Chennai, April 30 (NationPress) In a nail-biting contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) triumphed over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by four wickets in a thrilling finale, effectively dashing CSK's playoff aspirations in the IPL 2025 season on Wednesday.

The match witnessed an extraordinary performance from Shreyas Iyer, who scored a crucial match-winning fifty, alongside a spectacular hat-trick from Yuzvendra Chahal in the 19th over, which turned the tide in favor of PBKS after Sam Curran had earlier laid a strong foundation for CSK with a blistering 88 runs.

After being put to bat first, CSK capitalized on Sam Curran's impressive innings of 88 runs off just 47 balls, which included 9 fours and 4 sixes. He effectively navigated a challenging pitch and adverse conditions to give CSK a solid start. His explosive assault on part-timer Suryansh Shedge in the 16th over, which yielded 26 runs, swung the momentum toward CSK.

However, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer made a pivotal choice to reserve Chahal for the crucial final overs.

Reintroduced in the 19th over after having bowled only two overs previously, Chahal faced MS Dhoni, who has historically struggled against leg-spin. After Dhoni hit a six off his first ball, he was dismissed on the next delivery, setting the stage for an incredible hat-trick where Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, and Noor Ahmad fell in quick succession. CSK's innings crumbled from a strong position of 185/5 to 190 all out, losing five wickets for a mere six runs in just seven balls.

In pursuit of 192 runs, PBKS began their innings with confidence. Prabhsimran Singh showcased his talent early on with a six over long-on and a cheeky scoop for four, setting a positive tone. Despite losing his partner Priyansh Arya to a sharp bouncer from Khaleel Ahmed, PBKS quickly reached 44/1.

Prabhsimran continued his aggressive yet calculated approach, bringing up his fifty in just 31 balls. However, his innings halted when he misplayed a shot off Noor and was caught for 54, leaving PBKS at 116/2 after 13 overs, needing 75 from 42 balls.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer was steadily building his innings, transitioning from 29 off 25 to a commanding fifty off 32 balls. His exquisite shot selection in the 17th over demonstrated his skill as he launched a ball over long-on and executed a delicate shot between backward point and short third man.

Despite needing just 17 runs off the last 18 balls, PBKS faced a tense finish. Shashank Singh contributed a quick 23 off 12 balls but was dismissed in a spectacular catch by Dewald Brevis, who juggled the ball multiple times before securing the catch.

With only three runs required from nine balls, the situation took a dramatic turn as Shreyas Iyer was bowled for a brilliant 72 runs off 41 balls by Pathirana.

Despite Curran's heroics and some remarkable fielding, CSK's collapse in the final overs proved disastrous. Chahal's astonishing spell, which included a hat-trick in the 19th over, and Iyer's composed yet explosive innings ensured that PBKS seized the opportunity.

Brief scores:

Chennai Super Kings: 190 all out in 19.2 overs (Sam Curran 88, Dewald Brevis 32; Yuzvendra Chahal 4-32, Marco Jansen 2-30) lost to Punjab Kings: 194/6 in 19.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 72, Prabhsimran Singh 54; Khaleel Ahmed 2-28, Mateesha Pathirana 2-45) by four wickets.