Priyansh Arya lit up the stadium with a jaw-dropping maiden century to power Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a thrilling 18-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This defeat marks CSK’s fourth consecutive loss in IPL 2025, keeping them under immense pressure as the season progresses.
Despite finally crossing the 200-run mark in a chase, CSK were once again outplayed, as Arya’s 103 off just 39 balls proved too much to overcome. A mix of explosive batting, poor fielding from CSK, and some costly tactical decisions sealed their fate.
Where Did CSK Lose the Match?
Surprisingly, the damage was done early—during the PowerPlay, even though CSK didn’t lose a wicket in theirs. Punjab Kings, despite losing three wickets, scored a massive 75 runs in the first six overs, thanks to Arya’s fireworks.
Punjab Kings Innings
PowerPlay: Arya Goes Ballistic Early On
Score: 75/3 | RR: 12.50 | 4s/6s: 5/6
The match started with a bang as Arya uppercut Khaleel Ahmed for a six off the very first delivery. It was only the fourth time in IPL history that a match began with a six. Despite losing Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Marcus Stoinis early, Arya counterattacked fiercely, smashing a 19-ball fifty and dominating CSK’s veteran spinner R Ashwin, taking him for 21 runs in an over.
Middle Overs: The Priyansh Arya Show Continues
Score: 89/3 | RR: 9.88 | 4s/6s: 4/7
Ashwin did redeem himself briefly by dismissing Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell in the same over. At 83/5, PBKS seemed in trouble. But Arya, alongside Shashank Singh, turned the tide once more. Arya tore apart Ashwin’s final over and later smashed Pathirana for three consecutive sixes to bring up a sensational 39-ball century. He finally fell for 103, but not before doing irreparable damage.
Death Overs: Shashank, Jansen Finish Strong
Score: 55/0 | RR: 11 | 4s/6s: 2/3
Even after Arya’s dismissal, Shashank Singh (52) and Marco Jansen* ensured PBKS crossed the 200 mark. CSK’s decision to not bowl Noor Ahmad’s final over and an off-day for Pathirana hurt them, allowing Punjab to post 219/6 in 20 overs.
Chennai Super Kings Innings
PowerPlay: A Rare Bright Start for CSK
Score: 59/0 | RR: 9.83 | 4s/6s: 10/0
Openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra finally gave CSK a solid start. Both found early boundaries and built a strong 50+ partnership, bringing some much-needed momentum to their side.
Middle Overs: Dube-Conway Partnership Shows Promise
Score: 86/2 | RR: 9.55 | 4s/6s: 5/4
Just when CSK seemed to take control, Ravindra fell to Maxwell, and Ruturaj Gaikwad failed yet again in a key chase. With the pressure mounting, Shivam Dube stepped up, hitting some powerful shots, including a six off Ferguson. Conway, after a couple of lucky escapes, kept the scoreboard ticking. A big over from Jansen kept CSK in the chase heading into the final stretch.
Death Overs: Yet Another Heartbreak
Score: 56/3 | RR: 11.2 | 4s/6s: 1/4
PBKS’s experienced pacers Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson turned the game with tight overs. Ferguson bowled a brilliant knuckleball to dismiss Dube, while Yuzvendra Chahal struck in his very first over.
MS Dhoni, once again the lone warrior, hit a few big ones, bringing the equation down to 28 off 6. But Yash Thakur, entrusted with the final over, dismissed Dhoni on the first ball—ending CSK’s hopes of a miracle finish.
Match Summary
Punjab Kings: 219/6 in 20 overs
(Priyansh Arya 103, Shashank Singh 52*; Khaleel Ahmed 2/45)
Chennai Super Kings: 201/5 in 20 overs
(Devon Conway 69, Shivam Dube 42; Lockie Ferguson 2/40)
Result: Punjab Kings won by 18 runs
Also Read : MS Dhoni to Step Aside as CSK Slump in IPL 2025
What’s Next?
- Chennai Super Kings will return home to take on Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, hoping to end their losing streak.
- Punjab Kings travel to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, looking to build on their momentum.
