Lucknow, Apr 1 (UNI) Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) posted a total of 171 for seven in their allotted 20 overs against Punjab Kings in the 13th IPL 2025 match at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekna Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

Aiden Markram provided an aggressive start with a 28-run knock off 18 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a six before being bowled by Lockie Ferguson in the fourth over. However, LSG suffered an early setback as Mitchell Marsh fell for a golden duck to Arshdeep Singh in the very first over, caught by Marco Jansen.

Nicholas Pooran then stepped up and played a key knock, scoring 44 off 30 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes. He looked set for a big score but was eventually deceived by Yuzvendra Chahal’s googly in the 12th over and caught by Glenn Maxwell at wide long-off. Pooran had earlier built a crucial 50-run stand with Ayush Badoni, who played a crucial role in the innings.

Badoni, who anchored the middle overs, struck a well-paced 41 off 33 balls. His innings included some stylish shots, including a lofted six over Chahal's head in the 17th over. He also cut a wide delivery from Arshdeep through backward point for a boundary earlier in the innings. However, his fine knock came to an end in the 19th over when he miscued a pull shot off Arshdeep, with Maxwell completing a safe catch at deep mid-wicket.

David Miller provided some impetus in the middle, smashing three boundaries, including a powerful pull off Maxwell in the 14th over. However, he failed to capitalise on his start and was caught behind off Marco Jansen for 19 in the 16th over.

Abdul Samad played a vital cameo towards the end, scoring 27 off 12 balls, with two fours and two sixes. He played a cheeky scoop over the keeper for four in the 18th over and followed it up with a lofted shot over cover for another boundary.

He also smashed Jansen for a six over deep cover in the 16th over. However, his stay ended in the final over when he slashed a wide delivery from Arshdeep straight to Priyansh Arya at short third man.

Shardul Thakur remained unbeaten on three, while Avesh Khan did not face a delivery.

For Punjab, Arshdeep was the standout performer, finishing with figures of 4-0-33-3, dismissing key batsmen such as Marsh, Badoni and Samad. Jansen (1/28), Maxwell (1/22), and Chahal (1/36) chipped in with a wicket each.

LSG’s innings saw powerplay scores of 52/3, while their acceleration in the death overs helped them set a competitive target.

Punjab will now look to chase down the target as they come out to bat in the second innings.

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