Dharamsala/IBNS: Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched a commanding victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 37 runs in Match 54 of IPL 2025 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in  Dharamshala to move second on the points table.

The win was anchored by a glistening 91 from Prabhsimran Singh and a power-packed all-round performance, keeping their playoff hopes alive as the league entered into the business end.

Being put in to bat first, Punjab faced an early setback with the dismissal of Priyansh Arya, but Prabhsimran Singh (91 off 48), in tandem with both Josh Inglish (30 off 14) and Shreyas Iyer (45 off 25), went on the attack, taking the LSG bowlers to the cleaners.

Adding to that, towards the end of the innings, Shashank Singh (33 of 15) played a quick cameo, allowing PBKS to put up a mammoth total of 236/5.

LSG's response needed early momentum, but it was PBKS's pace battery that landed the first blows. Arshdeep Singh struck twice in the third over, removing Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram in quick succession before coming back to pick his third, leaving Lucknow struggling at 27/3.

With their top three back in the hut, Rishab Pant was expected to lead LSG's revival but Punjab didn't take too long to pick their fourth wicket, and with Rishab Pant's dismissal, LSG found themselves at 58/4 with a steep climb towards the target. The skipper once again failed to find rhythm, extending a rough run with the bat, and after 11 innings, has managed to score only 128 runs at an average of 12.80.

Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad briefly reignited the fans' hopes with an 81-run stand. The duo showcased some fluent strokes and shots, keeping the scoreboard ticking, but the pressure never truly relented.

With Abdul Samad's wicket, the chase looked out of sight, and PKBS closed out the match with precision as LSG could muster only 199/7, falling well short of the target despite Badoni's well-played 74 off 40 and Samad's supporting act (45 off 25).

The Super Giants will now need to win each of their remaining three games and hope a few other results go in their favour to seal a berth in the playoffs.

Punjab Kings will now face Delhi Capitals at home as they look to solidify their place in the top four, while the Super Giants play hosts to an in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a must-win encounter.

(With inputs from IPL website)