'My bat is the prize': Shreyas Iyer reveals dressing-room contest behind Punjab Kings run-fest

Image credit: BCCI/IPL

NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was all smiles when he came for the post-match presentation after his side registered a big 54-run win over Lucknow Super Giants in Mullanpur on Sunday. With this win, Punjab Kings jumped to the top of the table with 5 wins in 6 matches, 11 points, and a net run rate of +1.420. After the massive victory, Iyer revealed that a light-hearted six-hitting contest inside the dressing room has been the reason behind Punjab Kings' batting blitz. Devastating batters Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly made a mockery of the Lucknow Super Giants bowlers and powered their team to a mammoth 254/7 in 20 overs. Arya and Connolly smashed 93 and 87 respectively as PBKS posted 254/7 - the highest total of this IPL season. The duo added 182 runs in just 13.2 overs for a hugely entertaining second-wicket stand, taking PBKS past Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 250/3 - the previous highest total this season.

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In reply, LSG managed 200/5 and suffered a 54-run defeat. "Exceptional partnership, some shots were jaw-dropping. Hitting fast bowlers off the back-foot straight. Composure in the middle overs was sensational," Iyer said during the post-match presentation. "Was talking with Cooper and Arya, said let's compete for the most no. of sixes. Prize is my bat, doesn't make sense but hope it'll make us happy. When you let players be, I think they just deliver. That's our mantra." "I don't tell them how to go about their specific innings, they have their patterns set. Ricky Ponting motivates just before the game, I chip in, boys come in and deliver." Punjab Kings will next face Delhi Capitals on April 25.

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