- Tue, March 15, 2022
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PBKS vs CSK IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Outclass Chennai Super Kings in High-Scoring Thriller
Punjab Kings secured a thrilling 18-run victory over Chennai Super Kings in the 22nd match of the Indian Premier League 2025, played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The match was headlined by a scintillating maiden IPL century from Priyansh Arya, who smashed 103 off 42 balls. Despite a brave chase led by Devon Conway and Shivam Dube, CSK couldn’t close the gap as Punjab Kings posted 219/6 and held CSK to 201/5 in 20 overs.
This win rejuvenates Punjab’s campaign, while Chennai will have to rethink their approach, especially with the bat during key middle overs.
Summary
Priyansh Arya’s dazzling ton set up a formidable total as Punjab Kings posted 219/6 after opting to bat first. Chennai Super Kings began positively but lost steam despite Devon Conway’s return to form with a 69*. CSK’s failure to accelerate in the death overs led to their downfall. Punjab’s disciplined death bowling sealed a much-needed 18-run victory.
Scorecard
Punjab Kings – 219/6 (20 overs)
Priyansh Arya 103 (42), Shashank Singh 52* (36)
Khaleel Ahmed 4-0-45-2, Ashwin 4-0-48-2
Chennai Super Kings – 201/5 (20 overs)
Devon Conway 69* (49), Shivam Dube 42 (27)
Lockie Ferguson 4-0-20-2, Yash Thakur 4-0-39-1
Result: Punjab Kings won by 18 runs
Player of the Match: Priyansh Arya
Sights we have come to cherish over many years ????
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 8, 2025
MS Dhoni produced a fighting knock of 27(12) ????
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/HzhV1Vtl1S #TATAIPL | #PBKSvCSK | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/Y3ksZl8ozS
Arya’s Arrival: A Century That Shifted the Momentum
The real star of the night was undoubtedly Priyansh Arya, who crafted one of the most memorable innings of the IPL 2025 so far. His 103 off just 42 balls was a mix of brutal hitting and elegant strokeplay. With 7 sixes and 4 boundaries, Arya made the most of the powerplay, launching into the CSK bowlers with fearless intent.
Arya’s knock gave Punjab the momentum even after a wobbly start, with Prabhsimran and Shreyas Iyer falling cheaply. His partnership with Nehal Wadhera and later Shashank Singh ensured Punjab maintained a high scoring rate despite mid-innings stumbles.
Punjab’s Middle-Order Firepower Lifts the Total
While Arya led the charge, contributions from Shashank Singh (52* off 36) and Marco Jansen’s cameo (34* off 19) gave Punjab the finishing push they needed. The Kings were 154/6 at one point, but the death overs saw them add 65 runs, taking the score to a daunting 219.
CSK’s bowling lacked penetration in the final overs. Khaleel Ahmed and Ashwin were the only wicket-takers to apply some control, but the rest particularly Noor Ahmad and Pathirana struggled with their lengths under pressure.
CSK’s Chase: Promising Start, Lacking Finish
Chennai Super Kings’ innings began with promise as Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway added 61 runs in the powerplay. However, the wicket of Ravindra, who scored 36 off 23, started the slide. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s dismissal for just 1 added to the pressure. It was Conway who stood firm, anchoring the innings and rotating strike smartly, but the required run rate kept climbing.
Shivam Dube played his part with a well-made 42 off 27, but once he departed in the 16th over, the chase began to fizzle. MS Dhoni came in and added a few late blows, but his dismissal for 27 off 12 in the 19th over virtually sealed CSK’s fate.
Punjab’s Bowling at the Death: Smart and Clinical
Punjab Kings’ bowling was disciplined, especially during the death overs. Lockie Ferguson delivered with pace and accuracy, removing Dube and Gaikwad to derail the chase. Yash Thakur and Arshdeep Singh ensured there were no freebies, defending 68 in the last five overs with skillful variations.
Despite a high run chase, Punjab kept their nerve, backed by sharp fielding and timely breakthroughs. Glenn Maxwell’s economical spell (2-0-11-1) in the middle overs also helped stem CSK’s scoring during a crucial phase.
Conway’s Return, But CSK’s Tactics Under Scrutiny
Devon Conway’s 69 was a positive takeaway* for CSK. Returning to the XI after being dropped earlier in the season, he reminded everyone of his quality. However, his decision to retire out late in the innings raised eyebrows. While intended to bring in a power-hitter like Jadeja, the move didn’t yield the desired impact as Punjab bowlers held firm.
CSK’s cautious middle overs, poor strike rotation, and late batting order changes may invite further tactical scrutiny from the coaching staff.
Where Do Both Teams Go From Here?
This win gives Punjab Kings vital momentum in their IPL 2025 journey. Young talent is stepping up, and the bowling unit looks more settled. The management, led by Ricky Ponting, would be pleased with the blend of aggression and composure shown.
For Chennai Super Kings, questions persist. Their batting lineup looks uncertain, and frequent shuffling hasn’t brought results. While Dhoni’s presence remains magnetic, the team needs strategic clarity and better death bowling execution if they aim for the playoffs.
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