Punjab Kings (PBKS) ended their losing streak of six matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with a seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The win gives PBKS a chance to qualify for playoffs pending the games on May 24. While head coach Ricky Ponting was pleased with the win in Lucknow, he wasn’t happy with the fielding effort.
“We've done it the hard way, let's put it that way. We've done what we needed to do today. Sloppy in the field again, gave them 20 more runs than what they should've got,” Ponting told the broadcasters after PBKS’ last league stage match of the season to get to 15 points.
Ponting lauded skipper Shreyas Iyer for his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) century and leading the run chase from the front.
“Pretty clinical chase, especially being in trouble early. The captain, he's done that all season. When there's been a run chase on like that, he's pretty much everytime put his hand up and got the job done. That's his first IPL century tonight. We'll celebrate that and then we'll sit around and wait for those results tomorrow,” the former Australian captain said.
Ponting in awe of Iyer’s leadership skills
Ponting also praised Iyer’s leadership and how he commands respect of the group. He is happy for Iyer retaining his place in the ODI team and wants to see him back in the T20I side as well. While PBKS suffered six consecutive losses, Ponting pointed out the quality of cricket they played in the first half, an unbeaten run of seven games including a washed out match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
“There's a reason I spent as much money at the auction as I did a couple of years ago (on Iyer). He's a ripping guy, very mature player now, very mature leader. More often than not keeps his emotions in check on the field. The respect he has from his players is second to none. The moment he stands in front of the group and speaks, not a single eyeball leaves a single word he says. Delighted to work with him. Really happy on the season he's had. Great to see him back in the Indian one day team. I really think there's a bigger, brighter future for him in the Indian T20 team as well,” Ponting said.
“The level of cricket we played in the first half was a level I've never seen before. And then we just made some crucial errors at different times in the last six games. Today was a whole lot better,” the 52-year-old added.
How PBKS can qualify for playoffs
In the run chase of 197, Iyer remained unbeaten for 101 off n51 balls, featuring 11 fours and five sixes. PBKS chased down the target with two overs to spare. If Rajasthan Royals (RR) beat Mumbai Indians (MI), PBKS will be knocked out of the tournament. If RR lose, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will have to win by at least 77 or more runs or chase down the target in 12.1 to 12.4 overs to reach the playoffs (if the target is 200).