In an electrifying display of power and precision, the Punjab Kings secured an 8-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants in the 13th match of the tournament. Chasing down a modest target of 172, the Punjab Kings showcased a masterclass in batting that left the opposition scrambling.

A Dominant Batting Display

From the very start, the Punjab Kings’ batsmen demonstrated their intent. The team’s innings was punctuated by aggressive strokes and well-timed boundaries. Shreyas Iyer continued his impressive form by scoring 50 off just 30 balls, a knock that epitomized his class and composure under pressure. His partnership with the young opener Prabhsimran proved to be the cornerstone of the chase. Prabhsimran, who has been with the team for about six years, displayed a fearless approach—hitting the ball to all corners of the field and proving his mettle with both pace and spin. His explosive innings not only set the tone but also highlighted the depth and potential of the Punjab Kings’ batting lineup.

Key Moments and Contributions

The match narrative was punctuated by several standout moments:

Abdul Samad’s Impact: In a crucial moment, Samad’s delivery to Iyer resulted in a powerful six that further boosted the team’s momentum.

Nehal Wadhera’s Resilience: After a setback in the previous game, Wadhera seized his opportunity to shine. His ability to navigate pressure situations and take on the bowling attack was evident as he notched up important runs.

Bowling Brilliance: Digvesh Rathi delivered impressive figures (4-0-30-2), exerting pressure on the opposition and ensuring that every run was hard-earned. His spell proved pivotal in keeping the game within reach for the Punjab Kings.

Tactical Nuances and Fielding Efforts

Beyond the batting fireworks, the game was a testament to Punjab Kings’ overall strategy. The fielding unit played a crucial role, with moments of outstanding effort such as Badoni’s exceptional catch that dismissed Prabhsimran in a tight situation. These moments underscored the team’s determination to clinch the win and highlighted the depth of talent in both the batting and fielding departments.

Looking Ahead

With performances like these, the Punjab Kings have firmly established themselves as one of the teams to watch in this tournament. Their balanced approach—combining aggressive batting, astute bowling, and sharp fielding—promises an exciting campaign ahead. As the season progresses, fans and critics alike will be keeping a close eye on how this dynamic blend of youth and experience unfolds in the coming matches.

Overall, the Punjab Kings’ victory was not just a win on the scoreboard but also a statement of intent—a clear indication that they are a formidable force in this competition.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 1st Match
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 7 wkts

SunSunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, 2nd Match
Sunrisers Hyderabad won by 44 runs

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, 3rd Match
Chennai Super Kings won by 4 wkts

Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, 4th Match
Delhi Capitals won by 1 wkt

Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans, 5th Match
Punjab Kings won by 11 runs

Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 6th Match
Kolkata Knight Riders won by 8 wkts

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7th Match
Lucknow Super Giants won by 5 wkts

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, 8th Match
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 50 runs

Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians, 9th Match
Gujarat Titans won by 36 runs

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals, 10th Match
Delhi Capitals won by 7 wkts

Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings, 11th Match
Rajasthan Royals won by 6 runs

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians, 12th Match
Mumbai Indians won by 8 wkts

Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings, 13th Match

Punjab Kings won by 8 wkts

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivered a breathtaking performance to snap their 17-year losing streak at Chepauk, overpowering Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their own fortress. This triumph not only handed CSK their heaviest defeat at home in terms of runs but also marked RCB’s second consecutive win to kick off the season. Electing to bat first, RCB posted an imposing total of 196/7, fueled by aggressive batting and a late flourish, before their bowlers dismantled CSK’s chase, restricting them to 146/8—a 50-run victory sealed early in the Powerplay.

CSK VS RCB HIGHLIGHTS

Where Was the Match Won?

The match tilted decisively in RCB’s favor during the Powerplay phase of CSK’s innings. While Phil Salt’s rapid 32 had given RCB a robust start earlier, CSK found no such hero to anchor their pursuit of 197. Instead, they crumbled under pressure, losing three quick wickets in the opening overs. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar exploited the new ball brilliantly, leaving CSK reeling at 30/3 by the end of the Powerplay. This early collapse set an insurmountable tone for the chase, and despite a late cameo from MS Dhoni, CSK never regained momentum, ultimately falling 50 runs short.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Batting Breakdown

RCB’s innings was a blend of explosive starts, steady consolidation, and a fiery finish, culminating in a total that proved too steep for CSK.

