Daijiworld Media Network - Dharamshala
Dharamshala, May 5: Punjab Kings (PBKS) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 37 runs at the HPCA Stadium, securing their first IPL victory in Dharamshala in over a decade and climbing to second place on the points table.
Prabhsimran Singh led the charge with a blistering 91 off 48 deliveries, supported by vital cameos from Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis. Their collective efforts helped PBKS post a daunting 236/5. In response, Arshdeep Singh's tight spell of 3/16 restricted LSG to 199/7.
Reflecting on the team’s win, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer expressed his delight over the team's collective effort.
“Absolutely elated. Everyone contributed when it mattered most, and the synergy on the field was just brilliant. Prabhsimran's knock was phenomenal—pure delight to watch,” Iyer said post-match.
He added that the team didn’t dwell on stats or target scores. “We stepped onto the field with just one aim—winning. No overthinking. The hard work is showing results. Everyone understands their role and executes it with precision,” he remarked.
However, Iyer acknowledged there’s still room for improvement: “We just need to sharpen our field awareness and mobility. Other than that, I believe backing instincts over numbers has worked for us.”
Meanwhile, LSG captain Rishabh Pant admitted his side faltered with both the ball and in the field.
“We conceded too many runs, no doubt. Dropping catches at crucial junctures really cost us,” Pant noted. “We expected more assistance from the pitch, but we didn’t adjust our lengths early on.”
On being asked about potential changes to the batting order, Pant said the top order has been dependable but acknowledged that plans don’t always click. “Sometimes we need to take the game deep. But the target today was too steep.”
Despite dropping to seventh in the standings, Pant remains optimistic about LSG's playoff chances. “The dream is still alive. If we can win our next three games, we’re back in contention,” he said confidently.