IPL 2025: Rutherford makes an impact, but Punjab Kings edge Titans

Punjab Kings kick started their TATA IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Match Five of the IPL at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

In a run-fest, Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 97 off 42- 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.

GT responded valiantly, with Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41), Jos Buttler (54 off 33), and Sherfane Rutherford (46 off 28) keeping the chase alive. However, PBKS held their nerve in the death overs to clinch a crucial opening win.

Put in to bat first, a rejuvenated Punjab Kings signaled intent from the outset. Regular opener Prabhsimran Singh joined forces with the young Priyansh Arya, who wasted no time in expressing himself.

While Kagiso Rabada removed Prabhsimran early, Priyansh remained unfazed, unleashing an array of exquisite strokes.

At the other end, newly-appointed skipper Shreyas Iyer announced his arrival with a sublime lofted on-drive. PBKS raced to 73-1 in the powerplay before Gujarat Titans’ trump card, Rashid Khan, struck gold.

The Afghan maestro dismissed the fearless Priyansh for a dazzling 47 off 23, marking a dream IPL debut. Azmatullah Omarzai walked in next, embodying PBKS’ bold approach, but Sai Kishore turned the tide.

The left-arm spinner dealt a double blow, sending Azmatullah and a returning Glenn Maxwell packing in consecutive deliveries before dismissing Marcus Stoinis to finish with impressive figures pf 3-30.

With wickets tumbling, Iyer seized control, launching a breathtaking counterattack. Targeting the ‘V’ with surgical precision, he notched up a scintillating half-century off just 27 balls.

What followed was sheer carnage with 22 runs off Prasidh Krishna’s over propelled PBKS beyond the 200-run mark.

Iyer remained unbeaten on a career-best 97* (42), hammering five fours and nine towering sixes Shashank Singh provided the finishing touch with a blistering 44 off 16, ensuring PBKS posted a daunting 243-5 setting up a thrilling challenge for GT.

Chasing a daunting 244, Gujarat Titans began with intent as skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan laid a solid foundation.

Gill’s blistering 33 off 14 set the tempo before Glenn Maxwell removed him on the final delivery of the powerplay. Despite the setback, GT ended a promising powerplay at 61-1.

Sai took charge alongside the seasoned Jos Buttler, marking the latter’s first innings in GT colors.

The left-right duo kept pace with the steep required rate, forging a fluent 84-run stand. Sai’s signature elegance saw him register a well-crafted 74 off 41 balls- his seventh IPL fifty- before Arshdeep Singh broke the partnership.

Sherfane Rutherford, introduced as the impact player, made an instant mark, launching a monstrous 97m six off Marcus Stoinis. However, Punjab clawed back with Vishnu Vyshak delivering a tight 17th over.

With GT needing 57 off the final 18 balls, Buttler- well set at the crease- took ownership, bringing up a composed fifty on debut for the Titans.

Just as GT’s hopes aligned with Buttler, Marco Jansen produced a pinpoint yorker to castle him for 54 off 33.

Despite a valiant 46 off 28 from Rutherford and late efforts from Rahul Tewatia, Punjab’s bowlers held their composure, defending the total with precision to seal a crucial season-opening victory. (IPL)