IPL 2024: PBKS vs GT 37th Match Highlights

Gujarat Titans won the match and gained two important points. © iplt20.com

The 37th match of the IPL 2024 was a tense battle between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Gujarat Titans (GT). While Punjab Kings won the toss and opted to bat first, their decision backfired as their batting lineup faltered against some exceptional spin bowling.

Punjab Kings Implode Against Spin Onslaught

Openers Prabhsimran Singh (35) and Harpreet Brar (29) provided a glimmer of hope for Punjab Kings, but their resistance was short-lived. The Gujarat Titans spinners, led by the phenomenal Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore (4/33), weaved a web of deception. Sai Kishore exploited the weaknesses of the Punjab Kings’ batting, picking up quick wickets at regular intervals. The rest of the Punjab King’s batting order simply couldn’t handle the spin variations, succumbing to the pressure and getting dismissed cheaply.

Punjab Kings’ bowling attack, featuring the likes of Arshdeep Singh (1/17) and Harshal Patel (3/15), showed promise with early breakthroughs. However, their inability to contain the flow of runs in the middle overs put them on the back foot.

Gujarat Titans Survive a Scare

Chasing a modest target of 143 runs, Gujarat Titans started confidently with their in-form opener Shubman Gill (35) stroking some boundaries. However, the dismissal of Gill triggered a mini-collapse, with the Punjab Kings bowlers striking back. Liam Livingstone (2/19) and Arshdeep Singh (1/17) used their variations to create problems for the Gujarat Titans batters.

Tewatia’s Heroics Clinch the Victory

Just when it seemed like the Punjab Kings were clawing their way back into the contest, the experienced Rahul Tewatia (36* off 18 balls) turned the tide in Gujarat Titans’ favor. He played a fearless knock, peppering the boundaries with audacious shots and putting the pressure back on the Punjab Kings bowlers.

Tewatia’s innings, combined with some crucial contributions from Sai Sudharsan (31) and the lower order, propelled Gujarat Titans towards victory. They eventually crossed the finish line with three wickets and five balls to spare.

Match Hero: Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore

Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match for his remarkable bowling performance. His ability to control the tempo and take wickets at crucial junctures shifted the momentum towards the Gujarat Titans.

Looking Ahead

This victory keeps the Gujarat Titans’ playoff aspirations alive. They have shown great character and composure in handling pressure situations. The Punjab Kings, on the other hand, are in a worrying slump, having lost their fourth consecutive match. Their batting continues to be their Achilles’ heel, and they must find solutions to their bowling attack’s inconsistency.

Match Summary

Toss: PBKS won the toss and decided to bat first 

Stadium: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium

Result: GT won by 3 wickets and 5 balls left

Player of  the Match: Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore (GT) – 4/33 (4)