Going into their sixth match in the competition, Punjab Kings are the only unbeaten team in this edition of the IPL. Last season’s runners-up, who return home undefeated after five matches, are currently on a winning streak. Their batting unit has also been chasing some massive totals, and the new PCA stadium in New Chandigarh has been their den for high scores.

Top of the table will be an under-confident Lucknow Super Giants, who are desperately looking for their third win of the season, as Chennai Super Kings, despite a loss to SRH in the last game, have an edge over LSG’s poor performance rate this season. The match began at the PCA New Stadium in New Chandigarh and would mark a much-awaited clash between the two highest-paid players in the history of the IPL.

PBKS achieved a spectacular scoring spree by amassing a massive total of 254 runs in IPL 2026, which is the highest team total so far in this edition of the competition. LSG, despite all attempts, could not finish the game without losing by a huge margin of 54 runs.

PBKS left-handers scores run at fast speed, Rishabh Pant helpless in middle overs

Punjab Kings opened the innings with their best opener combination in Priyansh Arya, the aggressor and Prabhsimran Singh, the cold stabilizer in the batting line-up. However, Mohammed Shami struck again in the first over and dismissed an in-form Prabhsimran for a golden duck.

However, the slaughter was yet to come. Priyansh Arya took charge of the attack and gave Cooper Connolly some time to set his sights on the ball. The two left-handers started accelerating when most teams struggle to score their runs, that is, in the mid overs.

Connolly and Priyansh Arya contributed significantly to a massive 182-run partnership for the second wicket. While Connoly scored 87 at a strike rate of 189.13, Priyansh, on the other hand, amassed 93 runs at 251.35.

Even after his dismissal, the attack continued as Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh contributed significantly with some cameos and gave PBKS their highest score in this IPL season. They managed to score 21 sixes in their innings, the most by a team in this IPL.

Punjab Kings cripple LSG batsmen after massive first innings total

The Punjab Kings had raised such a huge total that the Lucknow Super Giants did not have much chance of winning the match. Their goal was to provide only the maximum number of executions possible in order to keep the execution rate under control.

Punjab Kings pacers, unlike LSG pacers, did not have an unpromising match, especially with Vijaykumar Vyshak and Marco Jansen delivering impressive spells of 1/30 and 2/37 respectively. Arshdeep Singh also played well within the powerplay, despite his misfortune of missing out on some useful wickets.

Yuzvendra Chahal also controlled the flow of runs in the middle overs, and Rishabh Pant, despite his wide range of shots, could not take on the veteran spinner. He dismissed Mitchell Marsh after his promising start to the innings. PBKS emerged victorious by a margin of 54 runs and topped the table, continuing their unbeaten streak.

Definitely looking to bring out some positives: Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant said: “Look, it is difficult to point out one area because the bowlers have been putting up a good show, but at the same time, there are areas of concern. But there were also some positives that we need to work on.”

“There was a glimmer of batting, which is what we talked about. We will definitely look to take out some positives, but at the same time, as a team, we will do well in each and every match,” Rishabh Pant said when asked what went wrong for the Super Giants.

LSG captain Rishabh Pant further revealed that the plan for Ayush Badoni to open the innings was to give him some freedom to hit the ball fearlessly at the top of the order. Pant revealed that the decision was not taken after PBKS’ huge score but was a predetermined decision that the LSG camp kept within the dressing room.

“We definitely believe in this team. But at the same time, when the opposition is playing well, like Punjab is doing now, you have to give them credit for playing good tough cricket as well,” Pant showed great confidence in his team’s ability.

The LSG captain updated his injury fear from the last game against RCB: “I think the left hand is getting better, but today I got a new tattoo (right hand injury) so I think it’s something I’m looking forward to again.”

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