KOLKATA, APRIL 20, 2026: Punjab Kings (PBKS) continued their unbeaten run with a dominant 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), powered by their young batting talents. The explosive hitting from Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly helped PBKS post a mammoth 254 for 7 — the highest total of the season — in the 29th match of IPL 2026 at New Chandigarh on Sunday.
The match began with LSG winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Mohammed Shami quickly dismissed Prabhsimran Singh for a duck, but the momentum soon shifted as Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly produced an electrifying display of power-hitting, stitching together an unforgettable 182-run partnership for the second wicket in just 13.2 overs. Priyansh Arya delivered a magnificent 93 off just 37 balls, smashing 4 fours and 9 sixes. At the other end, Cooper Connolly, whose early dismissal decision was not reviewed through DRS by LSG, resulted in them missing a crucial chance, which later proved to be a huge mistake. went on to score a superb 87 off 46 balls. The duo dismantled the LSG bowling attack, particularly targeting the 11th and 12th overs, which together leaked 37 runs. The partnership was eventually broken by Prince Yadav in the 14.2nd over, with Priyansh Arya falling just short of a well-deserved century, dismissed by Manimaran Siddharth. The remaining batters then pushed the total to 254 for 7 in 20 overs.
In response, LSG began their chase of 255 with a required run rate exceeding 12. They made a steady start through Ayush Badoni and Mitchell Marsh, but Vijaykumar Vyshak broke the stand by dismissing Badoni for 35 off 21 balls. Marsh played a composed innings of 40 off 28 deliveries, but as the required rate climbed, Yuzvendra Chahal struck at a crucial moment to send him back. Nicholas Pooran attempted to accelerate the innings but was dismissed by a pinpoint yorker from Arshdeep Singh for 43 off 23 balls. Marco Jansen then delivered a decisive blow, removing the struggling Pooran for 9 in the 15th over. Despite a late unbeaten 42 from Aiden Markram and 21 from Mukul Choudhary, the target proved far out of reach.
The PBKS bowling unit delivered a strong performance overall, although a few dropped catches allowed LSG to reach 200 for 5. Priyansh Arya was deservedly named Player of the Match. With this victory, PBKS remain at the top of the table with 11 points, while LSG sit in 8th place with 4 points.
