Is Prabhsimran Finally Living Up to His Promise?
Punjab Kings (PBKS) posted a total of 236 for 5 in their match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with Prabhsimran Singh scoring a brilliant 91 off 48 balls. In reply, LSG could only manage 199 for 7, falling short by 37 runs. PBKS, with this win, have moved up to No. 2 on the points table, closing in on a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs.
The Headliner
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer had initially wanted to bowl first at the toss, but after winning the competition with the bat, it was clear that his team was up for the challenge. PBKS hammered 34 boundaries – 16 fours and 18 sixes – en route to their 11th 200-plus total in IPL history. Only Mumbai Indians (MI) have scored more such totals.
Prabhsimran Singh was the driving force behind the onslaught. Despite a dropped catch on 22 off 11 balls, he went on to deliver an explosive knock. His fifty came off just 24 balls, and he made sure to finish with a flourish, scoring 38 off his final 13 deliveries. This was his third consecutive fifty after entering the season with only four fifty-plus scores in his IPL career.
The Support Acts
The other batters also played their part. Every time LSG claimed a wicket, the new batter arrived and promptly found the boundary. Iyer, showing his transformation from IPL 2024, continued his form, striking at 163 compared to 125 in the previous season. His new-found aggression didn’t compromise his consistency, as he averaged 44 this season, compared to his previous average of 32.
Shashank Singh also played a pivotal role, contributing a quick-fire 33 off 15 balls*, including a towering six off Mayank Yadav, which almost reached one of the Dharamsala mountain tops.
LSG’s Woes
The LSG bowlers had a tough day. Mayank Yadav went for 60 runs in his four overs, marking the joint-worst bowling performance for LSG in IPL history. Avesh Khan was also expensive, leaking 26 runs in the 19th over, including three fours and two sixes. Digvesh Rathi, in his last two matches, has been hammered for over 40 runs, further compounding LSG’s bowling problems.
As PBKS built momentum, LSG found themselves under pressure, with their hopes pinned on a strong performance from their top order, which failed to deliver.
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