• Powerplay: Salt Sets the Stage
  Score: 56/1 (Run Rate: 9.3, 4s/6s: 6/2)
  With conditions expected to favor bowlers later, RCB maximized the new ball. Phil Salt launched an onslaught, scoring a brisk 32, peppering boundaries off Khaleel Ahmed and welcoming R Ashwin with a lofted six over square leg. However, Virat Kohli struggled to find fluency, managing his first boundary off a Noor Ahmad full toss before being stumped by MS Dhoni in the same over. Devdutt Padikkal stepped up, smashing Sam Curran for a six to close the Powerplay on a high.
• Middle Overs: Patidar Punishes CSK
  Score: 82/2 (Run Rate: 9.1, 4s/6s: 6/4)
  Padikkal continued his aggression into the middle phase, silencing the Chepauk crowd with two fours and a six off Ravindra Jadeja. His cameo ended when Ruturaj Gaikwad took a sharp catch, but CSK’s fielders faltered thereafter, dropping Rajat Patidar multiple times. Patidar made them pay, crafting a vital 51. Meanwhile, Kohli, freed up after a helmet blow from Matheesha Pathirana, struck a six and a four but fell to Noor Ahmad, caught at deep midwicket. Patidar kept the momentum, attacking Jadeja with a flurry of boundaries to set up a grand finish.
• Death Overs: A Rollercoaster Finish
  Score: 58/4 (Run Rate: 11.6, 4s/6s: 3/6)
  The final overs were eventful. Liam Livingstone and Dinesh Karthik smashed sixes off Noor Ahmad, though Livingstone was bowled in between. Khaleel Ahmed cut Karthik’s stint short, and Pathirana’s return saw him dismiss Patidar and another batsman. Hopes of breaching 200 faded until Tim David unleashed three towering sixes off Curran in the last over, lifting RCB to 196/7—just four runs shy of a double-century.

Chennai Super Kings: Batting Collapse

CSK’s chase unraveled early and never recovered, with RCB’s bowlers dominating across all phases.

• Powerplay: Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Strike
  Score: 30/3 (Run Rate: 5, 4s/6s: 4/0)
  Josh Hazlewood drew first blood, claiming two wickets—Rahul Tripathi, caught off a mistimed pull, and Gaikwad, nabbed near the boundary off a short ball—reducing CSK to 8/2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar compounded the misery, dismissing Deepak Hooda to make it 30/3. Promoted ahead of Shivam Dube, Hooda faltered, leaving Rachin Ravindra and Sam Curran with a daunting task.
• Middle Overs: Spinners Tighten the Noose
  Score: 68/3 (Run Rate: 7.55, 4s/6s: 6/1)
  With no dew to aid batting, RCB’s spinners suffocated CSK. Curran attempted a counterattack but miscued to Livingstone. Dube, arriving at the crease, smashed Suyash Sharma for a six and a four but was outdone by the leg-spinner’s guile in the next over. Yash Dayal then struck twice in one over, removing Dube and Ravindra, pushing CSK toward defeat on a sluggish pitch.
• Death Overs: Dhoni’s Lone Fight
  Score: 48/2 (Run Rate: 9.6, 4s/6s: 5/3)
  The Chepauk faithful found their voice only when Dhoni ignited a late spark. He struck two boundaries off Hazlewood and hammered two massive sixes off Krunal Pandya in the final over, finishing unbeaten on 30 off 16. Yet, his heroics merely narrowed the margin of a defeat already sealed.

Brief Scores

• Royal Challengers Bangalore: 196/7 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 51, Phil Salt 32; Noor Ahmad 3/36, Matheesha Pathirana 2/36)
• Chennai Super Kings: 146/8 in 20 overs (Rachin Ravindra 41, MS Dhoni 30*; Josh Hazlewood 3/21, Yash Dayal 2/18)
• Result: RCB won by 50 runs

What’s Next for Both Teams?

CSK face an urgent need to address their batting woes, with little time to dwell as they head to Guwahati to take on Rajasthan Royals, who are yet to win this season. For RCB, this emphatic victory caps two impressive away triumphs. They now return home to host Gujarat Titans on April 2, aiming to sustain their early-season surge.

This reimagined account captures RCB’s historic triumph, spotlighting key moments and performances while offering a fresh, detailed narrative of the match.

