TATA IPL 2025 Match 22: PBKS vs CSK – Match Report

In a thrilling PBKS vs CSK Match Report at the New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh, Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched an 18-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 22 of TATA IPL 2025. The match was defined by a stunning century from PBKS opener Priyansh Arya, who provided the backbone of the innings, and a composed bowling performance under pressure, ensuring their first win at home this season.

Arya’s Sensational Century Powers PBKS

Winning the toss, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bat first against Ruturaj Gaikwad’s CSK. Arya, who was looking to redeem himself after a golden duck in the previous match, wasted no time. He hit a six on the very first ball of the match, making history as only the fourth player in IPL history to achieve this feat. The drama continued in the first over itself, with Khaleel Ahmed dropping Arya off his own bowling, a no-ball bowled, and Ravindra Jadeja pulling off a stunning catch that was later ruled a free hit. Arya added another six to his tally, ending the over with 17 runs on the board.

However, CSK did not go down without a fight. Mukesh Choudhary provided the first breakthrough in the second over, cleaning up Prabhsimran Singh for a duck. Khaleel Ahmed then struck again in the third over to remove PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, reducing them to 27/2. Despite the early setbacks, Arya continued his attacking approach, reaching his half-century in just 19 balls. PBKS were 75/3 at the end of the powerplay, with Arya’s fireworks keeping them in the game.

The Turning Point: Arya’s Brutal Counterattack

CSK seemed to be in control after taking two quick wickets, with Ravichandran Ashwin dismissing both Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell. At 83/5, PBKS was in a precarious situation. However, Arya had other plans. Partnering with Shashank Singh, Arya launched a brutal counterattack. Over two overs, he hammered 6, 6, 1, 6, 6, 6, 4, taking on Ashwin and Matheesha Pathirana. Arya reached his century in just 39 balls, setting the record for the fastest century by an uncapped player in IPL history, and the joint-fourth fastest overall. He was eventually dismissed for 103 off 42 balls by Noor Ahmad, but the damage was done.

Shashank Singh (52* off 36) and Marco Jansen (34* off 19) added 49 more runs in the final four overs, taking PBKS to an imposing 219/6, the highest ever total at this venue in IPL history.

CSK’s Response: Conway and Dube’s Fightback

Chasing 220, CSK’s opening pair of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra got off to a solid start, posting 59 runs in the powerplay. However, Glenn Maxwell broke through immediately after the powerplay, dismissing Ravindra for 39 (26) with a clever delivery that had him stumped. Lockie Ferguson followed up with the big wicket of Ruturaj Gaikwad in the next over, reducing CSK to 62/2.

Shivam Dube, who came in as the impact player, steadied the chase alongside Conway. The two added a vital 89-run partnership, but Ferguson returned to break the stand, dismissing Dube with a well-disguised slower ball. With CSK needing 68 off the last 24 balls, they were still in the hunt, but required a special finish.

Dhoni’s Fightback and the Final Over Drama

In a surprising move, Conway, who had reached his half-century, was retired out, making way for Ravindra Jadeja. MS Dhoni, meanwhile, was in destructive form, launching two towering sixes off Ferguson in the 18th over. He continued his assault by taking Arshdeep Singh for a six and a four in the 19th over, keeping CSK in the game.

With 28 needed off the final over, Yash Thakur sealed the match for PBKS by dismissing Dhoni for 27 (12) off the first ball. Jadeja managed a six in the final over, but it wasn’t enough. PBKS held their nerve, winning by 18 runs to register their first victory at home in IPL 2025.

Conclusion

PBKS’s dominant performance, led by Priyansh Arya’s match-winning century and their disciplined bowling attack, earned them a well-deserved win. Despite a spirited fightback from CSK, especially from Conway, Dube, and Dhoni, PBKS managed to defend their massive total. This victory not only boosted PBKS’s confidence but also provided an exciting conclusion to one of the most thrilling matches of IPL 2025.