The scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala will play host to a crucial IPL 2025 fixture on May 4, 2025, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) face off against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 54 of the tournament. The match is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, and with both teams still eyeing a place in the playoffs, expect a thrilling contest under the lights.
Match Details
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Fixture: Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants, Match 54, IPL 2025
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Date & Time: May 4, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
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Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
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Broadcast: JioStar Network & JioHotstar (App & Website)
Team Overview
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS are in a do-or-die phase of the tournament with 5 wins in 10 matches. Iyer’s captaincy has been steady, and his own form with the bat — including a match-winning 67 in their previous encounter against LSG — has been a big boost. Shashank Singh, playing a finisher’s role, and Priyansh Arya, as a top-order revelation, provide much-needed firepower. The team will miss Glenn Maxwell, who is likely ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.
PBKS’s bowling is led by Arshdeep Singh, with strong support from Yuzvendra Chahal and Lockie Ferguson. However, their historical record in Dharamsala is poor, making this match a psychological hurdle as well.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Rishabh Pant’s LSG have 6 wins so far and are one step closer to securing a playoff berth. While Pant’s form with the bat remains a concern, he’s ably backed by a solid middle-order trio — Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh — all capable of turning games on their day.
In the bowling department, LSG will rely on Ravi Bishnoi’s spin in the high-altitude Dharamsala conditions. The pace unit, despite losing Mayank Yadav and Akash Deep to injury, is bolstered by the likes of Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, and promising youngster Digvesh Rathi.
Probable Playing XI
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Jitesh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Chahar
Impact Player: Rishi Dhawan
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
Rishabh Pant (C & WK), KL Rahul, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Digvesh Rathi
Impact Player: Deepak Hooda
Pitch and Weather Report
The HPCA Stadium pitch is known for its batting-friendly surface with pace and bounce. The short square boundaries and high-altitude conditions make it ideal for high-scoring encounters. However, early swing and some grip for spinners will challenge batters initially. Dew is expected to play a big role in the second innings, giving a clear advantage to the chasing side.
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Average 1st Innings Score: 184
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Highest Total: 232/2 by PBKS
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Chance of Rain: 55–60% earlier in the day (expected to clear by match time)
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Temperature: 17–23°C
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 5
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PBKS Wins: 2
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LSG Wins: 3
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Last Encounter: PBKS beat LSG by 6 wickets on April 25, 2025
Key Players to Watch
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Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): Anchoring the innings and leading from the front. His recent form makes him a critical asset.
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Nicholas Pooran (LSG): Explosive in the death overs and capable of changing the game within a few overs.
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Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): Can exploit the pitch’s turn and apply pressure in the middle overs.
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Ravi Bishnoi (LSG): Likely to be the main weapon in LSG’s spin strategy.
Match Scenarios & Prediction
Scenario 1:
PBKS win the toss and bowl first
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PP Score: 50–60
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LSG Total: 175–185
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PBKS chase and win the match
Scenario 2:
LSG win the toss and bowl first
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PP Score: 60–70
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PBKS Total: 190–200
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LSG chase down the target with 1–2 overs remaining
Match Prediction: Punjab Kings to Win
Despite LSG’s superior position on the table, PBKS seem better adjusted to the conditions and will carry momentum from their last encounter. If dew comes into play, and PBKS bat second, they are well-positioned to steal the win — especially with Iyer and Shashank Singh in form.