Prabhsimran and Iyer comfortably guide LSG to victory

PBKS Dominate Both Powerplays to Cruise to Second Straight Win

Punjab Kings (PBKS) showcased their dominance in both powerplays to secure their second consecutive victory in IPL 2025. Electing to bowl first on a slightly tricky red-soil surface, PBKS had Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) reeling at 39 for 3 after six overs. Despite a gritty recovery from Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni, who helped push the total to a par 171 for 7, LSG’s efforts weren’t enough on the day.

Nicholas Pooran, the current Orange Cap holder, had termed the score competitive, but Prabhsimran Singh quickly put that into question. The PBKS opener blazed his way to a 23-ball half-century, smashing 45 of the 62 runs PBKS scored in the powerplay. From there, LSG had no way back. Shreyas Iyer sealed the chase with a fluent unbeaten 52 off just 30 deliveries, completing the demolition with over three overs to spare.

Arshdeep Strikes Early, Ferguson Gets Pooran

PBKS struck early through Arshdeep Singh, who had Mitchell Marsh caught at short third off the very first delivery. Marsh, who had hit fifties in his first two games, departed for a golden duck. Lockie Ferguson, promoted to share the new ball, was targeted by Aiden Markram but eventually bowled him for 28. Ferguson, with a strong match-up history against Pooran, bowled only three balls to him before Pooran fell to Yuzvendra Chahal’s loopy wrong’un for 44 off 30.

LSG's Brief Fightback

After slumping to 119 for 5, LSG’s innings was revived by Samad and Badoni, who added 47 off just 21 balls. Samad's audacious reverse scoop for six over the keeper stunned everyone, but Arshdeep returned in the final over to dismiss both set batters and restrict LSG to 171.

Prabhsimran Sets the Tone, Iyer Finishes in Style

Prabhsimran, who thrives on pace, wasted no time, dispatching Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan early on. Despite a brief stutter with the dismissal of Priyansh Arya, PBKS kept the momentum thanks to Prabhsimran’s fearless hitting. He took down Bishnoi and Siddarth with aggressive strokeplay, racing to 69 off just 34 balls before falling to a stunning boundary catch by Badoni and Bishnoi.

By then, the equation was in PBKS’ favour—62 needed off 59. Iyer calmly steered the chase, adding an unbroken 67-run stand with Nehal Wadhera, guiding Punjab home comfortably.

With this win, PBKS join RCB and DC as early front-runners in IPL 2025, boasting two wins from two matches.

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