Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings Match Highlights & Results

Final day drama - What a day May 24 promises to be, with PBKS, RR and KKR all still in contention for the final playoff spot. First up in Mumbai, the Mumbai Indians take on the Rajasthan Royals at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT), with the equation straightforward for the Royals. Win, and they book their place in the playoffs while shutting the door on both PBKS and KKR. Later at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), the Kolkata Knight Riders face the Delhi Capitals in Kolkata. If the Royals slip up earlier in the day, KKR will then need a victory big enough to overhaul PBKS on net run rate and seal qualification. If they lose or fail to bridge the net run-rate gap, PBKS will progress to the playoffs. We look forward to having your company then. Cheers!

What does this result mean for KKR? With PBKS boosting their net run rate to +0.309, KKR will need RR to lose and then either win by 77 runs batting first, assuming they score 200, or chase down a target of 200 in 12.1 overs to qualify ahead of the Punjab Kings, as per broadcasters' calculations.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Shreyas Iyer, the skipper of the Punjab Kings, wins the award for his unbeaten knock of 101 runs in 51 balls. He says he is excited because it's his first hundred, and it came at the right time, when the team needed it most. He adds that he is elated by their bowlers' performance. He says that they finally got their win after 6 consecutive losses, and it's a great positive. They will be there to support MI tomorrow. Reckons that even though they didn't start well with the ball, they recovered well. He further says that Azmat bowled well and got a crucial wicket, and Yuzi was exceptional. Says that he leaked a lot of runs in the last game, but he showed his character and bounced back, which was phenomenal. He adds that he gives himself some time in the middle and moves on gradually. Says that the way Prabhsimran took on the bowlers was exceptional. He seriously showed them what he is capable of. Ends by saying that he is happy to get a century, and it was a great feeling.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Inglis led the way for LSG - With Mitchell Marsh unavailable, LSG fielded their sixth opening pair of the season in Josh Inglis and Arshin Kulkarni. Inglis got off to another brisk start, while Ayush Badoni provided a brief counterattack after Punjab struck early. Although Inglis held the innings together, PBKS ensured LSG never fully broke free and removed him before the death overs. A 17-run final over from Arshdeep Singh helped Lucknow push close to 200. Arshdeep ended with figures of 3-0-52-0, making it slightly surprising that Shreyas Iyer chose not to bowl out either Azmatullah Omarzai or Vijaykumar Vyshak despite both having an over left.

Captain to the rescue - Chasing 197 to stay alive in the playoff race, PBKS lost a couple of wickets inside the first three overs, but that was as good as it got for LSG. Shreyas Iyer walked out like a man on a mission, unleashing a flurry of boundaries that got him going and also eased the pressure on Prabhsimran Singh. Dropped on 20 by Rishabh Pant off Arjun Tendulkar's bowling, Prabhsimran made Lucknow pay dearly. Singh grew in confidence as the innings progressed and began finding boundaries with increasing regularity. Prabhsimran and Iyer stitched a match-defining 140-run partnership that effectively sealed the contest for PBKS, with the skipper bringing up his maiden IPL hundred with the winning hit.

The head coach of the Punjab Kings - Ricky Ponting says that they have done it the hard way. Adds that they were sloppy in the field and probably gave away 20 extra runs. Mentions it was a very clinical chase and once again praises skipper Shreyas Iyer, adding that there was a reason behind investing heavily in him because of the authority and respect he brings to the group. Ponting admits Punjab's standards dropped after a brilliant first half of the season, but feels they were much better tonight. He also highlights Prabhsimran Singh's growth, saying the opener has finally realised how good he really is and that innings like this will only make him better. On the playoff race, he says the team will now sit together and closely follow tomorrow's results.

The captain of the Lucknow Super Giants - Rishabh Pant says that they need to keep their heads high, though it was a tough season for them. He adds that they fell a few runs short, and here in Ekana, the wicket gets better in the second innings, so everyone needs to bowl first. He reckons that Josh Inglis came in and played a brilliant knock, and Marsh was not there either. Adds that Mohsin came in and did well, so there are a lot of positives to take forward. Ends by saying that it's been a long season and they promise to come back stronger.

