02 Apr, 2025 | 01:40 AM
Punjab Kings continued their perfect start to IPL 2025 with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), securing their second consecutive win in the tournament. On a two-paced red-soil pitch, PBKS restricted LSG to 171/7 and chased down the target with ease, finishing at 177/2 in just 18.5 overs.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Punjab Kings made early inroads into the LSG batting lineup. Arshdeep Singh set the tone by dismissing Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck in the first over, as the ball seamed away and caught Marsh off guard. The wicket of Marsh was followed by two more quick dismissals, with LSG struggling at 39/3 within the first six overs.
Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni revived the LSG innings, with Pooran top-scoring for his side with 44 runs off 30 balls. The pair put on a 47-run partnership in just 21 balls, briefly lifting LSG’s spirits. However, their efforts were in vain as PBKS kept a stranglehold on the game. Yuzvendra Chahal and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with crucial wickets, while Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson provided disciplined spells. In the end, LSG posted a total of 171/7, which was deemed a par score by Pooran.
In reply, PBKS was off to a flying start, thanks to a blistering knock from Prabhsimran Singh. The opening batter displayed his aggressive intent by racing to a 23-ball half-century. He dominated the powerplay, scoring 45 of PBKS's 62 runs, and continued his onslaught as he dispatched Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan for boundaries early on. Although LSG managed to dismiss Prabhsimran for 69 off 34 balls, with a stunning boundary catch from Badoni and Ravi Bishnoi, the damage was already done.
With just 62 runs required from 59 balls, Shreyas Iyer took control of the chase, finishing with an unbeaten 52 from 30 balls. Iyer’s composed innings saw him forge a 67-run partnership with Nehal Wadhera (14 not out), guiding PBKS to a comfortable victory with more than three overs to spare.
The result leaves Punjab Kings sitting at the top of the IPL 2025 standings, alongside Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, as one of the early pace-setters.
For LSG, it was a disappointing performance after a promising start to the season, and they now face the challenge of bouncing back in their next outing.
Prabhsimran Singh’s blistering 69 off 34 balls put PBKS firmly in control.
Shreyas Iyer’s calm half-century ensured PBKS chased down the target with ease.
Arshdeep Singh’s early wickets set the tone for the PBKS bowlers, with him taking 3/43.
Digvesh Rathi fined for breaching IPL Code of Conduct during the match.