Lucknow Super Giants Clinch Victory by 5 Wickets

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) registered their first win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2025 IPL season with a commanding five-wicket victory, sealing the match with 3.5 overs to spare. Shardul Thakur led the charge with the ball, delivering a stellar performance (4 wickets for 34 runs) to restrict the hosts to 190. LSG’s chase was powered by explosive knocks from Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh, who dismantled the SRH bowling attack with aggressive stroke play.

LSG VS SRH Full Highlights

Key Moments of the Match

SRH’s Innings: A Tale of Promise and Collapse

PowerPlay – A Strong Start Despite Early Blows
Score: 62/2 (Run Rate: 10.33, 4s/6s: 6/3)

After scoring a record 286 in their previous game, SRH aimed for another dominant performance. However, LSG’s bowlers had other plans. Shardul Thakur struck early, dismissing Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan in quick succession. Despite these setbacks, Travis Head counter-attacked, taking on Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi, propelling SRH to 62/2 at the end of the PowerPlay.

Middle Overs – A Delicate Balance Between Wickets and Runs
Score: 81/3 (Run Rate: 9.00, 4s/6s: 4/4)

LSG maintained the pressure in the middle overs as Head continued to find the boundary. However, Prince Yadav turned the tide by removing the dangerous Head with a well-directed yorker. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen attempted to rebuild, but Reddy was undone by a sharp Bishnoi delivery. Despite some big hits from Aniket Verma, SRH found themselves struggling to sustain momentum.

Death Overs – Boundaries Flow, but Wickets Tumble
Score: 47/4 (Run Rate: 9.4, 4s/6s: 0/5)

Verma provided late fireworks, smashing two consecutive sixes before perishing in his aggressive pursuit. Skipper Pat Cummins added crucial runs, hammering three sixes in four balls. However, Thakur had the final say, dismissing Mohammed Shami to wrap up SRH’s innings at 190/9.

LSG’s Chase: A Masterclass in Power-Hitting

PowerPlay – A Ruthless Onslaught by Pooran and Marsh
Score: 77/1 (Run Rate: 12.83, 4s/6s: 6/6)

LSG got off to a blistering start despite losing Aiden Markram early. Mitchell Marsh immediately took charge, launching boundaries to break free from early shackles. Nicholas Pooran joined the party, capitalizing on a dropped catch to punish SRH’s bowlers. By the end of the PowerPlay, LSG had amassed 77/1, with Pooran’s explosive hitting keeping them ahead.

Middle Overs – A Decisive Partnership
Score: 99/4 (Run Rate: 11.00, 4s/6s: 10/4)

Pooran continued his assault, reaching a half-century in just 18 balls—the fastest in this IPL season so far. His knock included brutal hits against Adam Zampa and Harshal Patel. Marsh, complementing Pooran’s aggression, also reached his fifty before perishing to Cummins. A brief collapse saw Ayush Badoni and Rishabh Pant fall in quick succession, but LSG still remained firmly in control.

Death Overs – A Comfortable Finish
Score: 18/0 (Run Rate: 15.45, 4s/6s: 2/1)

Former SRH player Abdul Samad played a key finishing role, smashing a six and a four off Zampa. South African finisher David Miller sealed the victory in style with a boundary, guiding LSG to 193/5 in just 16.1 overs.

Match Summary

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 190/9 in 20 overs
(Travis Head 47, Aniket Verma 36, Shardul Thakur 4-34, Prince Yadav 1-29)

Lucknow Super Giants: 193/5 in 16.1 overs
(Nicholas Pooran 70, Mitchell Marsh 52, Pat Cummins 2-29, Harshal Patel 1-28)

Result: Lucknow Super Giants won by 5 wickets.

In a thrilling encounter at Guwahati, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bounced back from an earlier setback with a convincing 8-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 6th match of the IPL season. Despite missing key player Sunil Narine, KKR’s spinners and explosive batting, led by Quinton de Kock’s masterful knock, proved too much for the Royals.

RR vs KKR Full Highlights

Match Overview

After an initial defeat in their first outing, KKR arrived in Guwahati determined to make a statement. Their strategic use of spin bowling in the middle overs restricted RR to a modest 151/9 in 20 overs. Chasing the target, Quinton de Kock played a sensational innings, scoring an unbeaten 97 off just 61 balls. With timely support from his teammates, KKR reached the target comfortably in 17.3 overs, sealing an impressive 8-wicket win.

