The clash between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2024 proved to be a riveting spectacle, filled with high-octane action and dramatic moments. Punjab Kings returned to winning ways with an almighty escape from the clutches of what would have been a third consecutive defeat in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), beating Gujarat Titans by three wickets at Ahmedabad on Thursday (4 April). Chasing a target of 200 runs, Punjab crossed the finish line in the penultimate delivery, courtesy of Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 29-ball 61.

PBKS’s Remarkable Comeback

PBKS showcased resilience and determination as they staged a remarkable comeback to secure a crucial victory against the Gujarat Titans. Despite facing early setbacks in their chase, PBKS displayed composure and character to emerge victorious in a nail-biting finish.

See Also: IPL 2024: Remember when Punjab Kings ‘accidentally’ picked wrong Shashank Singh?

Early Setbacks in PBKS’s Chase

PBKS encountered early challenges in their pursuit of the Gujarat Titans’ target of 200 runs. The loss of key wickets, including skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow, posed a daunting task for PBKS’s batting lineup. However, they refused to succumb to pressure and fought back valiantly.

The match witnessed several pivotal moments and key contributions that swung the momentum in favor of PBKS. Shashank Singh’s unbeaten knock of 61 runs and impact substitute Ashutosh Sharma’s vital cameo played instrumental roles in PBKS’s victory.

2️⃣ Points ✅

Young guns Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma win it for @PunjabKingsIPL 🙌

They get over the line as they beat #GT by 3 wickets 👍

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/0Sy2civoOa #TATAIPL | #GTvPBKS pic.twitter.com/m7b5f8jLbz

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 4, 2024

Gujarat Titans’ Strong Start

The Gujarat Titans made an impressive start to their innings, courtesy of skipper Shubman Gill’s aggressive batting and Sai Sudarshan’s quickfire innings. The opening partnership between Gill and Wriddhiman Saha laid a solid foundation for GT’s formidable total.

Gill and Williamson’s Partnership

Shubman Gill and Kane Williamson formed a formidable partnership in the middle overs, accumulating runs and keeping the scoreboard ticking for the Gujarat Titans. Their partnership provided stability to GT’s innings and put pressure on the PBKS bowling attack.

Shubman Gill’s captaincy and Sai Sudarshan’s explosive batting set the tone for the Gujarat Titans’ innings. Gill’s aggressive approach and Sudarshan’s blitzkrieg in the middle overs propelled GT to a formidable total of 199/4 in 20 overs.

Shashank Singh’s Heroics

Shashank Singh’s match-winning innings turned the tide in favor of PBKS, as he played a fearless knock under pressure. His aggressive batting and ability to find the boundaries at crucial junctures propelled PBKS towards victory in the dying moments of the match. Ashutosh, who hails from Madhya Pradesh but plies his trade for Railways in domestic cricket, made a crucial contribution of 17 runs from 31 deliveries.

Last Over Drama

The impact player, Ashutosh Sharma, came in and made a real impact. He scored a 17-ball 31 and played the perfect foil to Shashank. 7 was needed off the final over and Gill surprisingly turned to Nalkande although Umesh had an over left. He dismissed Ashutosh off his first delivery though but he didn’t have many runs to play with. Shashank kept his calm and took his side over the line with a ball to spare.

Highest targets successfully chased down vs Titans
205 by KKR Ahmedabad 2023
200 by PBKS Ahmedabad 2024
178 by RR Ahmedabad 2023
171 by CSK Ahmedabad 2023 (15 overs)

Most successful chases of 200+ targets in IPL
6 by Punjab Kings
5 by Mumbai Indians
3 by Kolkata Knight Riders & Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2024 Points Table

No	Team	M	W	L	T	N/R	PTS	Net RR	Form
1	Kolkata Knight Riders	3	3	0	0	0	6	2.518	WWW–
2	Rajasthan Royals	3	3	0	0	0	6	1.249	WWW–
3	Chennai Super Kings	3	2	1	0	0	4	0.976	LWW–
4	Lucknow Super Giants	3	2	1	0	0	4	0.483	WWL–
5	Punjab Kings	4	2	2	0	0	4	-0.220	WLLW-
6	Gujarat Titans	4	2	2	0	0	4	-0.580	LWLW-
7	Sunrisers Hyderabad	3	1	2	0	0	2	0.204	LWL–
8	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	4	1	3	0	0	2	-0.876	LLWL-
9	Delhi Capitals	4	1	3	0	0	2	-1.347	LWLL-
10	Mumbai Indians	3	0	3	0	0	0	-1.423	LLL–