Rishabh Pant stepped up when it mattered most, delivering a captain’s knock for Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the New Chandigarh Stadium. Chasing a daunting 255, Pant injected momentum into the innings with two towering sixes off Marco Jansen in the seventh over, briefly shifting the pressure back on the hosts.
Facing just his second delivery, Pant showcased his intent by launching a 141.8 kmph full ball over wide long-on for a 79-metre six. He followed it up in style, charging down the track to a slower delivery and smashing it straight over the sightscreen for an even bigger 89-metre maximum. It was a statement of intent from the LSG skipper in a high-pressure chase.
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Pant found solid support from Mitchell Marsh, with the duo keeping LSG in the hunt. At the halfway mark, the visitors were 102/1 in 10 overs, with Pant scoring 24 off 14 and Marsh contributing a steady 39 off 25. Earlier, Ayush Badoni provided a brisk start with 35 off 21 before being dismissed by Vijaykumar Vyshak, ending a promising 61-run opening stand.
Vintage Rishabh Pant making it look completely effortless 🔥
🎥 Make sure you wait for that trademark one-handed maximum at the end! 🤌
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Punjab Kings had earlier set the tone with a massive 254/7, one of the highest totals of IPL 2026. After an early setback, Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly turned the game on its head with a stunning 182-run partnership. Arya hammered 93 off 37 balls, while Connolly impressed with 87 off 46, both showcasing fearless strokeplay.
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With valuable cameos from Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh, PBKS posted a formidable total. Despite Prince Yadav’s efforts with the ball, LSG faced an uphill task, with Punjab firmly in control as the match progressed.