A much-needed win for Punjab - The Kings snap their six-game losing streak and move to the 4th spot with 15 points. They have done what they needed to do and now turn their attention to Sunday's fixtures, hoping for slip-ups from both Rajasthan and Kolkata. In KKR's case, though, Punjab currently hold the edge on net run rate, meaning Kolkata would need a big win to leapfrog them. With Punjab's win, the Delhi Capitals are out of the playoff race. As for the Lucknow Super Giants, they bow out with a defeat and finish a disappointing campaign with just 4 wins from 14 matches, their fewest victories in a single IPL season.

Mohsin Khan to Shreyas Iyer, Six!SIX! MAIDEN IPL HUNDRED FOR IYER! He has finished things off in style, and PUNJAB KINGS WIN BY 7 WICKETS. Mohsin Khan goes full again and on off, gives no pace. Shreyas Iyer steps across to get underneath it and slogs it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. A big smile on the face of the Punjab skipper, as he has scored an exceptional unbeaten century to keep his team alive in the tournament.

Mohsin Khan to Suryansh Shedge, 1 run.Sticks to the shorter length, on off, slower again, Suryansh Shedge pats it towards cover-point for one.

Mohsin Khan to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Bangs this into the pitch and outside off, Shreyas Iyer steps across and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Just 4 runs to win now for Punjab!

Mohsin Khan to Shreyas Iyer, No run.Short of a length and around off, takes pace off, Shreyas Iyer tries to cut it away but misses.

Mohsin Khan to Suryansh Shedge, 1 run.On a length and on off, Suryansh Shedge steers it towards point for a single.

Mohsin Khan to Suryansh Shedge, Four!FOUR! Gets it away! Back of a length and outside off, Suryansh Shedge throws his hands at it. Gets it from the cue-end of the bat but well wide of short third for a boundary. PBKS are just one big hit away from the win, while Iyer is also 6 runs away from his ton.

Arjun Tendulkar to Suryansh Shedge, 1 run.Full toss once more, outside off, Suryansh Shedge drives it wide of long off for one more.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Another low full toss, around off, Shreyas Iyer stays deep inside his crease and drags it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Arjun Tendulkar to Suryansh Shedge, 1 run.Just wide! A slower one, full and on middle, Suryansh Shedge looks to work it across the line but closes the bat face early. It goes off the leading edge wide of the bowler, where Arjun stretches his left hand but the ball just goes past him. They cross.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.In the blockhole, on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer tucks it away through mid-wicke for a run.

Arjun Tendulkar to Suryansh Shedge, 1 run.Fuller and around leg, Suryansh Shedge clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. PBKS need just 14 runs to win now!

Arjun Tendulkar to Suryansh Shedge, No run.Low full toss, on off, Suryansh Shedge drills it back to the bowler.

Arjun Tendulkar to continue...

Mohammad Shami to Shreyas Iyer, Six!SIX! That is some shot to finish the over. A tad fuller, on off, Shreyas Iyer takes a step forward and launches it over long on for a biggie. Shreyas Iyer moves to 92 now. 20 runs off the over. Punjab need 15 more runs.

Mohammad Shami to Shreyas Iyer, No run.Mohammad Shami bangs it short, on off, Shreyas Iyer looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge as the ball bounces back to the bowler. Dot.

Mohammad Shami to Shreyas Iyer, 2 runs.Short, on off, Shreyas Iyer plays an uppercut over the keeper's head for a brace.

Mohammad Shami to Shreyas Iyer, Six!SIX! Shreyas Iyer looks in a hurry! A tad fuller, on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer stays back and flicks it over deep mid-wicket. Digvesh Singh, near the fence, dives and takes the catch but lands over the ropes.

Mohammad Shami to Shreyas Iyer, No run.Good length, on off, Shreyas Iyer taps it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Shami to Shreyas Iyer, Six!SIX! What a wonderful shot from Shreyas Iyer! Back of a length, around the waist, Shreyas Iyer swivels, uses the pace of the ball, and helps it effortlessly over fine leg for a biggie.

Strategic Break! Finally, something to cheer for the Lucknow fans, but it looks like the game has slipped away from LSG, unless something extraordinary happens. The partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh has made the difference in this game. Punjab can now even try to finish things off early to make the NRR even better, if it comes down to that. Suryansh Shedge is the next man in. Also, Mohammad Shami comes back into the attack.

