Opener’s blistering 91 powers PBKS to 236; Arshdeep’s 3/16 seals 37-run win over LSG in Dharamsala as Kings climb to second.
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Pant’s Misfortune Mirrors LSG’s Struggles as PBKS Dominate in Dharamsala
Mumbai: With the required rate escalating from 12 runs an over at the start of their chase to nearly 15 after the Powerplay, Lucknow Super Giants found themselves under immense pressure against Punjab Kings. Amid a top-order collapse, Rishabh Pant charged down the track to Azmatullah Omarzai, swung hard, but lost his grip on the bat. It flew toward square leg, while the ball landed safely in the hands of the deep point fielder. It was a symbolic moment in what’s been a forgettable season for both Pant and his team.
In contrast, Punjab Kings showcased why their batting unit is one of the most dangerous this season. Although they’ve occasionally faltered, their aggressive approach often pays off — as it did spectacularly on Sunday in Dharamsala. PBKS piled on a massive 236 and eventually secured a comfortable 37-run win over LSG.
The innings was launched with intent, particularly through Josh Inglis, promoted to No.3, who dismantled Mayank Yadav’s rhythm with three successive sixes. Prabhsimran Singh, the star of the day, played a sensational knock of 91 off 48 balls, dominating with cuts, glides, pulls, and scoops. A drop by Nicholas Pooran early in his innings proved costly as Prabhsimran took charge with the support of captain Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a quickfire 45 off 25.
Expensive Mayank Yadav
Punjab Kings’ batting masterclass was complemented by their aggressive six-hitting — 16 in total — six of which came off the struggling Mayank Yadav. Once known for his stump-rattling pace, Mayank has looked a shadow of his former self since returning mid-season. His deliveries lacked bite, and his slower balls — a tactic that once surprised batters — were comfortably dispatched. Josh Inglis and Prabhsimran Singh went after him early, while Shashank Singh finished the job in the death overs. Mayank ended with a forgettable spell: 4 overs, 60 runs, and no wickets.
Unfortunately for LSG, Mayank wasn’t alone in misfiring. Avesh Khan, usually more dependable at the death, also crumbled under PBKS’ relentless aggression, conceding 57 runs in his 10 overs. The absence of leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, dropped for this match, left LSG with a pace-heavy but ineffective attack.
There were flashes of promise — Akash Singh, making his debut for LSG, showed some composure by removing Priyansh Arya and Inglis in a single spell. But even with Shardul Thakur’s experience earlier in the tournament, Lucknow’s bowling unit has often looked patched together, lacking both consistency and bite.