Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Lucknow: It was a tough night for the Lucknow Super Giants as they suffered their first home defeat of the IPL 2025 season, going down to Punjab Kings by eight wickets on Tuesday. Despite valiant efforts from the batters, the Kings chased down the target of 172 in just 16.2 overs, riding on a stellar batting performance by Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer.
Markram Shines in Powerplay
Put in to bat first, Lucknow’s opening batter Aiden Markram showcased his class early on despite losing Mitchell Marsh in the very first over. Markram played a series of stylish strokes, racing to a quick 28 off just 15 balls, including four boundaries and a six. However, his promising knock was cut short by Lockie Ferguson in the fourth over. Adding to the woes, captain Rishabh Pant departed cheaply in the fifth over, leaving Lucknow in a spot of bother.
Pooran, Badoni Steady the Ship
With the team in early trouble, Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni took charge, putting together a crucial 54-run stand for the fourth wicket. While Pooran attacked the Punjab bowlers with flair, Badoni played a more composed innings, anchoring the partnership.
Pooran’s entertaining knock of 44 off 30 balls featured five fours and two sixes, before he was dismissed. His departure, however, did not deter the Super Giants from pushing forward.
Late Flourish Helps Lucknow Reach 171/7
David Miller provided the finishing touches with a quick cameo, striking three boundaries in his short stay at the crease. But it was the aggressive batting of Badoni and Abdul Samad in the final overs that propelled Lucknow to a competitive total.
In the 18th over, the duo took Punjab pacer Arshdeep Singh apart, smashing him for 20 runs. Badoni’s 41 off 33 balls and Samad’s fiery 27 helped the hosts reach 171/7 in their 20 overs.
Early Strikes Give Lucknow Hope
Defending 171, Lucknow needed early breakthroughs, and mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi provided just that, dismissing Priyansh Arya in the third over.
Despite the early success, the Punjab Kings recovered well through a dominant partnership between wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh and skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Punjab’s Batting Blitz Seals Victory
Prabhsimran and Iyer stitched together an 84-run stand that put the visitors firmly in control. Digvesh Rathi struck again in the 11th over to remove Prabhsimran, who had made a match-winning 69 off 38 balls.
However, any hopes of a Lucknow comeback were dashed as Iyer and Nehal Wadhera comfortably guided Punjab to victory with an unbroken 67-run partnership for the third wicket.
Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 52, while Wadhera’s composed 38 ensured that the Kings wrapped up the chase in emphatic fashion.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) delivered a commanding performance to secure a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their IPL 2025 encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Powered by stellar half-centuries from Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer, PBKS successfully chased down the 172-run target in just 16.2 overs.
The highlight of LSG’s innings came in the form of Ayush Badoni’s 41 off 33 balls, which provided some stability in the middle overs. Abdul Samad’s quickfire 27 off 12 balls towards the end, featuring some aggressive strokeplay, propelled LSG past the 170-run mark. However, the PBKS bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/29) and Marco Jansen (2/32), ensured that LSG never got too far ahead.
Prabhsimran, Shreyas Steer PBKS to Comfortable Victory
PBKS began their chase in explosive fashion, thanks to Prabhsimran Singh’s aggressive batting. Opening the innings with Priyansh Arya, he set the tone early, smashing boundaries with ease. Prabhsimran’s 69 off 34 balls, studded with six fours and five sixes, provided the perfect platform for the visitors.
Despite losing Priyansh early for 4, PBKS remained in control. Shreyas Iyer then took charge, anchoring the innings with a stylish 52* off 34 balls. His effortless strokeplay, including a match-winning six off Samad, ensured PBKS sealed the victory with 22 balls to spare.
Nehal Wadhera’s supporting knock of 28* off 17 balls further solidified Punjab’s dominant chase, as he partnered well with Shreyas in the latter part of the innings.
Key Performers:
- Prabhsimran Singh (PBKS): 69 (34) – A blazing start to the chase that put PBKS in the driver’s seat.
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): 52* (34) – A composed and stylish innings that guided PBKS home.
- Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): 2/29 – Kept the LSG batters in check with crucial wickets.
- Ayush Badoni (LSG): 41 (33) – Lone warrior in LSG’s batting effort.
- Abdul Samad (LSG): 27 (12) – Provided a late boost to LSG’s total.
Turning Point:
Prabhsimran Singh’s blistering knock in the PowerPlay ensured that PBKS were never under pressure in the chase. His fifty off just 23 balls completely took the game away from LSG, forcing them on the back foot from the start.
Punjab Kings’ dominant display reaffirmed their credentials as strong contenders in IPL 2025. Their batting firepower and well-rounded bowling attack left Lucknow Super Giants struggling for answers. With this win, PBKS strengthened their position in the points table, while LSG will need to regroup quickly and reassess their strategies moving forward.
Match Summary:
Lucknow Super Giants: 171/7 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 44, Ayush Badoni 41; Arshdeep Singh 3/43)
Punjab Kings: 177/2 in 16.2 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 69, Shreyas Iyer 52*; Digvesh Rathi 2/30)
Result: Punjab Kings won by 8 wickets.
What’s Next for the Super Giants?
With this loss behind them, Lucknow Super Giants will aim to bounce back when they face the Mumbai Indians at home on Friday.
