IPL 2024: Punjab Kings' 2nd Innings Highlights against GT in Match 17

Punjab Kings (PBKS) won a nail-biting thriller against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 17 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Titans were favourites to win the match, but a Shashank Singh storm came out of nowhere in Ahmedabad to pull off an epic win for the Kings. 

After losing the toss, Gujarat Titans (GT) were invited to bat first and they suffered an early setback with the dismissal of Wriddhiman Saha. However, Shubman Gill and Kane Williamson kept the scoreboard ticking, ensuring a strong powerplay. Sai Sudharsan departed after an impressive cameo appearance while the GT skipper, who registered his maiden fifty of the season, hung on till the end.

Rahul Tewatia delivered another brilliant finish to set PBKS a 200-run target. GT posted quite a competitive score and they got off to a great start by dismissing the rival skipper Shikhar Dhawan. Noor Ahmed’s brilliant spell put GT in command, but things quickly turned around when Shashank Singh and impact sub Ashutosh Sharma played a knock to remember for ages.

GT vs PBKS 2nd innings highlight

Punjab Kings: 50 runs in 5.4 overs

GT used their impact sub - Mohit Sharma - straightaway, for Tewatia. Johnny Bairstow gave PBKS a desired start with a couple of boundaries in the first over, but they lost skipper Shikhar Dhawan for just one run. Umesh Yadav drew first blood for GT and took the record for most wickets against a single opponent (34).

Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh did not let the pressure fall on them. However, Noor Ahmed was introduced in the final over of the powerplay and the Afghanistan spinner got rid of the English batter on his first ball. PBKS reached the 50-run mark as Prabhsimran hit Noor for a boundary.

Also Read: Who is Prabhsimran Singh? - Everything You Need to Know About Young Punjab Kings batter

First Strategic Timeout: Punjab Kings - 64/3 (7.2 overs)

The spin duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed attacked from both ends and exerted pressure on the PBKS batters. The umpire signalled the first strategic break in the eighth over after Noor claimed his second wicket in the form of Prabhsimran (35 off 24 balls).

Punjab Kings: 100 runs in 11 overs

Another wicket fell for PBKS in the ninth over and they were in dire straits. Big-hitter Shashank Singh came out to bat with a heavy task ahead of him. Shashank started his carnage with a six against Noor and punished Umesh Yadav in the 11th over with three boundaries on a trot. The final delivery went for a four and the scoreboard read 100/4. 17 runs came off that over and PBKS got their life back.

Strategic Timeout 2: Punjab Kings 150/3 (15.3 overs)

PBKS reached 150 in style as Jitesh Sharma hit back-to-back sixes off Rashid Khan. However, the Afghan spinner won the battle as he dismissed the wicketkeeper batter on the very next ball (15.3) to get his team back on track. Time for the second strategic timeout and Punjab inserted their Impact Sub – Ashutosh Sharma.

Half-century: Shashank Singh (Off 25 balls)

Shashank notched up his maiden IPL fifty with a single in the 18^th over. His remarkable feat that brought PBKS into the game came from just 25 balls!

End of the match: Punjab Kings – 200/7 (19.5 overs)

Impact Player Ashutosh Sharma (31 off 17) made a real impact as he gave Shashank the much-needed support at the other end. Needing 16 off nine balls, Shashank smashed Mohit Sharma for a six to reduce the equation to seven in the final over. Darshan Nalkande brought a twist to the game by picking up the wicket of Ashutosh on the very first ball. 

However, Shashank held his nerve and hit a boundary off the fourth ball to get closer to the finish line. A Super Over was on the cards, but a leg bye on the next ball did the needful for PBKS. Punjab clinched their second win and climbed to the fifth position in the points table.

Also Read: Who is Shashank Singh? Everything you need to know about Punjab Kings star