Rajasthan Royals’ Innings

Early Phase: Powerplay

• Start with Caution: RR began well, capitalizing on the initial phase with controlled scoring despite losing Samson early.
• Initial Partnerships: The opening batsmen put on a decent start with tactical boundary hitting, but a quick loss of wickets in the early overs put them under pressure.
• Key Performances: Spencer Johnson’s early breakthroughs and effective boundary plays from Yashasvi Jaiswal and other contributors highlighted RR’s initial efforts.

Middle Overs: The Spin Advantage

• Spinners Take Charge: Once the spinners came into play, KKR’s bowling unit turned the game on its head. The Royals struggled against the well-directed spin attack, managing only 56 runs for 5 wickets in this phase.
• Fielding Adjustments: Strategic field placements and tight bowling during these overs led to key dismissals, putting RR’s scorecard in a precarious position.

Death Overs: The Final Nail

• Late Collapse: In the final 5 overs, RR’s scoring rate plummeted. Despite some boundary efforts, tight bowling from Varun Chakaravarthy and his colleagues restricted the run flow.
• Missed Opportunities: Even though there were glimmers of resistance, crucial wickets in the closing stages ensured that RR could not post a competitive total.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chase

Powerplay: Gaining Early Control

• Initial Dominance: KKR’s openers, particularly through aggressive fielding and boundary scoring, countered RR’s early momentum. Their powerplay performance set a solid platform for the chase.
• Balanced Start: The Knights maintained a steady run rate while minimizing risks, keeping their innings under control.

Middle Overs: Building the Momentum

• De Kock’s Brilliance: In the middle overs, Quinton de Kock took charge. He mixed aggressive strokes with well-timed singles, ensuring that KKR remained on pace throughout the chase.
• Support from Partners: Contributions from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and other middle-order batsmen provided crucial support, keeping the scoreboard ticking and the pressure on RR’s bowlers.

Death Overs: Finishing with Flair

• Clinical Finish: With just 34 runs required in the final 5 overs, KKR executed their plan flawlessly. Tushar Deshpande and Theekshana capitalized on the loose deliveries, paving the way for de Kock to seal the win with his final flourish.
• Key Moment: In the 18th over, de Kock’s calculated strike not only added crucial runs but also demoralized the RR bowlers, setting the stage for a memorable finish.

Individual Highlights

• Quinton de Kock: His unbeaten 97 from 61 balls, including eight fours and six sixes, was the standout performance of the match. De Kock’s composure under pressure and ability to accelerate the scoring rate were instrumental in the successful chase.
• Spinners’ Impact: Even in the absence of Sunil Narine, KKR’s spin bowlers delivered a masterclass. Their economical bowling and strategic wicket-taking in the middle overs disrupted RR’s plans.
• Support Players: Contributions from both the opening pair and the middle order ensured that KKR maintained a steady momentum throughout their innings.

Final Thoughts

KKR’s comprehensive performance in this match reflects their resilience and tactical acumen. By effectively exploiting the conditions and executing a well-rounded game plan, they not only bounced back from an earlier defeat but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league. With such dominant displays, the Kolkata Knight Riders are certainly a team to watch this season.

This win adds another exciting chapter to the IPL season, underscoring the blend of aggressive batting and strategic bowling that has become the hallmark of successful T20 cricket.

Ashutosh Sharma’s Unbelievable Cameo Steals the Show

The opening match of the 2025 Indian Premier League in Visakhapatnam witnessed an unforgettable encounter as Delhi Capitals (DC) clinched a dramatic one-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Chasing a formidable target of 210, DC finished at 211/9, thanks to a sensational knock by Ashutosh Sharma, who played a match-defining 66* off just 20 balls.

At one stage, DC looked down and out, needing 62 runs from the last 30 balls with only four wickets in hand. Ashutosh, who had struggled initially, suddenly unleashed an array of explosive strokes, scoring 46 runs in just 11 balls. His blistering assault left LSG stunned as DC secured a last-gasp win with three balls to spare. As his teammates swarmed him in celebration, former DC captain and current LSG skipper Rishabh Pant could only watch in disbelief.

Full Highlights DC Stun LSG

LSG’s Batting Onslaught: Pooran and Marsh Lead the Charge

Lucknow Super Giants set an imposing total of 209/8, led by the dynamic duo of Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36). Their 147-run partnership off just 66 deliveries put LSG in a dominant position, and for a time, they seemed on course for an even bigger total, possibly reaching 250. However, DC’s bowlers fought back brilliantly, conceding only 48 runs in the last seven overs while taking six wickets. Mitchell Starc (3/42) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/20) played crucial roles in restricting the onslaught.

