reportedly said, “This is amateur stuff. You don’t bowl your best bowlers sporadically and gift easy runs to the opposition in a high pressure chase.”

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PBKS’ Middle Order Woes Continue

While Punjab’s top order delivered fireworks, their middle order collapse once again raised concerns. After Arya’s dismissal, PBKS struggled to maintain momentum until Iyer and Shashank took over. Their inability to stabilize the middle overs could haunt them in future matches if not addressed.

On the flip side, Gujarat Titans’ bowlers showed glimpses of brilliance. Sai Kishore’s spell was particularly impressive, dismantling PBKS’ lower middle order with clever variations.

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What Lies Ahead for Both Teams?

With a target of 244, Gujarat Titans face an uphill battle, but their explosive batting lineup makes them capable of chasing anything. Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford will need to play out of their skins to pull off this monumental chase.

For Punjab Kings, the focus should be on tightening their bowling strategies and avoiding unnecessary risks. A total of 243/5 should have been defendable, but their puzzling tactics might cost them dearly.

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Final Thoughts

This clash between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings has been nothing short of thrilling. From PBKS’ record breaking total to GT’s spirited chase, fans are in for a treat. However, Punjab’s bizarre decisions in the field have left experts like Ricky Ponting questioning their approach.

Will Gujarat Titans pull off one of the greatest chases in IPL history? Or will Punjab Kings hold their nerve and secure a memorable win? Share your predictions in the comments below!

Stay tuned for more LIVE updates and edge of the seat action from IPL 2025!