The Eden Gardens in Kolkata set the stage for a high-octane conflict as Punjab Kings (PBKS) locked horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) within the forty fourth match of IPL 2025. With each groups eyeing a vital win to bolster their playoff hopes, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer gained the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to place up a formidable whole on the board. The choice was vindicated early as PBKS openers got here out all weapons blazing, setting the tone for a memorable night.
Prabhsimran Singh’s stuninng swap hit to Sunil Narine
The spotlight of the primary innings-and arguably some of the audacious pictures of the season-came within the eleventh over. Dealing with the legendary Sunil Narine, Prabhsimran Singh showcased his aptitude and confidence with a jaw-dropping swap hit. On the third ball of the eleventh over, Narine tossed one up on leg stump. Prabhsimran, studying the size early, executed an ideal swap of his stance and walloped the ball clear over deep sq. leg for a large six. The Eden Gardens crowd was left shocked, whereas the PBKS dugout erupted in applause for the sheer innovation and timing of the shot.
Prabhsimran’s potential to play such unconventional strokes is not any fluke. He has beforehand credited his relentless observe within the nets for mastering sweeps and swap hits, drawing inspiration from the constructive mindset instilled by his coach and the liberty to precise himself on the crease. This six not solely underlined his rising popularity as a fearless batter but additionally shifted the momentum firmly in Punjab’s favour.
Right here’s the video:
Fashionable and Audacious 😎
An excellent 120-run opening partnership involves an finish 👏#PBKS 121/1 after 12 overs.
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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 26, 2025
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PBKS batters shine shiny towards KKR
The Punjab Kings’ high order made essentially the most of a batting-friendly pitch and a lightning-fast outfield at Eden Gardens. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran cast a scintillating partnership, racing to 50 in simply 4.3 overs. Arya was the aggressor early on, reaching his half-century off 27 balls with an array of boundaries and modern pictures. Prabhsimran, in the meantime, performed the right foil-rotating strike, punishing free deliveries, and unleashing the occasional massive hit, together with his spectacular switch-hit six.
By the top of the thirteenth over, Punjab Kings had amassed 139 for 1, sustaining a run fee above 10.5. Arya departed after a blinding 69 off 35 balls, however Prabhsimran continued unfazed, notching up his personal half-century earlier than falling to Vaibhav Arora on 83 from 48 balls, peppered with 6 fours and 6 sixes. Captain Iyer ensured the momentum was maintained together with his blistering knock of 25 runs and Josh Inglis‘ transient cameo.
The KKR bowlers, together with Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Harshit Rana, struggled to include the onslaught, with solely Chakravarthy managing to maintain his economic system in verify. Because the innings progressed, PBKS scored 201/4 of their allotted 20 overs.
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