Arjun Tendulkar to Prabhsimran Singh, OUT! lbw b Arjun Tendulkar.OUT! LBW! That's the end of Prabhsimran Singh. First wicket for Arjun Tendulkar this season. He nails a pinpoint yorker, on middle. Prabhsimran Singh shuffles across and looks to flick it, but gets beaten as the ball under his blade and hits his shoes. A loud appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Prabhsimran Singh does not review this one. He walks back after a fine knock. Punjab Kings are 162/3, and they now need 35 runs in 30 balls.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Much fuller, on leg, Shreyas Iyer works it to mid-wicket for a single.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, Four!FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from the skipper! Arjun Tendulkar follows Shreyas Iyer down leg. Shreyas shuffles across, uses the pace of the ball, and guides it over backward point for yet another boundary.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, Four!FOUR! Shreyas Iyer finds the gap this time! A low full toss from Arjun Tendulkar, on leg, Shreyas Iyer picks it well and flicks it through mid-wicket as the ball races away to the fence.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, 2 runs.Nice and full, on off, Shreyas Iyer lifts it down the ground. Nicholas Pooran runs to his left, dives, and makes a good stop near the fence. The batters collect two runs.

Arjun Tendulkar to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Much fuller, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh shuffles across and flicks it to short fine leg for a single.

Prince Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Bangs it short, on leg, Prabhsimran Singh pulls it awkwardly towards deep square leg for a single.

Prince Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!FOUR! The onslaught continues from Prabhsimran Singh! Slightly shorter and slower too. Prabhsimran Singh stays back in his crease and slams it over wide mid off for a boundary.

Prince Yadav to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Prince Yadav keeps it full again, on off, Shreyas Iyer knocks it to mid on for a single.

Prince Yadav to Shreyas Iyer, Four!FOUR! That's a cracking shot from Shreyas Iyer! A tad fuller, on off, Shreyas Iyer rocks onto his back foot and drills it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Prince Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Hard length, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh guides it through the right of the keeper for a single.

Prince Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, No run.Prabhsimran Singh survives yet again! Hard length, on off, Prabhsimran Singh stays back and drives it to extra cover, but doesn't quite connect it well. The ball carries towards Badoni, who bends low and takes a good catch. The umpires check for a clean catch, and the replays show that Badoni's fingers were pointing down on the ground and were not beneath the ball.

Is that a clean catch? Prabhsimran Singh has been asked to wait by the umpires, but Ayush Badoni seems confident here. After watching the replays from different angles, the third umpire deems that the fingers are not underneath the ball. Another life for Singh.

Last throw of the dice as Rishabh Pant brings back Prince Yadav into the attack.

Digvesh Singh to Shreyas Iyer, Six!SIX! That's a massive hit from Shreyas Iyer! Digvesh Singh fires it in, on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer gets down on one knee and slogs it high over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Digvesh Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Sliding on, on a good length, on middle. Prabhsimran Singh nurdles it through mid-wicket for a run.

Digvesh Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!FOUR! That's a fine shot! Flatter, on middle and leg, shorter too. Prabhsimran Singh swivels and pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Digvesh Singh to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Another single and that brings up Fifty for Shreyas Iyer! A googly, on middle, Shreyas Iyer tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. Brings up his 6th half-century of the season, does the Punjab skipper and he has looked like a man on a mission tonight.

Digvesh Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Fired in, on off, Prabhsimran Singh knocks it wide of mid on for another run.

Digvesh Singh to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Digvesh Singh bowls a shorter one, on off, Shreyas Iyer punches it through extra cover for a single.

Change? Yes, Digvesh Singh is back on.

Mohsin Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 runs.Pace on now, on a hard length, on off. Prabhsimran stays leg side of the ball and punches it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs. 14 runs off the over. The Kings need 72 runs from 48 balls.

Mohsin Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!FOUR! In the gap! Off-cutter, on a back of a good length. Prabhsimran Singh waits on it the back foot and hammers the pull through mid-wicket. Arjun Tendulkar covers good ground to his left in the deep and dives. He gets a hand on it but it is not enough. That also brings up the 100-RUN STAND between these two batters.

