Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 2: Punjab Kings (PBKS) continued their stellar start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The win, PBKS’ second consecutive victory, places them second on the points table.
Following the win, head coach Ricky Ponting praised his team but urged them to stay focused and keep working hard.
“So many good things are happening. Let us not take anything for granted. Our attitudes have been spot on. We are just starting to scratch the surface. So let us keep working hard together as a family, and we are going to get better every day,” Ponting said in a PBKS press release.
Prabhsimran, Wadhera Lead PBKS Chase
Chasing 172, PBKS made quick work of the target, reaching 174/2 in just 16.2 overs.
- Prabhsimran Singh was the Player of the Match, smashing 69 runs off 34 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes).
- Nehal Wadhera, who played a crucial role with an unbeaten 43 off 25 balls, admitted he was not expecting to be in the XI but was informed by Ponting before the chase began.
“The way Prabhsimran and Iyer were batting was tremendous. They just went with one flow, and the ball kept connecting. When I came in, I had a clear thought—if it’s in my range, I’ll go 100 per cent; if not, I’ll rotate the strike. I didn’t want to put our captain under pressure, so I decided to attack,” Wadhera said in the post-match press conference.
Arshdeep Singh Shines with the Ball
PBKS’ bowling attack played a vital role in restricting LSG to 171/7.
- Arshdeep Singh was the standout performer, picking up 3 wickets for 43 runs, including crucial breakthroughs at the start and end of the innings.
PBKS’ Next Challenge: Rajasthan Royals
With two wins in two games, Punjab Kings are riding high in the IPL 2025 season. Their next game will be their first home match against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.