As the IPL 2025 league stage rolls into the final act, the urgency of every team pushing for a top 4 finish becomes all the more important. There was palpable tension and gravity amongst the players in a crucial match, and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) registered a convincing all-round showing against their opponent. PBKS were lifted to victory by a sensational 91 run innings from Prabhsimran Singh and a match defining new-ball spell from Arshdeep Singh.
This comprehensive victory lifted PBKS’ net run rate as well as progress to playoffs and restored hopes for their fans to witness a title run after this long gap in the franchise journey.
Fireworks From Prabhsimran Singh
The innings started blazing, courtesy of Prabhsimran Singh, who has evidenced confidence and consistency this season. He was sent out to face the first delivery, and he set out to face the opposition attack with no time wasted.
91 off 47: Statement Knock
Prabhsimran played explosive yet aggressive in controlled manner early on, going after the pacers for anything short or wide, selecting his shots with clarity, and considering the match situation seemed slightly faster than the bowlers. The best part of Prabhsimran’s innings came at a stage of the match, where he exploded during the powerplay and played at a strike rate of almost 200, and PBKS reached a score over 60 after 6 overs.
Prabhsimran’s 91 included:
10 fours
5 sixes
Strike rate of 193.61
He missed out on a well-deserved century, which was unfortunate as he fell to a scoop over fine leg, but the damage had already been done.
Maturity Beyond His Age
What stood out is how Prabhsimran seamlessly mixed flamboyance with maturity. He did not simply swing the bat blindly—he played the innings with intent, respected quality deliveries, and recognised when to counter with execution. His partnership with the middle order allowed PBKS to build a solid platform to post a hefty score over 190 runs.
Arshdeep’s Game-Changing Spell
Whereas Prabhsimran set the tone with the bat, it was Arshdeep Singh who literally put the brakes on the opposition’s chase from ball one. His opening spell was nothing short of destruction.
Early Breakthroughs: The Killer Blow
Arshdeep struck in his very first over, elminating the well in-form opener with with a sharply angled in-swinger hitting halfway down the stumps. He then followed up with a slow and cleverly devised slower ball that dismissed the No 3 batter leaving the batting side reeling at 18/2 after 3 overs.
His final bowling figures of 4-0-18-3 achieves not only effectiveness and success but also achieves versatility by mixing pace, line and length.
The Left-Arm Threat
During a tournament increasingly dominated by batters, Arshdeep Singh remains an excellent attacking option with the ball. He has quietly been putting together a strong season and this spell reiterated why he is considered a future leader of the pace attack for India. His ability to swing the new ball and hammer deliveries at death, is where PBKS will gain superior value from close games.
Team Performance & Playoff Charge
PBKS managed to defend their total and won by 28 runs, largely due to the momentum of Arshdeep early on and pressure from spinners through the middle overs of the innings. The win now sees Punjab Kings break into the top four of the points table with more clarity on the want and need to keep their playoff chances alive.
“We spoke in the dressing room about snatching the moment — and I think Prabhsimran and Arshdeep did exactly that. It is a big win for us.”
Prabhsimran Singh: Stepping Out of the Shadows
What was now at times perceived as a backup player, or bench option, Prabhsimran Singh, is now showing promise as a reliable top-order batter. His 91-run innings was not only a personal best for him, but also a very good innings period for PBKS this season. It shows a clear transition from potential to being a match-winner.
Arshdeep Singh: The New-Ball Specialist
What a development Arshdeep has turned into. Initially exclusively a death-over specialist in previous seasons, he has transformed into a dangerous new ball bowler and often takes 1-2 wickets in the powerplay phase. This development adds another layer of utility for PBKS when defending totals.
Next Steps: One Step Closer
This win is important momentum for PBKS, who are world beaten, with 3 or so matches remaining, and are now able to dictate their own fate. Provided they can push across a couple of wins from here they should qualify for the playoffs, and if they are led by these key players in their current form, Punjab may well be title contenders this year.
The message has been sent — PBKS are not just in the race, but out to compete.
Final Thoughts
In a tournament built on moments, this game offered up two of the best: a young batter marching all over the other team, and a left-arm pacer taking the big hitters out to silence an innings. Prabhsimran Singh bravely saw through clean 91, and Arshdeep Singh toyed with the new ball providing PBKS fans a night they’ll remember, and maybe a season they can believe in too.