Mohsin Khan to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Pace off and into the surface, on off. Shreyas drags the pull in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Mohsin Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.That will be FIFTY for Prabhsimran Singh. 6th half-century of the season for Prabhsimran and this has come in a must-win game for his side. Dropped on 20, Singh is really making the lifeline count. Full and on off. Singh knocks it towards extra cover for a single.

Mohsin Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!FOUR! Nicely done! Mohsin digs it in short, going away from the right-hander. Prabhsimran Singh knows that there is no one in the deep at fine leg, nor is there anyone inside the circle. Singh steps across the stumps and gets under the ball. He shovels it down to the vacant deep fine leg region and picks up a boundary to move to 49.

Mohsin Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 runs.Tucking the batter up for room, on a hard length. Prabhsimran Singh advances and swings across the line. He mistimes the pull in front of deep mid-wicket. Digvesh Singh in the deep is a bit slow to get to the ball and Prabhsimran comes back for the second run.

Mohammad Shami to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.On a short of a good length, outside off. Prabhsimran Singh goes hard on the pull and ends up snatching at it. Gets an inside edge and the ball goes through backward square leg for just a single. Just 6 runs off the over. 86 needed from 54 balls.

Mohammad Shami to Prabhsimran Singh, No run.Slower, short ball, near the tramline. Singh tries to play the upper cut but does not connect.

Mohammad Shami to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Very full, on middle and leg. Iyer wrists it through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Mohammad Shami to Shreyas Iyer, 2 runs.Good effort! Into the wicket, on off, Iyer does not have much pace to work it but he arches back and plays the upper cut down to deep third. Mohsin Khan is quick to his left and makes the stop by getting low. Two runs taken.

Mohammad Shami to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Oh, nearly dragged it back onto the stumps. Shami pushes the length up, outside off. Prabhsimran shimmies down the track and throws his hands at the ball. Gets an inside edge and the ball sneaks just past the off stump. Rishabh Pant dives to his left to make the stop but cannot prevent the batters from taking the single.

Mohammad Shami to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Shami delivers it on a back of a length, outside off. Shreyas rides the bounce and punches it to deep cover for a run.

Digvesh Singh to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Stays short, on off. This is punched to deep cover for a run. At the halfway mark, Punjab are 105/2, needing 92 runs from 60 balls.

Digvesh Singh to Shreyas Iyer, Four!FOUR! This time to the right of backward point. Drops it short, outside off, does Digvesh. Iyer needs no second invitation. He presses back and cuts it past backward point for four more.

Digvesh Singh to Shreyas Iyer, No run.A bit of air given, fuller and outside off. Shreyas pushes it a bit uppishly to cover.

Digvesh Singh to Shreyas Iyer, Four!FOUR! Fine shot! A bit short, on off. Shreyas presses back and cuts it late to thread the gap between backward point and short third for a boundary.

Digvesh Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Flatter and shorter, on off. Singh rocks back and nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Digvesh Singh to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Floated up, full and on middle. Iyer eases it to wide long on for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Punjab Kings have lost two wickets, but the duo of Prabhsimran Singh and the skipper, Shreyas Iyer, have done well so far. They have stitched a partnership of 72 runs from 40 balls so far. It's a must-win game for Punjab Kings, and they will feel they are ahead in the chase at the moment. They need 103 from 66 balls. Lucknow Super Giants have nothing to lose. They will be trying to end their campaign on a high note with a win. Let's see how it pans out...

Arjun Tendulkar to Prabhsimran Singh, Six!SIX! Into the stands! Fractionally short, on middle, Prabhsimran takes a step across the stumps and also goes deep in the crease. Nails the pull over backward square leg for a six. 15 runs off the over. 25 off the last 2. PBKS require 103 runs in 66 balls.

Arjun Tendulkar to Prabhsimran Singh, No run.Fuller and wider on off, Prabhsimran Singh ends up giving himself too much room. He reaches out but fails to connect.

Arjun Tendulkar to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!FOUR! Smart batting! Arjun spots Prabhsimran stepping out and he responds with a short ball, on middle and leg. Singh halts his charge and plays the upper cut over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Angling across, on the fuller in length. Shreyas angles the drive to the right of cover for a single.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, Four!FOUR! One bounce and over the ropes. Dug in short, over the left shoulder. Iyer swivels and gets his hands high to hook it aerially to the left of the man at deep fine leg.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, No run.At 132.5 kph, on a good length, on off. Iyer walks across and plays it on the up. It goes on the bounce to the man at mid off.

