In a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the 17th match of the IPL 2024 season saw Gujarat Titans face off against Punjab Kings (GT vs PBKS). The Kings, after winning the toss, opted to field first, setting the stage for an exciting first innings.
Let check out GT vs PBKS head to head in the IPL.
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
Three games played between the GT vs PBKS at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Titans has won two games while Punjab Kings has won one game.
Toss Moment
Punjab Kings, after winning the toss, chose to take the offensive by Bowl first.
“We’ve decided to bowl first. The wicket looks good and I believe it will remain consistent, which is why we prefer to have them set a target and then chase it down.Though there have been a few games where the scores skyrocketed, it’s not a given for every match. Still, you anticipate a solid score since all the teams are exceptionally competitive.I think we’re playing well as a team; we just need to fine-tune about 10% more. We’re not significantly lacking in any area. It’s early in the tournament, and facing these challenges now is beneficial. We’re learning and looking to apply those lessons in the upcoming matches for better outcomes.
Shikhar Dhawan, PBKS Skipper
“We would have chosen to bowl first, too. The pitch seems promising. It’s a bit overcast, and we’re hoping the dew won’t affect the evening play.This season marks our first encounter here against them, having played in the bubble before and meeting just once last year. It’s great to finally play them on this ground.We’ve had a strong start to the season. With a couple of away games coming up after this, winning tonight is crucial, especially considering our performance in away games last year.We’re making a single change in our lineup; Miller is out with a minor issue, and Kane will be taking his place.”
Shubman Gill, GT Skipper
First Innings
GT’s Batting Highlights
Shubman Gill was the star of the show, notching his first half-century of the season with a stellar 89* off 48 balls, including six 4s and four 6s.
Sai Sudharsan contributed a quickfire 33 from 19 balls, hitting six 4s.
Kane Williamson and Rahul Tewatia also made valuable contributions with 26 (four 4s) and 23* (three 4s and one 6) respectively.
PBKS’s Bowling Efforts
Kagiso Rabada led the bowling attack with figures of 2/44, claiming the wickets of Wriddhiman Saha and Vijay Shankar.
Harpreet Brar and Harshal Patel each took a wicket, with Brar dismissing Williamson and Patel removing Sudharsan.
GT set a formidable target of 199 runs, losing only 4 wickets in their 20 overs.
Second Innings
PBKS’s Chase
Shashank Singh emerged as the hero in the second innings, smashing an unbeaten 61 off 29 balls, including six 4s and four 6s.
Prabhsimran Singh and Ashutosh Sharma played crucial knocks of 35 and 31 respectively.
Jonny Bairstow also chipped in with a quick 22 off 13 balls.
GT’s Bowling Analysis
Noor Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers with 2/32, including the key wickets of Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh.
Darshan Nalkande, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Rashid Khan, and Azmatullah Omarzai each took a wicket, contributing to a tight bowling performance.
Despite GT’s efforts, PBKS reached the target with 200 runs in 19.5 overs, winning by 3 wickets.
Magic Moments of the Match
Shubman Gill’s sublime knock and Shashank Singh’s match-winning innings were the magic moments of the match. Singh’s performance, particularly, earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ title for his first IPL 50s and for steering his team to victory.
Man of the Match
Shashank Singh’s all-round brilliance earned him the Man of the Match award.
The match was a showcase of exceptional talent and nerve-wracking cricket, with both teams displaying great skill and determination. Punjab Kings’ ability to chase down the target, thanks to Shashank Singh’s heroics, was the highlight of the game, marking a memorable win by 3 wickets.
This match will undoubtedly be remembered for the individual brilliance of Gill and Singh, whose knocks were pivotal in the outcome of the game.