In a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, Punjab Kings secured a significant victory against Gujarat Titans, propelling themselves to the fifth position in the table. They successfully chased down the daunting target of 200 runs set by Gujarat Titans, who posted a formidable total of 199/4 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of skipper Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 89-run innings. However, it was Shashank Singh‘s magnificent unbeaten 61 that guided Punjab Kings to a remarkable victory in stunning fashion.
Shashank Singh came and played a tremendous knock- Shikhar Dhawan
PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan had high praise for the 32-year-old player, Shashank Singh who shone brightly during the match.
“It was an amazing game. Very, very close,” Dhawan started
Dhawan, known for providing his team with explosive starts, was dismissed early in the match, falling victim to Umesh Yadav after scoring just a single run.
“Our boys did the job. The plan was to give a good start, but I got out early. We lost a few wickets early and Shashank came and played a tremendous knock,” he said.
“When you are chasing a big total, you have to keep the momentum going,” the Punjab skipper said.
He started from No. 7 and is now showing his positive mindset- Shikhar Dhawan on Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh came to the crease with Punjab Kings struggling at 70/4 in the ninth over and immediately took on the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack.
“Shashank showed his class. It was a magnificent knock. He timed the ball so nicely, that it looked effortless. He kept his cool and finished the game,” Dhawan said.
Shashank, who typically bats at No.7, was promoted up the order for the match, a move that proved to be fruitful as Punjab Kings successfully chased down the highest target of the ongoing IPL season.
“He started from No. 7 and is now showing his positive mindset,” the PBKS captain said.
Shashank Singh received crucial support from Ashutosh Sharma, whose quickfire 31 off 17 deliveries as an Impact Player revived Punjab Kings’ innings and laid the foundation for their victory. Dhawan acknowledged Ashutosh Sharma’s contribution and credited the 25-year-old before joining his team for the post-match celebrations.
“Ashutosh also came in and took the game well. The two young boys were keeping their calm and soaking the pressure,” Dhawan concluded.