Mohsin Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, Six!SIX! A pressure-releasing shot! Mohsin Khan once again takes pace off, serves this full and on off. Prabhsimran Singh reads it early, steps across and tonks it over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

Mohsin Khan to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Slower again, on a length and on off, Shreyas Iyer pats it in front of backward point for one. A direct hit from the fielder at the batter's end, but Singh is well in.

Mohsin Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh reaches out and slaps it to sweeper cover for another run.

Mohsin Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, No run.Pace off, hard length and around off, Prabhsimran Singh steers it away towards backward point.

Mohsin Khan to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Short of a length and on middle and off, Shreyas Iyer lifts his front leg up and pulls it away wide of deep square leg. Nicholas Pooran quickly moves to his right and makes a fine diving stop. They cross.

Mohsin Khan to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Back of a length and around off, Prabhsimran Singh miscues his swat off the bottom half of the bat to long on for a single.

Mohsin Khan (1-0-11-0) returns to the attack.

Arjun Tendulkar to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Good length and around leg, Prabhsimran Singh flicks it away to deep square leg for one more.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Hard length and on off, Shreyas Iyer pushes it through covers for one.

Arjun Tendulkar to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.DROPPED! Almost a wicket for Tendulkar! Arjun bowls a well-directed bumper, on middle and leg, Prabhsimran Singh gets hurried on his pull shot and gloves it behind. Rishabh Pant flings himself to his left, gets both hands on it but just fails to hold on to it.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Hits the deck hard and around off, Shreyas Iyer steps across and punches it to sweeper covers for a single. With that, Iyer reaches 7000 T20 runs. A fine achievement!

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, No run.On a length and on middle, Shreyas Iyer stays back in his crease and pats it back to the bowler.

Arjun Tendulkar to Shreyas Iyer, No run.Back of a length and on off, Shreyas Iyer dabs it down to point.

Done with the Powerplay. PBKS require 132 runs from 84 balls. At the same stage, the Lucknow Super Giants were 66/2. Arjun Tendulkar to bowl now.

Prince Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, 2 runs.Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Prabhsimran Singh drills it off the inside half of the bat wide of mid on. Nicholas Pooran gives a good chase and dives forward to collect the ball. He releases it quickly as well to keep it down to two runs. PBKS are 65/2 at the end of the Powerplay.

Prince Yadav to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Much fuller and on off, shaping in, Shreyas Iyer knocks it towards mid off for one.

Prince Yadav to Shreyas Iyer, Wide!WIDE! Bangs in quick and sharp bouncer, on off, but a bit too high for the batter, Shreyas Iyer leaves it alone.

Prince Yadav to Shreyas Iyer, Four!FOUR! Easy pickings! A bit too full and angling into the pads, there to be put away. Shreyas Iyer takes it on the full and whips it away behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Prince Yadav to Shreyas Iyer, No run.Good length and on off, Shreyas Iyer gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Slight halt! Prince Yadav struggled with his run-up. It looked like he had an issue with his hamstring. Looks fine now, and we are good to continue...

Prince Yadav to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.A full toss, on middle, tailing in late, Prabhsimran Singh looks to tuck it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball stops on the pitch. Iyer sets off for the run and Prince also runs forward towards the ball. He picks it up but misses his shy at the batter's end. Iyer made his ground anyway.

Prince Yadav to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Fuller delivery and around off, Shreyas Iyer opens the bat face and drives it square through point for a single.

Digvesh Singh to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run.Wrong'un, short and on middle, turns in, Shreyas Iyer clips it through square leg for one more. 14 runs off the over!

Digvesh Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, 1 run.Pushed through quicker, shortish and on off, Prabhsimran Singh guides it towards backward point and scampers across for a single.

Digvesh Singh to Prabhsimran Singh, Four!FOUR! This is turning out to be a great over for PBKS! A googly, full and on middle, turns in. Prabhsimran Singh goes down on one knee, gets inside the line of it and swipes it over backward square leg for another boundary. 50 UP FOR PBKS.