Ayush Badoni’s innings for Lucknow Super Giants looked like it was heading for a well-earned half-century against Punjab Kings, but a sharp stumping by Prabhsimran Singh brought it to an abrupt end. Batting at No. 4, Badoni struck 43 runs from just 18 balls, smashing three sixes and five fours to post a strike rate of 238.89. The dismissal arrived in the seventh over bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal, when Badoni missed a flatter cut attempt and then briefly lifted his leg—an opening Prabhsimran capitalised on by breaking the stumps with his foot while the batter was out of position.
Badoni’s burst and the turning point
Chahal’s delivery set the trap early in the over, and Badoni’s reaction—missing the cut—was followed by a split-second loss of concentration. As Prabhsimran waited, Badoni’s leg lift created the moment the keeper needed. With the stumps disturbed in mid-air, the batter was ruled out in a dismissal widely described as a “schoolboy error”.
- Ayush Badoni scored 43 off 18 balls for Lucknow Super Giants
- His innings included 3 sixes and 5 fours, at a strike rate of 238.89
- The dismissal was a stumping by Prabhsimran Singh off Yuzvendra Chahal
- It happened in the seventh over when Badoni missed a cut shot
- Badoni’s leg lift allowed the wicket to be broken by the keeper with his foot while he was in the air
Toss and match context at Ekana Stadium
Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to field against Lucknow Super Giants in the 68th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 on Saturday evening. The contest is taking place at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
Lucknow have motivation to close the campaign on a positive note if they win, while a defeat for Punjab Kings would likely rule them out of the playoff race. Even if Shreyas Iyer’s side manages victory, qualification is not guaranteed, with Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals still able to influence the remaining playoff spots.
Captain messages and confirmed playing XI changes
At the toss, Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant said the wicket looked favourable for batting and suggested a high-scoring game could be on the cards. He added that the team would have preferred to bowl first as well, while also acknowledging a tough season and the learning that has come with it. Pant confirmed two changes to the starting XI for the final league fixture, with Arjun Tendulkar and Arshin Kulkarni coming into the side.
- Rishabh Pant said the wicket is ideal for batting and could produce a high-scoring contest
- He also noted Lucknow would have preferred to bowl first
- Two changes for Lucknow: Arjun Tendulkar and Arshin Kulkarni in for the final league match
- Pant expressed regret to fans from across UP and said the team will give its “100%” today
After winning the toss, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed their decision to bowl first. He also stated two changes in their playing XI, bringing in Marco and Vyshak. Iyer described the matchup as exciting and said the team is in a rare situation, with the players eager to do their best.
- Shreyas Iyer confirmed Punjab Kings will bowl first
- Two changes for Punjab: Marco and Vyshak in
- Iyer said it is a good match for Punjab Kings
- He added that Punjab have never been in this situation before and the players are ready to give their best
