Punjab Kings (PBKS) dominated both powerplays to secure their second successive victory in IPL 2025. After opting to bowl on a challenging red-soil pitch, they reduced Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 39 for 3 in the powerplay. Late contributions from Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni helped LSG post 171 for 7, a score that Nicholas Pooran, the current Orange Cap holder, called par for the surface. However, Prabhsimran Singh took charge of the chase, smashing a 23-ball half-century, and Shreyas Iyer sealed the deal with an unbeaten 52 off 30 balls.
PBKS’ Early Dominance
PBKS struck early when Arshdeep Singh dismissed Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck, his first ball stopping on him and seaming away to induce a catch to Marco Jansen at short third. Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson, usually deployed with the older ball, was introduced early to target Nicholas Pooran, whom he had dismissed four times in 17 T20 balls before this game. However, Ferguson bowled just three deliveries to Pooran before removing Aiden Markram for 28 off 18 balls via an inside edge.
LSG’s Middle-Order Resistance
With Rishabh Pant and Pooran at the crease, PBKS turned to Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell struck again, dismissing Pant for the third time in four IPL innings. The most expensive player in IPL history at INR 27 crore, Pant has struggled this season, scoring just 17 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 65.38.
Despite wickets tumbling, Pooran continued his aggressive approach, smashing Maxwell for consecutive fours. His battle with Yuzvendra Chahal was captivating—Pooran initially countered Chahal’s wrong’uns, but the leg-spinner eventually had him holing out for 44 off 30 balls. When Jansen dismissed David Miller for 19 off 16, LSG found themselves at 119 for 5 in the 16th over. Badoni and Samad launched a counterattack, adding 47 off 21 balls, but Arshdeep struck twice in the final over to keep LSG under 180.
Prabhsimran’s Explosive Start
Unlike the first innings, where the pitch played slow, the ball skidded onto the bat in PBKS’ chase. Prabhsimran Singh took full advantage, ramping Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan for six and four within the first two overs. Captain Pant responded by introducing Digvesh Rathi, who created a chance with his second ball, but Marsh dropped a catch at slip. Rathi, however, removed Priyansh Arya for 8, caught at mid-on.
Prabhsimran continued his assault, taking on Ravi Bishnoi in the final over of the powerplay with powerful slog-sweeps over mid-on and square leg. His fifty came via a tucked single, and he greeted M Siddarth, LSG’s Impact Player, with a stylish switch-hit boundary.
LSG needed something special to break Prabhsimran’s rhythm, and they found it in a relay catch between Badoni and Bishnoi near the boundary. Prabhsimran departed for 69 off 34 balls, leaving PBKS needing 62 off 59 balls.
Shreyas Iyer Completes PBKS’ Win
With the game firmly in PBKS’ grasp, Shreyas Iyer played a composed innings, forging a 67-run unbroken partnership with Nehal Wadhera. Iyer’s finishing touch came with a six, sealing an eight-wicket victory with over three overs to spare.
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