Despite Pooran and Marsh’s heroics, the rest of LSG’s batting unit faltered, contributing only 55 runs combined. David Miller added valuable runs at the death with two sixes in the final over, ensuring LSG crossed the 200-run mark.

Delhi’s Shaky Start and Vipraj Nigam’s Impactful Debut

Chasing 210, DC found themselves in deep trouble early on at 7/3. They continued to struggle as LSG bowlers dismantled their top order. Debutant Vipraj Nigam emerged as a surprise performer, scoring a rapid 39 off 15 balls to reignite DC’s hopes. He took on Ravi Bishnoi in the 14th over, smashing two fours and a six, before launching another attack in the following over.

However, when Nigam fell to young bowler Digvesh Rathi, it seemed LSG had regained control. DC were still far from the target, but Ashutosh Sharma had other plans.

Ashutosh Sharma’s Unforgettable Knock

Ashutosh, a proven finisher from his stint with Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, had previously fallen just short in tight run-chases. This time, he was determined to carry DC over the line.

When Tristan Stubbs departed, DC were 116/6 after 13 overs, with ESPNcricinfo’s win probability giving them just a 1.46% chance. Ashutosh, initially cautious, soon turned the game on its head. He hammered Bishnoi for a 6, 4, and another 6 in one over, bringing the equation down to a manageable 22 off 12 balls.

With only two wickets in hand, Kuldeep Yadav sacrificed his wicket to allow Ashutosh back on strike. It proved to be a game-changing moment as Ashutosh blasted Prince Yadav’s final two deliveries for a six and a four, setting up a thrilling final over.

The Nail-Biting Final Over

DC needed six runs from the last over, with tailender Mohit Sharma at the crease. The drama intensified when Mohit nearly got out attempting a shot off Shahbaz Ahmed’s first delivery. A leg-before appeal was turned down, and the ball trickled away, allowing him to sneak a single and bring Ashutosh back on strike.

Then, Ashutosh sealed the deal in style. He lofted Shahbaz over the boundary, sparking wild celebrations in the DC dugout. The Capitals had pulled off an improbable heist, proving once again why IPL remains the most thrilling T20 league in the world.

LSG’s Early Domination with the Ball

LSG’s defense of 209 began on a dream note. Shardul Thakur, who was unsold in the auction but found a spot as an injury replacement, wreaked havoc in his first over. He removed both Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel in quick succession. Pant’s tactical brilliance was on display as he stationed a fielder precisely for Fraser-McGurk’s mis-hit, while Pooran took a sharp catch to dismiss Porel.

Sameer Rizvi looked promising but fell to left-arm spinner M Siddharth, leaving DC reeling at 7/3. Veteran Faf du Plessis and captain Axar Patel tried to stabilize the innings with a 23-ball 43-run stand, but their dismissals in quick succession left DC in dire straits at 65/5 after seven overs.

LSG’s Missed Opportunity to Secure a Bigger Total

LSG’s innings had the perfect foundation to breach the 250-mark, thanks to Pooran and Marsh’s aggressive batting. Marsh, who played as a specialist batter, showed his power-hitting ability by smashing 43 runs in just 19 balls during the powerplay. Pooran, meanwhile, tormented the spinners, scoring 60 runs off just 18 deliveries against them, including a brutal assault on Stubbs for 28 runs in one over.

At 161/2 after 13 overs, LSG were poised for a massive finish. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliance halted their momentum. He dismissed Pant for a six-ball duck before Starc rattled Pooran’s stumps with a yorker in the next over. LSG crumbled under pressure, losing six wickets for just 33 runs between the 14th and 19th overs.

Miller’s two late sixes provided some relief, pushing LSG beyond 200, but in the end, it proved just short of what was needed.

Conclusion: A Match for the Ages

This IPL 2025 opener had everything—high scores, remarkable comebacks, and a last-over thriller. While LSG played their part in an incredible contest, the night belonged to Ashutosh Sharma, whose audacious hitting turned an improbable chase into reality.

For Delhi Capitals, this victory will serve as a massive confidence boost, while Lucknow Super Giants will be left wondering how they let this match slip away. If this game is a sign of things to come, IPL 2025 promises to be an unforgettable season!