IPL T20: Priyansh Arya’s Sensational Century Powers PBKS to Victory Over CSK
Date: April 8, 2025
22nd Match • Chandigarh, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
PBKS 219-6 (20)
CSK 201-5 (20)
Punjab Kings won by 18 runs
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) clashed with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a high-octane IPL 2025 encounter at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. In what turned out to be a thrilling contest, PBKS emerged victorious by 18 runs, thanks to a blistering century from Priyansh Arya and a composed finish by Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen. Meanwhile, CSK’s chase, led by Devon Conway and Shivam Dube, fell short despite a late cameo from MS Dhoni.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match highlights, key performances, and turning points.
Match Summary
- Result: Punjab Kings (219/6) beat Chennai Super Kings (201/5) by 18 runs.
- Player of the Match: Priyansh Arya (103 off 42 balls).
- Key Performances:
- PBKS: Arya’s century, Shashank Singh (52*), Marco Jansen (34*).
- CSK: Devon Conway (69), Shivam Dube (42), MS Dhoni (27 off 12).
- Turning Point: Arya’s explosive batting and CSK’s dropped catches.
First Innings: PBKS’s Batting Onslaught
Priyansh Arya’s Record-Breaking Century
The match was defined by Priyansh Arya’s breathtaking innings. The 24-year-old opener announced his arrival with a six off the very first ball and never looked back. His aggressive approach saw him reach:
- 50 in just 19 balls
- 100 in 39 balls (the fastest of IPL 2025 so far) 1115.
Arya’s knock included 7 fours and 9 sixes, dismantling CSK’s bowling attack. Despite losing early partners (Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, and Glenn Maxwell), he kept the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace.
Middle-Order Collapse and Recovery
PBKS were in trouble at 83/5 before Shashank Singh (52 off 36)* and Marco Jansen (34 off 19)* stitched an unbeaten 65-run partnership to push the total to 219/6. Their sensible yet aggressive batting ensured CSK had a daunting chase ahead.
CSK’s Bowling Struggles
CSK’s bowlers had a forgettable day:
- Khaleel Ahmed (2/45) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/48) were the only wicket-takers.
- Noor Ahmad (1/32) was the most economical.
- Fielding lapses (dropped catches and misfields) cost CSK dearly 1115.
Second Innings: CSK’s Chase Falls Short
Strong Start by Conway & Ravindra
CSK began confidently with Devon Conway (69 off 49) and Rachin Ravindra (36 off 23) putting up 61 runs in 6.3 overs. However, Glenn Maxwell struck to dismiss Ravindra (stumped), and Lockie Ferguson removed Ruturaj Gaikwad (1 off 3) in quick succession 34.
Dube & Conway Keep Hopes Alive
Shivam Dube (42 off 27) joined Conway, and the duo added 89 runs, keeping CSK in the hunt. However, the required rate kept climbing, and Conway was retired out in the 18th over after struggling to accelerate 11.
Dhoni’s Late Fireworks in Vain
MS Dhoni (27 off 12, 3 sixes) provided a late spark, smashing two sixes off Lockie Ferguson and keeping CSK’s hopes alive. However, he fell in the 19th over to Yash Thakur, effectively sealing the game for PBKS 34.
Final Over Drama
CSK needed 28 off the last over, but Ravindra Jadeja (9 off 5)* could only manage a six as PBKS held their nerve to win by 18 runs.
Post-Match Reactions
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS Captain)
- Praised Arya’s fearless batting and called it “one of the best IPL knocks.”
- Admitted fielding needs improvement but was happy with the win 11.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK Captain)
- Rued dropped catches as the biggest difference.
- Acknowledged Conway and Dube’s efforts but said the team must improve fielding 4.
Priyansh Arya (Player of the Match)
- Said he backed his instincts after a chat with Shreyas Iyer.
- Credited the pitch for being good for batting 15.
Key Takeaways
- Arya’s Breakthrough Innings – A star-making knock that could define PBKS’s season.
- CSK’s Fielding Woes – Dropped catches and misfields continue to haunt them.
- Dhoni’s Finishing Role in Question – While he showed glimpses, his consistency in death overs remains a concern.
- PBKS’s Middle-Order Depth – Shashank and Jansen’s partnership proves their batting strength.
Conclusion
PBKS’s 219-run total, powered by Arya’s century, proved too much for CSK, who suffered their fourth straight loss. While Conway and Dube fought hard, poor fielding and tactical errors cost them dearly. PBKS, meanwhile, climb into the top four, signaling their intent for the season.
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