Punjab Kings suffered a 23-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, but remained firmly in contention for a playoff berth heading into their final league game against Lucknow Super Giants.

Chasing 223, PBKS fought till the very end before finishing on 199/8 in their 20 overs. Punjab made an early breakthrough through Harpreet Brar, who struck with his second delivery of the evening. The left-arm spinner once again stood out for the Kings with an impressive spell of 2/35, applying pressure through the middle overs and picking up crucial wickets.

In reply, PBKS endured a difficult start as the top order slipped to 19/3 inside four overs. But the middle order responded with intent to keep the chase alive. Cooper Connolly provided momentum with a lively cameo, while Suryansh Shedge continued his impressive form with a brisk 35. Marcus Stoinis added further firepower with a counterattacking 37 as Punjab rebuilt steadily.

The standout effort with the bat came from Shashank Singh, who produced a fighting unbeaten 56 off just 27 deliveries. The vice-captain played fearlessly under pressure, finding boundaries regularly and bringing up a rapid half-century to revive PBKS hopes late in the chase. His partnership with Stoinis shifted momentum briefly as Punjab kept pushing deep into the innings before the target proved just beyond reach.



Despite the result, Punjab Kings remain alive in the playoff race and will now turn their attention to a crucial final league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Saturday.