Punjab Kings signed off their league-stage campaign with a commanding seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants, successfully chasing down 197 in Lucknow to keep their playoff hopes alive. Having done their part, PBKS now await the remaining results to determine whether they will secure a place in the top four.

Asked to chase 197, Punjab Kings found early momentum through Prabhsimran Singh, who continued his outstanding season with another explosive knock at the top. Prabhsimran struck 69 and ensured PBKS stayed ahead of the asking rate through the powerplay and middle overs.

From there, captain Shreyas Iyer took complete control of the chase. The PBKS skipper produced a captain’s innings of the highest quality, bringing up his maiden IPL century and finishing unbeaten on 101*. Calm under pressure and ruthless whenever required, Shreyas paced the chase perfectly as Punjab reached 200/3 with 12 balls to spare.

Earlier in the evening, Lucknow Super Giants posted 196/6 after useful contributions from Josh Inglis and Ayush Badoni. Punjab Kings, however, stayed disciplined with the ball, led by Yuzvendra Chahal’s excellent spell of 2/25 through the middle overs. Marco Jansen also struck twice and kept the scoring in check during crucial phases of the innings.

After a difficult stretch in the tournament, PBKS produced one of their most complete performances of the season on a night where defeat would have ended their playoff hopes. Instead, the Kings responded with authority in Lucknow, powered by a landmark century from their Sarpanch and a clinical chase under pressure.

Punjab Kings have done everything they could. The wait begins.