Date: May 4, 2025
Time: 07:30 PM IST
Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Streaming: Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports (UK), Foxtel (Australia)
A High-Stakes Clash in Dharamsala
The 54th game between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will take place at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala to kick off the 2025 IPL season. This contest is set to deliver entertainment as both sides are vying for a playoff position. LSG are currently on a losing streak and sit on 6th position with 10 points while PBKS are 4th on the table with 13 points, still comfortably seated at a playoff position but will be looking to secure a win.
| Match | Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, May 4, 2025 |
| Time | 07:30 PM IST |
| Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| Weather | 17°C with possible light showers |
| Broadcast | Willow TV, Sky Sports, Foxtel |
| Toss | Advantage to the team batting first |
Team Standings Before Match 54
PBKS in IPL 2025:
Matches Played: 10
Wins: 6
Losses: 3
No Result: 1
Points: 13
Net Run Rate: +0.199
Position: 4th
LSG in IPL 2025:
Matches Played: 10
Wins: 5
Losses: 5
Points: 10
Net Run Rate: -0.325
Position: 6th
The Punjab Kings are heading into this encounter after a nail-biting victory of 4 wickets against CSK as the Lucknow Super Giants lost to the mighty MI by 54 runs. The Kings surely have the wind beneath their wings as compared to the others.
PBKS vs LSG Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches: 5
LSG Wins: 3
PBKS Wins: 2
Lucknow hold a slight edge in their short rivalry, but Punjab will take confidence from their recent win against LSG earlier this season.
Players to Watch – Big Hitters and Game Changers
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Shreyas Iyer: 97* off 42 balls (SR 230.95) – 5th highest individual score of IPL 2025
Priyansh Arya: Strike rate of 245.23 with a 103-run knock – 3rd highest score in 2025
Arshdeep Singh & Chahal: Key bowlers with match-winning spells
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
Nicholas Pooran: 404 runs, 34 sixes – Most sixes in IPL 2025
David Miller: Finisher with explosive potential
Ravi Bishnoi: Most consistent spinner for LSG
Pitch Report – HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Conditions:
Nature: Batting-friendly with assistance to pacers
Spin: Less effective, but tight lines can help
Average First Innings Score: 157
Par Score: 180+
Best Toss Decision: Bat first
The pitch offers true bounce and pace, allowing stroke-makers to shine. Fast bowlers will enjoy the early movement, while spinners must rely on variations.
Predicted Playing XIs
Punjab Kings:
Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Player: Josh Inglis / Suryansh Shedge
Lucknow Super Giants:
Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, M Siddharth
Impact Player: Mitchell Marsh / Matthew Breetzke
PBKS vs LSG Match Scenarios & Predictions
Scenario 1 – PBKS Bat First
Predicted Score: 200–220
Result Prediction: PBKS to win by 10–30 runs
Scenario 2 – LSG Bat First
Predicted Score: 160–180
Result Prediction: PBKS to win by 8 wickets
With PBKS’s in-form top order and sharp bowling attack, they are expected to dominate either way.
PBKS vs LSG – Betting & Fantasy Tips
Betting Tip:
Back Punjab Kings to win on Stake.com based on recent form, home advantage, and stronger squad balance.
Betting Odds from Stake.com
The betting odds from Stake.com for the teams Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants are 1.65 and 2.00 respectively.
Top Fantasy Picks:
Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Vice Captain: Nicholas Pooran
Differentials: Priyansh Arya, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi
Punjab Kings to Win, Are They?
With explosive batters such as Arya and Iyer, and consistent bowling from Chahal and Arshdeep, the recent form puts Punjab Kings as strong favorites for Match 54. Lucknow might lose yet another important game because of their middle-order problems and erratic bowling.
Prediction: Punjab Kings will emerge victorious at the HPCA Stadium.
Conclusion
The Punjab Kings are peaking at the right time, while the Lucknow Super Giants are slipping when it matters the most. With playoff spots on the line, expect a fierce contest in Dharamsala but our money’s on PBKS to walk away with the two points.
