IPL 2026: Ricky Ponting Hails PBKS Fightback After Thrilling Six-Wicket Win Over Sunrisers Hyderabad

Punjab Kings claimed their third win of IPL 2026 on April 12. They beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets at the New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh. The hosts chased 220 with eight balls left, after early trouble in Hyderabad’s innings.

Head coach Ricky Ponting praised the side’s resolve in the “Dressing Room Diaries”. He said the group showed a “never-say-die” attitude after a poor start. He underlined their aim to be “hard to beat” and to fight back when behind.

Hyderabad fast start checked by disciplined bowling

Punjab leaked more than 100 runs in the first eight overs. They then pulled the scoring back to restrict Sunrisers Hyderabad to 219/6. Shashank Singh triggered the shift with a key over, removing both opposition openers and slowing the innings.

Ponting highlighted captain Shreyas Iyer’s tactical move to bowl Shashank. He called it “a really brave decision” to “take the pace off the ball”. Addressing the attack, Ponting said he “can hardly find a fault” after that “serious fightback”.

Openers and captain lead confident chase

Punjab’s chase featured a strong batting display from the top order. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh hit half-centuries each. Shreyas Iyer then anchored the reply with an unbeaten 69, guiding the side home with controlled, risk-aware batting.

Ponting said, “Seeing Prabh and Priyansh go out and take the game on the way that they do feels so great.” He noted Priyansh taking the first ball from a left-arm off-spinner, while Prabhsimran attacked Jaydev Unadkat in the second over.

Powerplay surge sets up comfortable finish

Ponting revealed Punjab reached 93 runs by the end of the powerplay. He called it “an unbelievable opening partnership” against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The fast start reduced pressure on the middle order and kept the asking rate well under control.

Ponting stressed that the team still has areas to “tighten up”. He said they would not settle with their current form despite the strong win. Punjab Kings next play Mumbai Indians on April 16 at Wankhede Stadium, in another key league game.