Early leaders Punjab Kings piled up 254-7, the highest score in the Indian Premier League so far, in a 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants.

The total was built around a dominant second-wicket partnership of 182 in 80 balls between Indian opener Priyansh Arya and Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly.

Arya hit nine sixes in his destructive 93 from 37 balls. 22-year-old Connolly peppered the straight boundaries while hitting eight fours and seven sixes, though he would have been out for five had LSG reviewed an early lbw shout.

The pair took 32 runs from one over from South African Aiden Markram's off-spin.

Punjab's total surpassed the 250-3 made by Royal Challengers Benagluru earlier in the competition and is also their second best effort in any IPL season.

Lucknow were never in the chase, even with Mitchell Marsh hitting 40 and Rishabh Pant 43.

With the result long decided, Punjab were sloppy towards the back end when dropping a series of catches. LSG ended up struggling on to 200-5.

Still, Punjab, who have never won the IPL, are now three points clear at the top of the table.