Punjab Kings Script Memorable 18-Run Win Over CSK, Powered by Arya’s Firecracker Century
In a match packed with drama, momentum swings, and standout performances, Punjab Kings (PBKS) finally clinched their first home win of the TATA IPL 2025 season with a pulsating 18-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the newly built PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.
The star of the night was undoubtedly Priyansh Arya, whose breathtaking century – his maiden one in the IPL – laid the foundation for a commanding total, as PBKS held their nerve to deny CSK in a tense finish.
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Arya’s Redemption Story Starts with a Bang
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer sent Arya out to open the innings once again, despite his golden duck in the previous outing. And what a comeback it turned out to be.
Facing Khaleel Ahmed on the very first ball, Arya launched a massive six over long-on, becoming only the fourth player in IPL history to hit a six on the first delivery of the match. The over was pure chaos – Khaleel dropped a return catch off Arya, bowled a no-ball, and Ravindra Jadeja’s stunning catch at point turned out to be off a free hit. Arya added another six, and PBKS were flying with 17 on the board.
Early Wickets Rock PBKS, But Arya Fires On
While PBKS suffered early blows – with Prabhsimran Singh cleaned up by Mukesh Choudhary for a duck, and Shreyas Iyer bowled by Khaleel in the third over – Arya kept the scoreboard ticking.
Even after Marcus Stoinis fell cheaply, Arya raced to his fifty in just 19 balls, playing an array of audacious strokes. At the end of the powerplay, PBKS were 75/3, largely thanks to Arya’s counterattacking brilliance.
Ashwin’s Double Blow Gives CSK Hope
In the eighth over, Ravichandran Ashwin swung the momentum back in CSK’s favour. First, he got Nehal Wadheracaught behind by Dhoni, and then took a sharp reflex catch off his own bowling to remove Glenn Maxwell. Suddenly, PBKS were tottering at 83/5, and Arya was running out of partners.
Arya’s Explosive Ton and Late Flourish Take PBKS to 219
Just when it seemed PBKS might collapse, Arya found support in Shashank Singh. The duo bided their time before Arya launched a savage assault across the 14th and 15th overs.
A sequence of 6, 6, 1, 6, 6, 6, 4 across deliveries from Ashwin and Matheesha Pathirana brought up his century in just 39 balls, the fastest by an uncapped player and joint-fourth fastest in IPL history.
Arya eventually fell for a blistering 103 off 42 balls, but his knock, filled with 8 sixes and 9 fours, had already reshaped the innings. Shashank (52* off 36) and Marco Jansen (34* off 19) finished strong, adding 49 runs in the last four overs to set CSK a steep 220-run target – the highest score ever at this venue.
CSK Start Strong But Lose Steam Midway
CSK’s chase began steadily, with the Kiwi duo of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra putting up 59 in the powerplay. But Glenn Maxwell removed Rachin immediately after with a clever delivery that beat him in the flight.
In the very next over, Lockie Ferguson knocked over CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, leaving the Super Kings at 62/2. However, Shivam Dube, brought in as the Impact Player, combined with Conway to steady the innings.
Their 89-run stand revived CSK’s hopes, but Ferguson returned to dismiss Dube with a deceptive slower ball in the 16th over. With 68 needed off the final 4 overs, CSK were running out of time.
CSK Go Down Swinging Despite Dhoni’s Heroics
In a tactical masterstroke, CSK retired Conway (who had reached a well-made fifty) to send in Ravindra Jadeja. At the other end, MS Dhoni took on Ferguson and Arshdeep Singh, smashing two sixes and a four to ignite hopes of another last-over miracle.
But with 28 needed off the final over, Yash Thakur held his nerve. He struck gold with the very first ball by dismissing Dhoni for 27 (12), extinguishing CSK’s late push. Though Jadeja struck a six, it wasn’t enough as PBKS sealed the win by 18 runs, sending the New Chandigarh crowd into a frenzy.
Match Summary: PBKS vs CSK – IPL 2025, Match 22
- Punjab Kings: 219/6 (20 overs)
- Priyansh Arya – 103 (42)
- Shashank Singh – 52* (36)
- Marco Jansen – 34* (19)
- Ravichandran Ashwin – 2/34
- Chennai Super Kings: 201/6 (20 overs)
- Devon Conway – 50 (35)
- Shivam Dube – 43 (30)
- MS Dhoni – 27 (12)
- Lockie Ferguson – 2/32