Lucknow Super Giants Set Punjab Kings a 172-Run Target in IPL 2025 Thriller
Lucknow/Patiala, 01 April (Sports Desk)
Match Details: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS), 13th Match, IPL 2025
Date: April 1, 2025
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Toss: Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Match Summary
In an exciting clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), led by Rishabh Pant, posted a competitive total of 171/7 in their 20 overs against an in-form Punjab Kings (PBKS) side captained by Shreyas Iyer. The match, part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, showcased a blend of disciplined bowling, late-order resilience, and a bowler-friendly pitch that promises a thrilling chase for PBKS.
LSG Innings: 171/7 in 20 Overs
LSG’s innings was a tale of early struggles, a mid-order fightback, and a crucial late flourish. Opting to bat on a red-soil pitch known for assisting bowlers, LSG faced immediate pressure from PBKS’s pace attack.
- Early Setback:
The innings began with a jolt as Arshdeep Singh struck in the first over, dismissing opener Mitchell Marsh for just 3 runs off 4 balls. Aiden Markram joined Rishabh Pant at the crease, but the LSG captain, under scrutiny after a slow start to the season, couldn’t capitalize, scoring a modest 15 off 15 balls before falling to Marco Jansen. - Middle-Order Resistance:
Nicholas Pooran, in scintillating form this season, steadied the ship alongside Ayush Badoni. Pooran’s aggressive intent was evident, though he couldn’t convert his start, departing for 41 off 27 balls. David Miller chipped in with 19 off 18 balls but was dismissed by Jansen at a crucial juncture (119/5 in 15.5 overs). The partnership between Pooran and Badoni had added 50 runs in 37 balls, giving LSG hope. - Late Flourish:
Ayush Badoni (37* off 24 balls) and Abdul Samad (27 off 12 balls) provided the late impetus. Samad’s cameo, featuring quick boundaries, pushed LSG past 150. However, Arshdeep Singh returned to remove both in the final over—Badoni mistiming a lofted shot to Glenn Maxwell in the deep, and Samad edging to short third man. Shardul Thakur (3* off 2) and Avesh Khan (0* off 1) saw out the innings, finishing at 171/7. - PBKS Bowling Highlights:
Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/27 in 4 overs, claiming Marsh, Badoni, and Samad. Marco Jansen supported with 2 wickets, while the spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Glenn Maxwell, kept things tight in the middle overs. Lockie Ferguson, making his PBKS debut, bowled economically early on but couldn’t claim a scalp. watch…..Virat Kohli: The IPL Century King
Key Moments
- First Over Strike: Arshdeep Singh’s early dismissal of Mitchell Marsh set the tone for PBKS’s bowling effort.
- Strategic Timeout (9 Overs): LSG were 61/3, with Pooran (18*) and Badoni (11*) rebuilding.
- 100 Up: LSG reached 100 in 12.6 overs, signaling a shift in momentum.
- Miller’s Exit: Jansen’s breakthrough in the 16th over halted LSG’s progress at 119/5.
- Final Over Drama: Arshdeep’s double strike in the 20th over restricted LSG to 171, despite Badoni and Samad’s efforts.
PBKS Chase: Target 172
As of the latest update, PBKS began their chase with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya opening the batting. Shardul Thakur took the new ball for LSG, setting the stage for a tense battle. PBKS require 172 runs in 20 overs, a target that’s challenging yet achievable on a pitch offering assistance to bowlers, especially spinners like Ravi Bishnoi and Shahbaz Ahmed.
- PBKS Batting Lineup:
With Shreyas Iyer in red-hot form (97* in their opener), alongside power-hitters like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Shashank Singh, PBKS have the firepower to chase this down. However, LSG’s bowling, led by Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shardul Thakur, will look to exploit the conditions. - Pitch and Conditions:
The Ekana Stadium’s red-soil surface, with its grass cover, has historically favored bowlers, with an average first-innings score of 169 in T20s since 2023. Dew could play a role later, potentially aiding the chasing side.
Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants:
Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav
Impact Subs: Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Rathi, Manimaran Siddharth, Himmat Singh, Akash Singh
Punjab Kings:
Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Subs: Lockie Ferguson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harpreet Brar, Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod
Post-Match Outlook
LSG will feel they have a defendable total, thanks to Badoni and Samad’s late surge, but their bowling will need to fire collectively to contain PBKS’s explosive batting lineup. For PBKS, the key will be a solid start from their openers and Iyer’s ability to anchor the chase. The match is poised for a gripping finish, with the bowler-friendly conditions at Ekana likely to keep both sides on their toes.
Stay tuned for live updates as PBKS chase 172!
