In Match 13 of IPL 2025, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) steamrolled the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with a dominant eight-wicket win at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. This victory strengthened PBKS’s impressive early-season form, giving them their second win on the trot and pushing them up the points table.
Match Summary
- Date: April 1, 2025
- Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Result: Punjab Kings won by 8 wickets
- Target: 172 runs
- Punjab Kings: 177/2 in 16.2 overs
- Lucknow Super Giants: 171/7 in 20 overs
Toss and Team Strategy
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first. He assessed the red-soil pitch and predicted two-paced behavior, which could favor bowlers early on. Dew in the second innings also influenced the decision, giving PBKS a strategic edge. Iyer backed his bowlers to deliver early breakthroughs and aimed for a clinical chase under the lights.
LSG Batting Performance
Lucknow’s innings began under pressure as PBKS bowlers hit the right areas from the very first over. Arshdeep Singh removed the dangerous Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck, setting the tone. Marsh tried to cut a rising delivery but only managed a top-edge to short third man.
The top order failed to build momentum. Rishabh Pant, captaining the side, once again failed to find form. He played a few fluent strokes but perished for 15, edging a turning delivery from Glenn Maxwell. By the end of the powerplay, LSG stumbled to 39 for 3.
Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni steadied the ship in the middle overs. Pooran played with flair, smashing 44 off 30 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. He rotated the strike well and ensured the run rate stayed healthy. Badoni supported him effectively, compiling a gritty 41 off 33 balls. The pair stitched a 72-run partnership that helped Lucknow recover.
In the final overs, Abdul Samad chipped in with a few lusty blows to push LSG to 171 for 7. However, the score looked 20-25 runs short on a ground where chasing becomes easier due to the dew factor.
Key LSG Batting Contributions
- Nicholas Pooran – 44 (30 balls)
- Ayush Badoni – 41 (33 balls)
- Abdul Samad – 22* (13 balls)
PBKS Bowling Highlights
Punjab Kings’ bowling unit operated with precision and aggression. Arshdeep Singh stood out with three wickets in his four overs, dismantling the top order. His ability to swing the new ball and deliver accurate short balls left LSG rattled.
Yuzvendra Chahal and Glenn Maxwell played crucial roles in the middle overs, applying the brakes on scoring and taking key wickets. The spin duo varied their pace and lengths smartly to contain the batsmen.
Top Bowlers
- Arshdeep Singh – 3/43 (4 overs)
- Glenn Maxwell – 1/21 (3 overs)
- Yuzvendra Chahal – 1/24 (4 overs)
PBKS Chase: Pure Dominance
Punjab Kings came out all guns blazing. Prabhsimran Singh took control from the very first over, sending the bowlers on a leather hunt. He hit cleanly, timing the ball to perfection, and reached his fifty in just 23 balls. His 69-run knock off 34 deliveries included seven boundaries and four sixes. He neutralized any early threat and crushed LSG’s morale.
Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera carried the chase forward after Prabhsimran fell. Iyer, already in great form this season, played a classy innings. He anchored the chase with an unbeaten 52 off 30 balls. His shot selection remained impeccable, and he paced his innings intelligently. Wadhera supported him with a composed 43* off 25 balls, hitting boundaries whenever the pressure crept in.
The duo finished the game in style. Iyer launched a towering six over long-on to seal the win in the 17th over, finishing the chase with 22 balls to spare.
PBKS Batting Standouts
- Prabhsimran Singh – 69 (34 balls)
- Shreyas Iyer – 52* (30 balls)
- Nehal Wadhera – 43* (25 balls)
Turning Points
- Marsh’s Early Dismissal: Arshdeep Singh’s wicket of Mitchell Marsh in the first over set LSG back immediately.
- Powerplay Pressure: LSG’s inability to capitalize in the powerplay left them with catch-up work throughout the innings.
- Prabhsimran’s Blitz: His aggressive start killed the chase early and never let the bowlers settle.
- Captain’s Composure: Iyer’s leadership and calm knock ensured the chase stayed smooth and clinical.
Captains’ Comments
Shreyas Iyer:
“I’m proud of the boys. Everyone executed the plan perfectly. The bowlers stepped up early, and the batters kept it aggressive but calculated. We knew dew would help us, and the chase became easier with that start.”
Rishabh Pant:
“We didn’t get the score we aimed for. We lost early wickets, and that hurt us. Pooran and Badoni batted well, but we needed more from the top. Our bowlers tried their best, but credit to Punjab for a strong batting show.”
Stats Snapshot
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Prabhsimran Singh | 69 (34) – Fastest 50 in 23 balls |
| Arshdeep Singh | 3 wickets – Destroyed LSG top order |
| Shreyas Iyer | 52* (30) – Finished with a six |
| Nicholas Pooran | 44 (30) – Top scorer for LSG |
What This Means for the Tournament
Punjab Kings now sit comfortably in the top half of the IPL 2025 table, boasting a healthy net run rate. Their balanced squad, with a reliable top order and sharp bowling attack, looks like a serious playoff contender.
For Lucknow Super Giants, the defeat highlights some glaring issues. Their top order needs stability, and Pant must find form quickly if the team hopes to challenge stronger sides. The bowling unit also needs to find better discipline under pressure.
Conclusion
Punjab Kings outclassed Lucknow Super Giants in all departments. Their bowlers set up the match beautifully, and their batters executed the chase with flair and fearlessness. With this clinical win, PBKS sent a loud message to the rest of the league — they are here to dominate IPL 2025.
