Punjab Kings (PBKS) continued their impressive start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with a commanding eight-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday, April 1, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. While the match was filled with thrilling moments, one unexpected yet delightful highlight occurred when PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting showed his appreciation for a ball boy’s exceptional catch near the boundary line.
Ponting’s Applause for Ball Boy’s Stunning Catch – A Moment to Remember
During the 14th over of Punjab’s run chase, Lucknow’s leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi bowled a delivery just outside off-stump, prompting Nehal Wadhera to step forward and hammer it flat towards the wide long-on boundary. The ball sailed over the ropes, where a ball boy stationed near the boundary line displayed remarkable reflexes and agility to complete a stunning one-handed catch.
Watching from the PBKS dugout, Ricky Ponting—a legendary fielder himself—was visibly impressed. Seated next to Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, Ponting immediately stood up, clapped, and acknowledged the ball boy’s effort with a big smile.
Ponting’s gesture was a reminder of his sportsmanship and love for the game. His recognition of a young enthusiast reflected his deep understanding of how every individual contributes to the spirit of cricket. The moment quickly went viral, with fans praising Ponting’s humility, enthusiasm, and passion for the sport. Many on social media pointed out that Ponting’s appreciation was a testament to his respect for skill and dedication, no matter the level.
PBKS’ Dominant Performance: A Statement Victory
Beyond this heartwarming moment, Punjab Kings produced an exceptional all-round performance, effortlessly chasing down LSG’s total of 171/7 in just 16.2 overs, with 22 balls to spare.
LSG’s Innings – A Mixed Effort with Late Flourishes
After being put in to bat first, Lucknow Super Giants struggled to find their rhythm early on, with PBKS bowlers keeping a tight grip on the proceedings. However, Nicholas Pooran stepped up to stabilize the innings, playing a crucial knock of 44 off 30 balls, which included four boundaries and two sixes.
Ayush Badoni chipped in with 41 runs, adding some much-needed stability to the innings. But the real game-changing cameo came from Abdul Samad, who played a quickfire knock of 27 runs off just 12 balls. His aggressive strokeplay in the final overs helped LSG cross the 170-run mark.
The death overs saw some intense action, particularly when Lucknow smashed 20 runs off Arshdeep Singh’s penultimate over. Despite this late onslaught, Punjab Kings’ pace attack, led by Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada, ensured that LSG couldn’t post a bigger total.
Punjab’s Batting Brilliance – A Chase with Authority
Chasing 172, Punjab Kings got off to a flying start, thanks to a blistering innings from Prabhsimran Singh. His 69-run knock off 38 balls set the perfect foundation for Punjab’s successful chase. His innings was filled with aggressive stroke play, including powerful drives, lofted shots, and fearless pulls that left the Lucknow bowlers searching for answers.
PBKS lost Prabhsimran Singh to Digvesh Rathi, but by then, they had already gained a firm grip on the chase.
The finishing touches were applied in style by captain Shreyas Iyer (52 off 34 balls) and Nehal Wadhera (43 off 28 balls), who combined for an unbeaten match-winning partnership. Their calm yet dominant approach ensured that Punjab reached the target with ease, finishing the chase in just 16.2 overs.
PBKS’ Winning Formula – Ricky Ponting’s Leadership & Team Unity
With this victory, Punjab Kings have now registered two consecutive wins to start IPL 2025, placing themselves among the top teams in the points table. The combination of Ricky Ponting’s leadership, Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, and a well-balanced squad has turned PBKS into serious contenders this season.
Ponting’s influence on PBKS has been evident, not just in tactical decisions but also in the positive mindset and energy within the squad. Players like Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Kagiso Rabada, and Sam Curran have already showcased their potential under his guidance.
Ponting’s gesture towards the ball boy was yet another reflection of his leadership qualities, showing that he values and acknowledges every moment in cricket, no matter how small.
As Punjab Kings continue their strong start to IPL 2025, they will now shift focus to their upcoming matches, looking to maintain their momentum. With two dominant wins in two games, Punjab Kings have sent a strong message to their competitors—this might finally be the season when PBKS breaks its IPL title drought and lifts its maiden trophy.
