On Thursday, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad wasn’t just for the on-field action. Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings (PBKS), mirrored the tension gripping the fans during their record chase against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Needing a mammoth 200 runs to win, Preity’s emotions ran high throughout the match. But when the young gun Shashank Singh hit the winning runs, her joy erupted, sending her leaping from her seat in a display of pure, unadulterated excitement.
Shashank Singh steals the show
The architect of Punjab’s thrilling win was undoubtedly Shashank. His unbeaten knock of 61 runs from a mere 29 balls was a whirlwind of aggressive batting. Shashank’s innings was a perfect blend of power and precision, with four towering sixes and six scorching fours. Stepping up at a crucial moment, he displayed nerves of steel to steer the chase home and rewrite the record books.
2️⃣ Points ✅
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 4, 2024
Young guns Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma win it for @PunjabKingsIPL 🙌
They get over the line as they beat #GT by 3 wickets 👍
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/0Sy2civoOa #TATAIPL | #GTvPBKS pic.twitter.com/m7b5f8jLbz
Preity Zinta celebrates with fans and players
Preity Zinta’s infectious enthusiasm extended far beyond the winning shot. Following the match, the Bollywood actress turned cheerleader for the fans, showering them with kisses from the stands.
Here’s the video:
Her dedication didn’t stop there. Zinta, ever the team player, made a special trip down to the field to personally congratulate the players on their incredible feat.
The celebratory mood continued as she met with both captains, Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS) and Shubman Gill (GT), showcasing true sportsmanship.
A night etched in IPL history
Preity Zinta Pictures from TATA IPL 2024
The Punjab Kings’ victory wasn’t just about securing two points. It was a night that rewrote the record books. With this win, PBKS now holds the coveted title for the most successful chases of 200+ runs in IPL history. This achievement surpasses the previous record of five held by Mumbai Indians (MI). Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) now find themselves one step behind with three such chases each.
