Shashank Singh’s spectacular knock helped the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to beat Gujarat Titans (GT) by 3 wickets in a thrilling encounter. After two disappointing losses, PBKS found a way to secure a win with a lot of character from its batter. Chasing 200, Shashank played a blistering knock of unbeaten 29-ball 61 to keep PBKS in the hunt. Impact player Ashutosh Sharma produced a superb cameo, 31 of 17 to keep PBKS’ head high in the death overs. Defending 7 runs in the final over, Darshan Nalkande started well by dismissing Ashutosh but Shashank managed to find the boundary rope and secured a crucial win for PBKS.

Earlier, Kagiso Rabada gave PBKS a good start by dismissing Wriddhiman Saha (11) early. GT skipper Shubman Gill and Kiwi star batter Kane Williamson steadied the hosts’ innings with a fine 40-run partnership. Williamson departed after scoring 26 while Sai Sudharsan played a quick-fire 33. Although PBKS bowlers managed to take wickets, Gill continued to play an attacking innings, finding the boundary ropes frequently.

Gill registered his first fifty of the ongoing season and remained unbeaten on 89. On the other side, Rahul Tewatia played an outstanding cameo of 8-ball 23, blasting three fours and a six, and guiding GT to post a defendable 199/4. Rabada picked up two wickets while Harpreet Brar and Harshal Patel bagged one each.

Umesh Yadav stunned the PBKS fans by bowling out their captain Shikhar Dhawan cheaply for 1. But Jonny Bairstow played his natural attacking shots to keep the scoreboard moving. Noor Ahmad cleaned up Bairstow (22) in the final powerplay over. The spinner struck again to remove Prabhsimran Singh, who batted well for his 35. Sikandar Raza and Jitesh Sharma failed to make an impact. However, Shashank and Ashutosh held their nerves to hand PBKS a famous win.