Punjab Kings set records flying with the highest team score in IPL against LSG, surpass Kolkata Knight Riders
May 5, 2025
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Punjab Kings Rewrite History With Record-Breaking 236 Against LSG in IPL 2025 Dharamsala Witnesses Batting Carnage as PBKS Set New Benchmark The picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala became
Punjab Kings Rewrite History With Record-Breaking 236 Against LSG in IPL 2025
Dharamsala Witnesses Batting Carnage as PBKS Set New Benchmark
The picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala became the stage for an unforgettable batting masterclass as Punjab Kings demolished Lucknow Super Giants’ bowling attack to register the highest-ever team total (236/5) against LSG in IPL history. This monumental effort surpassed Kolkata Knight Riders’ previous record of 235/6 set in 2024, cementing PBKS’ reputation as one of the most destructive batting units in the competition.
From Early Wobble to Record-Shattering Total
The innings began in dramatic fashion when LSG captain KL Rahul won the toss and elected to field, a decision that initially appeared justified as PBKS lost their in-form opener Priyansh Arya in the very first over. However, what followed was a breathtaking display of power-hitting that left the opposition shell-shocked.
Key Moments That Defined the Innings:
Powerplay Onslaught: Despite losing Arya early, PBKS raced to 68/1 in the powerplay, setting the platform for a massive total
Middle-Order Mayhem: Liam Livingstone’s 22-ball 45 and Jitesh Sharma’s blistering 18-ball 38 provided the perfect acceleration
Death Over Demolition: Sam Curran’s 15-ball 32* ensured PBKS finished with a flurry, adding 78 runs in the last 5 overs
Breaking Down the Record-Breaking Performance
Batting Statistics That Stood Out:
Team Strike Rate: 192.85 (highest for PBKS in IPL 2025)
Boundary Count: 24 fours and 14 sixes
Partnerships: Three 50+ stands, including a crucial 74-run partnership between Iyer and Livingstone
Individual Brilliance:
Shreyas Iyer (68 off 42): The captain anchored the innings with a composed knock
Liam Livingstone (45 off 22): Provided the explosive middle-order impetus
Sam Curran (32* off 15): Finished the innings with trademark power-hitting
Tactical Masterstroke: How PBKS Outthought LSG
The Punjab Kings’ think tank, led by head coach Ricky Ponting, executed their game plan to perfection:
Adapting to Conditions: Recognized Dharamsala’s short boundaries and true bounce early
Matchup Strategy: Targeted LSG’s weaker bowlers, particularly in the middle overs
Flexible Batting Order: Promoted power-hitters at crucial junctures to maintain momentum
LSG’s Bowling Collapse: Where It Went Wrong
Despite entering the match with one of the tournament’s best bowling attacks, LSG’s bowlers had no answers to PBKS’ assault:
Mohsin Khan: 0/48 in 4 overs (most expensive spell of his IPL career)
Ravi Bishnoi: 1/52 in 4 overs (uncharacteristically expensive)
Death Bowling Woes: Conceded 78 runs in last 5 overs
Historical Context: PBKS’ Batting Revolution
This performance continues PBKS’ remarkable batting transformation over the past two seasons:
PBKS’ IPL Evolution:
2020-2022: Only two 200+ totals in three seasons
2023-2025: Seven 200+ totals, including three this season
Highest Team Totals: Now hold three of top four highest scores in franchise history
What This Means for IPL 2025 Playoff Race
With this victory, PBKS have:
Moved to second position in points table
Boosted their net run rate significantly
Sent a strong message to other playoff contenders
Kept alive hopes of securing a top-two finish
Expert Reactions: Cricket Pundits Weigh In
Former players and analysts were unanimous in their praise:
Sunil Gavaskar: “This is the most complete PBKS batting performance I’ve seen in years”
Kevin Pietersen: “The intent from ball one was incredible – this is modern T20 batting at its best”
Harsha Bhogle: “A franchise that was once inconsistent has now become ruthless”
This record-breaking performance signifies more than just another win – it announces PBKS’ arrival as genuine title contenders. With a perfect blend of explosive batting, tactical acumen, and fearless approach, the franchise is poised for their most successful IPL campaign ever.
As the tournament enters its business end, one thing is clear: when Punjab Kings bat like this, they’re virtually unstoppable. The question now is – can they maintain this form when it matters most?
