In a high-voltage IPL 2025 clash at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) put up a commanding performance with the bat, posting a mammoth total of 236/5 in 20 overs against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The highlight of the innings was a blistering knock by Prabhsimran Singh, who smashed 91 off just 48 balls, anchoring the innings with power and precision.
After LSG captain KL Rahul won the toss and opted to bowl first, PBKS lost an early wicket with Prerit Arya falling for just 1 run in the first over. However, what followed was an absolute carnage led by Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis, who scored a rapid 30 off 14 balls. The duo stitched a 49-run stand that set the tone for the innings.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer joined the party with a fiery 45 off 25 balls, displaying aggressive intent with four boundaries and two maximums. PBKS kept the momentum going with Nehal Wadhera (16 off 9) and Shashank Singh, who played a vital cameo of 33 not out from just 15 balls, ensuring the run rate never dipped.
Towards the death overs, Australian powerhouse Marcus Stoinis added the finishing touches with an explosive 15 not out off 5 balls, pushing Punjab past the 230 mark.
Fall of Wickets:
- 2/1 (P. Arya, 0.5 ov)
- 50/2 (J. Inglis, 4.3 ov)
- 128/3 (S. Iyer, 12.2 ov)
- 162/4 (N. Wadhera, 15.2 ov)
- 216/5 (P. Singh, 18.5 ov)
Bowling Woes for LSG
LSG’s decision to bowl first backfired, with their bowlers struggling on a flat Dharamsala pitch. Mayank Yadav had an off day, conceding 60 runs in his four overs without a wicket. Avesh Khan was also expensive, giving away 57 runs. The only bright spots for LSG came through Akash Singh (2/30) and Digvesh Rathi (2/46), who provided brief breakthroughs but couldn’t stem the flow of runs. Prince Yadav also chipped in with one wicket, conceding 43 in his spell.
What Lies Ahead
With 236 runs on the board, PBKS have set a daunting target for LSG, who will need their top order to fire from ball one. The onus will be on KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, and Nicholas Pooran to give them a flying start if they are to chase down this mammoth score under lights.
Given the high-scoring nature of the Dharamsala track, LSG’s response promises to be an exciting one. But with Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marco Jansen in the bowling ranks for PBKS, the chase will be anything but easy.
