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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Shashank, who had just walked in to face the final over, was instructed by Iyer to focus solely on hitting the ball for boundaries without worrying about giving him strike. Shashank’s aggressive mindset paid off, as he struck five fours in the final over, taking 23 runs off it and propelling PBKS to a massive total of 243/5. The final score proved too much for Gujarat Titans, as PBKS won by 11 runs.

Shashank’s Confidence Boost from Iyer’s Words

“I didn’t see the scoreboard initially, but after hitting the first ball, I noticed Shreyas was on 97,” Shashank said after the match. “I was going to ask him if I should take a single, but he told me not to worry about his hundred. It takes a lot of heart and courage to say that, and it gave me even more confidence.”

The pair added an unbeaten 81 runs in just 28 balls, with Shashank finishing on 44* off 16 balls and Iyer on 97* off 42. Despite his career-best knock, Iyer’s selflessness in the crucial moments highlighted his leadership qualities and commitment to the team over personal milestones.

Iyer’s Impact as Captain

Shashank spoke highly of Iyer’s captaincy, saying, “Shreyas is someone who works on instincts, and that’s why he’s one of the best captains in the world right now. It was the right time to bring in Vyshak, and the way he executed the plan was commendable.” Iyer’s ability to inspire and guide his teammates under pressure was evident, and the team’s successful finish was a reflection of his leadership.

Vyshak’s Game-Changing Performance

While the batting fireworks took center stage, Punjab’s bowling was also crucial in limiting Gujarat’s chase. Vijaykumar Vyshak bowled an exceptional spell, conceding just 10 runs in his first two overs and maintaining pressure on the Titans’ batsmen. Vyshak’s yorkers in the death overs helped slow the chase, preventing GT from reaching the daunting target.

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