IPL 2026: Arya, Connolly power PBKS to record 254; bowlers seal 54-run win over LSG

Punjab Kings (PBKS) produced a batting masterclass before backing it up with a disciplined bowling effort to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 54 runs in Match 29 of IPL 2026 at New Chandigarh on Sunday after posting a record-breaking 254/7 in 20 overs.

Punjab Kings were powered by explosive half-centuries from Priyansh Arya (93 off 37) and Cooper Connolly (87 off 46), who stitched a stunning 182-run partnership that completely dismantled the LSG bowling attack. After an early wicket of Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS took full control from the powerplay and never allowed the momentum to slip.

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🚨 IPL 2026 | Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs to stay on top of the table and remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament.@IPL | @PunjabKingsIPL | @LucknowIPL | #PBKSvsLSG #ShreyasIyer #RishabhPant #TheStatesman pic.twitter.com/qGurSGPs25

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— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) April 19, 2026

Arya was in devastating touch, smashing nine sixes and four fours in a brutal display of clean hitting, while Connolly complemented him with calculated aggression across all phases of the innings. The duo tore into both pace and spin, including a 32-run over against Aiden Markram that broke LSG’s rhythm.

Late cameos from Marcus Stoinis (29 off 16) and Shashank Singh (17 off 6) ensured PBKS finished with the highest total of the season.

Chasing a massive 255, Lucknow Super Giants began aggressively and showed intent early. Ayush Badoni (35 off 21) and Mitchell Marsh (40 off 28) gave them a flying start, taking LSG to 61/1 in the powerplay and keeping the required rate in check. Captain Rishabh Pant then carried the momentum forward with a fearless 43 off 23 balls, striking four sixes and keeping the chase alive.

However, Pant’s dismissal marked the turning point. Once he fell, LSG’s innings lost structure as PBKS tightened their grip through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Aiden Markram (42 off 22) launched a counterattack of his own, including a sensational over against Xavier Bartlett where he hammered 32 runs, but he received little support at the other end.

Nicholas Pooran fell cheaply, and the middle order struggled to build partnerships as the required rate climbed steeply beyond 16 runs per over. Marco Jansen (2/37) struck key blows at crucial moments, while Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal applied sustained pressure through tight spells that choked the chase.

Despite brief resistance from Markram and earlier contributions from Badoni, LSG were restricted to 200/5 in 20 overs, falling well short of the target as PBKS sealed a dominant all-round victory.

Playing XIs:

Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav, M Siddharth, Mohsin Khan

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal