Home
Punjab Kings posted a massive total of 243/5 on the scoreboard during the clash against Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans in match 5 of the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which is taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on March 25 (Tuesday). The credit for that goes to captain Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 97 and blitz 44-run cameo from Shashank Singh. Skipper Iyer stole the show after hitting a stunning 97 not out, but missed out on a well-deserving maiden IPL ton.
Shashank Singh reveals conversation with Iyer
Iyer was batting on 66 runs at the end of the 16th over, but then in the 17th over, which was bowled by Prasidh Krishna, he was hit in the ribs on the very first ball. However, Iyer smashed the next five balls for 24 runs. It included three sixes and one four. He entered the 90-run mark by the end of the 17th over.
Shashank appeared set from the first ball itself. He made the most of the death overs and added lots of runs in the final few overs. Iyer was on 97 at the end of the 19th over. It appeared that he might be able to complete his ton but both players showed selfless efforts.
Shashank played the final 6 balls and scored 23 runs in them. Iyer missed the chance to reach his maiden IPL ton, but it allowed PBKS to post a massive total of 243/5 on the scoreboard. This is also Punjab's second highest IPL score. However, this upset some fans as they started abusing Shashank on social media for not allowing Iyer to hit a ton.
After the first innings, Shashank revealed the message Iyer gave him before the final over. He said Iyer was selfless and told him not to worry about his century. He even said that Iyer's innings motivated him.
"Yes, it was a good cameo. But looking at Shreyas, that motivated me even more. Let me be very honest - Shreyas, from ball one, said don't worry about my hundred! Just watching the ball and reacting to it. I try and make sure I get the boundaries. When you go at that number, it's more likely that you'll not get a good hit. I know the shots I can back. I focus on my strengths rather than things which I can't do," said Shashank Singh.
Gujarat Titans will now need to score 244 runs, but it won't be an easy task despite their strong batting line-up. Scores this big usually also provide a mental advantage to the team and extra pressure on the side chasing.
