CSK vs PBKS Highlights | IPL 2025 | Punjab Kings Edge Chennai in Last Over Thriller

Punjab Kings Edge Past CSK in a Thriller at Chepauk

In a dramatic contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the Punjab Kings chased down 191 with just two balls to spare to secure a crucial 4-wicket win over the Chennai Super Kings in Match 49 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. It was a night of dominant batting, nervy bowling, and tactical brilliance, highlighted by Shreyas Iyer's commanding knock that earned him the Player of the Match award.

Summary

Chennai Super Kings put up 190 runs on the board, powered by a sensational 88 off 47 from Sam Curran, while Punjab Kings chased it down with Shreyas Iyer leading the way with a 72 off 41. Despite a late wobble, PBKS crossed the finish line in 19.4 overs.

Scorecard

Chennai Super Kings: 190 all out in 19.2 overs (Sam Curran 88, Shivam Dube 66; Chahal 4-20, Arshdeep 2-25)

Punjab Kings: 194/6 in 19.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 72, Prabhsimran Singh 54; Pathirana 2-45, Khaleel 2-28)

WHAT. A. CATCH ????

An absolute stunner from Dewald Brevis at the boundary????

Excellent awareness from him ????

Updates ▶ https://t.co/eXWTTv7Xhd #TATAIPL | #CSKvPBKS | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/CjZgjdEvUQ

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 30, 2025

Sam Curran's Heroics with the Bat

Chennai's innings never quite found rhythm in the powerplay, losing Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre cheaply. But Sam Curran stepped up with a breathtaking counterattack, hitting nine fours and four sixes in his 47-ball 88. The English all-rounder revived CSK's innings after they were 48/3, building partnerships first with Brevis and then with Shivam Dube, who played a steady knock of 66.

Curran’s fearless approach neutralized Punjab's pace attack, and his timing was spot on, particularly in the middle overs when CSK were at risk of collapsing. His efforts propelled Chennai to 190, though they were bowled out with four balls left in the innings. Chahal’s triple strike in the final overs was instrumental in curtailing what could have been a 200-plus total.

Punjab's Measured Yet Fierce Chase

Despite losing Priyansh Arya early, Punjab Kings’ chase was powered by the blistering form of Prabhsimran Singh, who scored 54 off 36 balls with five fours and three sixes. He dominated the powerplay, taking on Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed with ease. Once Prabhsimran departed, it was Iyer's turn to anchor and accelerate the innings.

Shreyas Iyer's 72 off 41 deliveries was a captain’s knock in every sense. He rotated strike smartly and launched boundaries when the pressure mounted. Alongside Nehal Wadhera and later Shashank Singh, Iyer kept the run-rate within reach. The chase threatened to fall apart after his dismissal in the 19th over, but Josh Inglis held his nerve with an unbeaten 10-ball 6, guiding the team home with Marco Jansen at the other end.

Turning Point: Jadeja and Pathirana Strike Late

With 41 needed off 21 balls, Shashank Singh and Iyer looked in complete control. But Ravindra Jadeja’s breakthrough and Pathirana's precision brought CSK roaring back. Iyer's dismissal in the penultimate over had the stadium on edge. However, CSK's death bowling slightly lacked the sting, allowing PBKS to chip away and clinch the win.

Bowling Breakdown: Chahal and Arshdeep Impress

For Punjab, the spin duo of Chahal and Harpreet Brar made an impact in the middle overs. Chahal, especially, used the pitch to his advantage, picking up four key wickets including MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube. Arshdeep Singh, meanwhile, struck with the new ball and returned at the death to add pressure, finishing with 2/25.

For CSK, Matheesha Pathirana bowled with fire, dismissing Iyer and Wadhera, but his 11.20 economy rate tells a story of how punishing Punjab's batters were. Khaleel Ahmed bowled with heart and picked up two wickets, while Jadeja remained economical with his spell of 3-0-21-1.

What This Means for the Playoff Race

The loss is a setback for CSK, who remain just outside the top four with the competition heating up. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, are climbing fast. This was their third win in four matches and pushes them firmly into playoff contention. Their ability to close out tight matches is turning heads at a crucial phase of the league.

Player of the Match: Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer's authoritative half-century ensured Punjab Kings held their nerve in a challenging chase. He not only provided the stability but also ensured the asking rate never spiraled out of control. His knock was a fine blend of class and temperament.

"We always believed in our batting depth. The idea was to build partnerships and play risk-free cricket until the final five," Iyer said post-match. "Credit to the bowlers for restricting CSK, and then the batters for finishing the job."