In the electrifying seventeenth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, cricket enthusiasts witnessed an enthralling battle between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS). What started as a dominant display by GT soon turned into a nail-biting thriller, with PBKS emerging victorious, courtesy of the stellar performances by Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma.

Shubman Gill and Rahul Tewatia’s masterclass for GT

The stage was set at the IPL arena as GT took the crease at their homeground in Ahmedabad, led by a solid partnership between Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill. While Saha’s early departure was a minor setback, Gill’s masterclass in strokeplay left the audience spellbound. With exquisite shots and impeccable timing, Gill marched on to a magnificent 89 runs, setting the tone for GT’s formidable total of 199/4. Rahul Tewatia‘s explosive cameo further bolstered GT’s innings, leaving PBKS with a daunting target to chase.

Early setbacks for PBKS

In response, PBKS faced an early setback with the dismissal of their skipper, Shikhar Dhawan. However, the arrival of Jonny Bairstow infused new life into the chase, as he unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes to keep PBKS in the hunt. Despite Bairstow’s heroics, wickets fell at regular intervals, and the game seemed to slip away from PBKS’s grasp.

Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma pull off an unthinkable

Just when all hope seemed lost, enter Shashank (61 runs off 29 balls) and impact substitute Ashutosh (31 off 17 deliveries). Determined to turn the tide, they embarked on a breathtaking counterattack, stunning the opposition with their audacious strokeplay. Singh’s composure under pressure and Sharma’s fearless approach kept PBKS’s hopes alive as they steered their team towards an improbable victory. With each passing over, the tension soared, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats. Shashank and Ashutosh’s partnership blossomed into a spectacle, as they relentlessly pursued the target set by GT. Despite the mounting pressure, they held their nerve, displaying maturity beyond their years and eventually guided Punjab to three-wicket victory.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

The depth in Indian cricket on view today for @PunjabKingsIPL with Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 4, 2024

Shashank singh shows solid power game today. He is the same with whom Punjab had controversy during auction.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 4, 2024

Shashank Singh REMEMBER THE NAMEEEEE! Singlehandedly won the game for #PBKS A 200-run away chase ain't easy, but he made it possible. 💥🔥🔥🔥 He just made #PBKS's wrong choice, RIGHTT. #GTvsPBKS #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/mu3I5Ka9fG

— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) April 4, 2024

Shashank and Ashutosh. Wow wow wow. 🤩

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 4, 2024

A new talent seems to be emerging every day in the IPL. After Mayank and Angkrish Raghuvanshi yesterday, Shashank Singh is playing a little beauty for the Punjab Kings!

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) April 4, 2024

SHASHANK SINGH & ASHUTOSH SHARMA ARE THE HEROES FOR PUNJAB….!!!!

PBKS were out of the game then came the Shashank & Ashutosh made the rescue act 🫡 helped Punjab to register a remarkable away win. pic.twitter.com/CfAj1FJ3gP — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 4, 2024

😭😭😭😭

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) April 4, 2024

BOUGHT BY MISTAKE WILL BE RETAINED ON PURPOSE! SHASHANK SINGH YOU BEAUTYYY!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/PzLASytlS0

— Neon Man (@NeonMan_01) April 4, 2024

When you accidentally buy Shashank Singh in auction and he turns out to be a match winner pic.twitter.com/VfJeheyD5f

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) April 4, 2024

Years of watching Punjab kings has taught me a lesson that they'll bring any target to a chaseable level only to bottle it then and there unapologetically.

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) April 4, 2024

Shashank Singh won the player of the match award.

– The Hero for Punjab Kings. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/co24HAbsN2 — CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) April 4, 2024

GT Prepared For Dhawan and Bairstow, Shashank Singh CAME OUT OF SYLLABUS 😂😂😂😂#PBKSvsGT pic.twitter.com/Jv9RV6v1SK

— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) April 4, 2024

During the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai , Punjab Kings after bidding successfully for Shashank Singh tried to convince, the auctioneer, that they didn't want the player! Then franchise had put things down to a case of mistaken identity. Now IDENTITY is truly established!#PBKSvsGT

— Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa) April 4, 2024

Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran, Jitesh!

Punjab Kings scouting team has been so underrated. The last two years have been magnificent for them, just that they failed to click as a unit. — Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) April 4, 2024