LUCKNOW: The Punjab Kings effectively utilized the playing conditions to secure a victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, achieving consecutive wins in IPL 18 on Tuesday.

Most of the LSG batsmen, including captain Rishabh Pant, faced significant challenges against a well-disciplined bowling unit at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, managing to score only a modest 171/7 in their allotted 20 overs. In contrast, PBKS found the chase relatively straightforward, winning by eight wickets with 22 balls remaining.

Opener Prabhsimran Singh displayed excellent form at the start, reaching his first fifty of the season in a mere 23 balls as PBKS accumulated 62/1 during the Powerplay.

He maintained his aggressive approach, dominating the LSG bowlers with powerful shots all over the field, ultimately scoring 69 runs off 33 balls (including nine fours and three sixes) before being caught by Ravi Bishnoi in a remarkable effort alongside Ayush Badoni at the boundary.

Captain Shreyas Iyer, who had previously scored an unbeaten 97 against the Gujarat Giants in PBKS's season opener, continued to demonstrate his exceptional form. He consistently attacked the LSG bowlers, remaining not out to complete the chase.

The Mumbai player, instrumental in India's recent Champions Trophy victory, contributed 52 runs off 30 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes.

Iyer received solid support from impact substitute Nehal Wadhera, who scored an unbeaten 43 off 25 balls, including two boundaries and four sixes, as PBKS comfortably reached their target in 16.2 overs. The pair formed an unbroken partnership of 67 runs off 37 balls.

Initially, LSG faced difficulties in establishing their rhythm, concluding the Powerplay with a disappointing score of 39/3 after Shreyas Iyer chose to bowl first. His bowlers effectively applied early pressure on the home team.

In-form opener Mitchell Marsh was caught off guard by the bounce and was dismissed for a golden duck, offering a straightforward catch to Marco Jansen in the short third area. His opening partner, Aiden Markram (28 runs off 18 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six), after striking Arshdeep for three consecutive boundaries in his second over, fell victim to Lockie Ferguson, edging the ball back onto his stumps.

The situation deteriorated for the home side when Iyer's decision to bring Glenn Maxwell into the attack during the Powerplay proved successful. LSG captain Rishabh Pant once again struggled with the bat, managing only two runs from five deliveries before providing a simple catch to Yuzvendra Chahal at short fine leg.

However, the aggressive Nicolas Pooran continued to play positively. Although he took some time to settle in, given the match circumstances, he appeared poised to guide LSG to a more secure position once he received support.

It was then that the experience of leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal came into play for PBKS. He bowled a wide googly, which Pooran attempted to hit but failed to connect properly, resulting in a catch by Maxwell at long-off. Pooran's innings of 44 runs off 30 balls included five boundaries and two sixes.

Following this, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with David Miller (19 runs off 18 balls, including 3 fours) also unable to last long, edging a delivery from Jansen to keeper Prabhsimran.

A partnership of 57 runs for the sixth wicket between Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad enabled LSG to surpass the 150-run mark, but their subsequent dismissals left the team well short of a competitive total.

Badoni (41, 33b, 1x4, 3x6) miscued, and Maxwell took a good running catch at deep mid-wicket to end his innings, whereas Samad’s 12-ball 27 was studded with two boundaries and an equal number of sixes.

It was a perfect bowling performance by PBKS as everyone from pacers to spinners did it their job well. Arshdeep (3/43), Lockie Ferguson (1/26) and Marco Jansen (1/28) were on target while spinners Maxwell (1/22) and Chahal (1/36) chipped in with vital wickets.

Read Also: Rift or Strategy? Sanjiv Goenka’s Gesture Towards Pant & Iyer Leaves Fans Puzzled

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!