Shreyas Iyer delivered a breathtaking unbeaten 97 off 42 balls for Punjab Kings against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium but missed out on his maiden IPL century as Punjab Kings finished at 243 for five.
Iyer needed just three runs to reach his hundred before the final over. However, his partner Shashank Singh took charge, smashing Mohammed Siraj for multiple boundaries in a 23-run over. Iyer remained at the non-striker’s end throughout the last six deliveries.
Shashank opened the over with a ramp shot for four. He followed up with a flick for two and then drove another four through cover. A powerful cut shot brought another boundary. Siraj bowled a wide down the leg side before Shashank cleared deep square-leg for four more. He finished with a final ramp shot over third man for another boundary.
Despite missing out on the milestone, Iyer played a crucial role in Punjab Kings' total. His knock included nine sixes and five fours at a staggering strike rate of 230.95. Shashank also made a vital impact, scoring 44 not out off just 16 balls with six fours and two sixes.
Punjab Kings will now aim to defend their massive total as Gujarat Titans begin their chase of 244.
