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 an important win to bolster their playoff hopes, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer received the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to place up a formidable complete 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 change hit to Sunil Narine
The spotlight of the primary innings-and arguably one of the crucial audacious photographs of the season-came within the eleventh over. Going through the legendary Sunil Narine, Prabhsimran Singh showcased his aptitude and confidence with a jaw-dropping change hit. On the third ball of the eleventh over, Narine tossed one up on leg stump. Prabhsimran, studying the size early, executed an ideal change 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 capability to play such unconventional strokes isn’t any fluke. He has beforehand credited his relentless apply within the nets for mastering sweeps and change 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 fame as a fearless batter but in addition shifted the momentum firmly in Punjab’s favour.
Right here’s the video:
Fashionable and Audacious 😎
A superb 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 vivid in opposition to KKR
The Punjab Kings’ prime order made essentially the most of a batting-friendly pitch and a lightning-fast outfield at Eden Gardens. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran solid 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 progressive photographs. Prabhsimran, in the meantime, performed the right foil-rotating strike, punishing unfastened deliveries, and unleashing the occasional huge hit, together with his spectacular switch-hit six.
By the tip of the thirteenth over, Punjab Kings had amassed 139 for 1, sustaining a run charge above 10.5. Arya departed after a stunning 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‘ temporary 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 examine. Because the innings progressed, PBKS scored 201/4 of their allotted 20 overs.
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