IPL 2025: CSK Struggles Again in High-Scoring Chase as Punjab Kings Clinch 18-Run Victory
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In an exciting IPL 2025 match, the Chennai Super Kings fell short against Punjab Kings, losing by 18 runs despite a solid effort from Devon Conway. Priyansh Arya's century and crucial wickets from Punjab's bowlers secured the victory for the home side, as CSK faced their fourth consecutive defeat.
Key Takeaways
- Chennai Super Kings struggled with their chase, marking their fourth straight loss.
- Priyansh Arya scored a stunning century for Punjab Kings.
- The CSK batting order faltered despite notable contributions from Conway and Dube.
- Lockie Ferguson played a pivotal role for the Punjab bowlers.
- CSK’s fielding errors and missed chances proved costly.
New Chandigarh, April 8 (NationPress) The batting lineup of the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings stumbled once more while pursuing a substantial target, leading to an 18-run defeat against Punjab Kings in Match 22 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Devon Conway contributed 69 runs, supported by strong performances from Shivam Dube (42) and Rachin Ravindra (36), but it proved insufficient after Priyansh Arya delivered a spectacular maiden IPL century, propelling the home team to 219/6 in their first innings.
For Punjab, Lockie Ferguson took two wickets, while Glenn Maxwell and Yash Thakur provided crucial breakthroughs to maintain control during the second innings.
Despite having wickets in hand, Chennai managed to complete the power-play unscathed but failed to keep up with the rising run rate. The New Zealand pair of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway put together a partnership of 61 runs before the former attempted to advance down the pitch and was stumped by wicket-keeper Prabhsimran Singh.
Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (1) continued his lean form at the No.3 position, getting caught by Shashank Singh at short mid-wicket. Impact substitute Shivam Dube (42) showcased his big-hitting talent, forming an 89-run partnership with Conway.
Dube reached his half-century in 37 balls but struggled to find the boundary afterward. Just when it appeared that they might turn the game in CSK’s favor, he was bowled by Ferguson, ending his innings.
The crowd erupted as Mahendra Singh Dhoni (27) took the crease, batting higher than usual, and briefly ignited hope among fans. After rotating the strike against Yuzvendra Chahal in the 16th over, the legendary wicket-keeper struck Ferguson with back-to-back sixes.
With Conway unable to score any boundaries since the 14th over, CSK made the bold decision to send in Ravindra Jadeja and retire the Kiwi batsman.
Dhoni followed with a four and a six off Arshdeep Singh in the penultimate over, reducing the target to 28 runs needed off the final over. In an anticlimactic finish, a full toss from Yash Thakur was hit straight to Chahal at short fine leg. Jadeja hit a six later in the over, but the Super Kings faced their fourth consecutive defeat.
In the first innings, after choosing to bat first, Priyansh Arya provided the Punjab Kings with an explosive start by hitting a six on the first ball of the match from Khaleel Ahmed, who later dropped him on the very next delivery. Arya then scored 17 runs in the opening over.
However, Chennai retaliated by taking crucial wickets of Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Marcus Stoinis. Ashwin showcased his prowess by dismissing Nehal Wadhera (9) and Glenn Maxwell (1) in the same over, reducing the home side to 83/5 in eight overs.
From that moment on, Shashank and Arya wreaked havoc on the bowlers, forming a formidable 71-run partnership off just 34 balls. Arya was lucky while batting at 79 when he was caught by Mukesh Choudhary but stepped on the boundary, resulting in a six. He then celebrated his century by hitting three consecutive sixes off Matheesha Pathirana before edging the next ball for four, reaching the three-figure mark.
Arya eventually fell after securing his century, but Marco Jansen (34 not out) and Shashank continued the onslaught. The duo amassed 65 runs for the seventh wicket, with Shashank also raising his third IPL half-century on the final ball of the innings.
Brief scores:
Punjab Kings 219/6 in 20 overs (Priyansh Arya 103, Shashank Singh 52*, Marco Jansen 34*; Khaleel Ahmed 2-45, Ravichandran Ashwin 2-48) defeated CSK 201/5 in 20 overs (Devon Conway 69, Shivam Dube 42, Rachin Ravindra 36; Lockie Ferguson 2-40, Glenn Maxwell 1-11, Yash Thakur 1-39) by 18 runs
