Daijiworld Media Network – New Chandigarh

New Chandigarh, Apr 13: Punjab Kings' winning momentum took a hit as they slumped to their second defeat of the season, conceding an eight-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in a run-fest during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Despite posting a mammoth 245/6 on the scoreboard, the Kings failed to defend the total as Sunrisers chased it down with nine balls to spare.

Speaking after the match, Punjab Kings’ spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi said the team had their chances but couldn’t capitalise when it mattered most. “I think the positive to take away from this match is that our batters are definitely in great form. The bowling, however, needs to improve, and we need to increase our dot-ball percentage. That’s what we missed while bowling today on this wicket,” Joshi reflected.

“In high-scoring games like this, dot balls in the middle overs are crucial. We couldn’t latch on to half the chances we created, and that made the difference,” he added, while defending the bowlers. “I wouldn’t say they failed. It was a good wicket. People come to see sixes and boundaries, and we missed an opportunity to turn it around.”

Punjab got off to a fiery start, thanks to openers Prabhsimran Singh (42 off 23) and Priyansh Arya (36 off 13), who set the tone early. Skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a blistering 82 off just 36 balls, while Marcus Stoinis added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 34 off 11 balls, propelling the Kings to an imposing 245.

However, the Sunrisers launched an aggressive counter-attack led by Abhishek Sharma, whose stunning 141 off 55 balls dismantled Punjab’s bowling attack. Although Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal managed to dismiss the openers late in the innings, Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan ensured that the chase was completed with ease.

The Kings now return home to face Kolkata Knight Riders at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on April 15, hoping to bounce back and regain their winning rhythm.