IPL 2025: Prabhsimran guide Punjab Kings to comfortable victory over Lucknow Super Giants

Punjab Kings dominated both powerplays en route to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. After opting to bowl on a two-paced red-soil pitch, PBKS restricted LSG to a modest total of 171/7. The Punjab side chased down the target with ease, reaching 177/2 with more than three overs to spare.

LSG got off to a poor start, slumping to 35/3 in the first five overs, thanks to early breakthroughs from PBKS bowlers. Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni then provided some resistance with a 54-run partnership, but LSG could never fully recover. Despite late strikes from Abdul Samad, LSG could only manage a par total. 

Prabhsimran Singh was the star of the chase for PBKS, clattering a blistering 69 off 34 balls. He was instrumental in setting the tone for the chase, scoring 45 of the 62 runs PBKS had in the powerplay. His aggressive strokeplay left LSG with little chance of a comeback.

Shreyas Iyer, who has been in fine form this season, finished the job with an unbeaten 52 off 30 balls. His 67-run partnership with Nehal Wadhera, who contributed 43 not out, guided PBKS to victory.

Earlier, PBKS bowlers made early inroads into LSG's top order. Arshdeep Singh removed Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck on the first ball, while Lockie Ferguson cleaned up Markram for 28. PBKS used the spin of Glenn Maxwell effectively, as he dismissed Rishabh Pant for 2, leaving LSG in further trouble. 

Pooran and Samad fought back, with Pooran hitting a quick 44 off 30 balls, but the wickets kept falling at the other end. LSG's innings lost momentum, despite a brief flurry of boundaries from Samad and Badoni. Arshdeep and Jansen took crucial wickets in the final overs to restrict LSG below 180.

In the chase, Prabhsimran was the key figure, and even though LSG had a chance to dismiss him, a brilliant catch near the boundary by Ravi Bishnoi ended his innings. With just 68 runs needed off 59 balls, Iyer's steady half-century and Wadhera’s support ensured PBKS comfortably reached their target.

This victory marks PBKS' second win in as many games, placing them alongside Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in the top three positions of the IPL 2025 points table.