Punjab Kings (PBKS) dominated both powerplays to secure their second consecutive victory in IPL 2025. After choosing to bowl on a moderately two-paced red-soil pitch, they restricted Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 39 for 3 in the first six overs. Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni steadied LSG’s innings, helping them recover and set a total of 171 for 7—considered a par score by Orange Cap holder Nicholas Pooran.
However, Pooran’s evaluation likely shifted when Prabhsimran Singh smashed a 23-ball fifty in the chase. He contributed 45 of PBKS’ 62 powerplay runs, leaving LSG with no way back. Shreyas Iyer then sealed the win with an unbeaten 52 off 30 balls, handing LSG their second loss in three matches.
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PBKS Strike Early to Seize Control
The opening over set the tone as Arshdeep Singh’s first delivery to Mitchell Marsh stopped on him, seamed away from leg stump, and resulted in a mistimed catch to Marco Jansen at short third. Marsh, who had scored fifties in his first two innings of the season, fell for a golden duck.
Lockie Ferguson, preferred over Jansen to share the new ball, was deployed early to exploit his favorable match-up against Nicholas Pooran. Before this game, Ferguson had dismissed Pooran four times in just 17 balls across T20s, conceding at a miserly economy of 7.05. However, on the day, he bowled just three balls to Pooran, eventually dismissing Aiden Markram via an inside edge after conceding three boundaries.
With left-handers Pooran and Rishabh Pant at the crease, PBKS introduced Glenn Maxwell’s off-spin. The move paid off as Maxwell dismissed Pant for the third time in four IPL innings. The tournament’s most expensive player at INR 27 crore, Pant has struggled so far, managing just 17 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 65.38.
Pooran, Samad, and Badoni Lift LSG Amidst Early Struggles
Despite wickets tumbling around him, Nicholas Pooran maintained an aggressive approach, striking Glenn Maxwell for consecutive boundaries in the seventh over. A tactical battle then unfolded between Pooran and Yuzvendra Chahal, who attempted to keep the left-hander in check with wrong’uns. Pooran initially countered the strategy with two boundaries off Chahal’s first over, but the leg-spinner had the last laugh, dismissing him for 44 off 30 balls with a well-disguised, looped-up wrong’un that found wide long-off.
LSG’s troubles deepened when Marco Jansen removed his fellow South African, David Miller, for 19 off 16 balls, reducing them to 119 for 5 in the 16th over. However, Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad injected much-needed momentum, stitching together a quickfire 47-run stand off just 21 balls. Samad showcased his fearless hitting, stepping out to launch Jansen for six on his very first delivery and then stunning everyone with a reverse scoop off Arshdeep Singh in the 18th over, which yielded 20 runs for LSG. Arshdeep, however, had the final say, dismissing both batters in the last over to restrict LSG to under 180.
Prabhsimran Power and Iyer’s Composure Guide PBKS to Second Win
Prabhsimran Singh thrives on pace, and Tuesday was no exception. Unlike the first innings, where the pitch was two-paced, the ball skidded on nicely in the second. He wasted no time, ramping Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan for a six and a four in the opening two overs.
In response, Rishabh Pant introduced mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi to counter Prabhsimran and Priyansh Arya. Rathi nearly struck with his second ball, but Mitchell Marsh dropped a tough overhead chance at slip. The drop only cost LSG one run, as Rathi soon dismissed Arya for 8, caught at mid-on by Thakur.
Prabhsimran continued his assault, dismantling Ravi Bishnoi in the final over of the powerplay. He read the leg-spinner’s wrong’uns perfectly, slog-sweeping him over mid-on and square leg. He then welcomed left-arm spinner M Siddarth, LSG’s Impact Player, with a switch-hit four before calmly reaching his half-century with a single.
It seemed like LSG needed something extraordinary to remove Prabhsimran, and they got it—a brilliant relay catch near the boundary by Ayush Badoni and Bishnoi. He departed for a blazing 69 off 34 balls, leaving PBKS with just 62 required from 59 balls.
Shreyas Iyer took charge from there, compiling an unbeaten 50 and forging a 67-run stand off 37 balls with Impact Player Nehal Wadhera to wrap up the chase with over three overs to spare.
With two wins in two games, PBKS firmly established themselves as early pace-setters in IPL 2025, alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC).
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FAQs
How did PBKS dominate both powerplays against LSG?
PBKS restricted LSG to 39/3 in the first six overs and then smashed 62 runs in their own powerplay, led by Prabhsimran Singh’s explosive start.
What was the turning point of the match for PBKS?
Prabhsimran Singh’s aggressive 69 off 34 balls set the tone for PBKS, ensuring LSG never had a way back into the game.
How did Shreyas Iyer contribute to PBKS’ victory?
Iyer anchored the chase with an unbeaten 52 off 30 balls, forming a match-winning 67-run stand with Nehal Wadhera.
What role did PBKS’ bowlers play in the win?
Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, and Glenn Maxwell made early breakthroughs, while Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal contained LSG’s middle order.
Where does PBKS stand in the IPL 2025 points table after this win?
PBKS remain unbeaten with two wins in two games, joining RCB and DC as early pace-setters in the tournament.
