IPL 2025 Match 22 PBKS vs CSK: Match Summary
The Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings encounter in Match 22 of IPL 2025 delivered a gripping spectacle that had fans glued to their screens. Under the gleaming lights of the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, emerging star Priyansh Arya lit up the evening with a sensational century, while Punjab’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs, executing a masterclass in death bowling to protect a commanding total. What started as a power-packed batting display evolved into a strategic bowling showdown, culminating in one of the season’s most exhilarating finishes.
Arya Announces Himself with a Six on the First Ball
Eager to redeem himself after a first-ball dismissal in the last game, Priyansh Arya roared back with intent—dispatching the opening delivery of the innings into the stands, a thunderous statement that echoed louder than words.With that shot, Arya became just the fourth player in IPL history to start a match with a six off the very first ball.
The opening over was action-packed. Khaleel Ahmed not only dropped a catch off his own bowling but also bowled a no-ball, and a sharp catch by Ravindra Jadeja turned out to be a free hit. Arya took full advantage, adding more runs and ending the first over with a flourish. It was an early glimpse of the storm that was to come.
CSK Fight Back but Arya Remains Unfazed
Despite the aggressive start, PBKS lost wickets quickly. Mukesh Choudhary cleaned up Prabhsimran Singh for a duck in the second over. In the very next over, Khaleel Ahmed redeemed himself with a perfect delivery to dismiss PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Marcus Stoinis also fell early, but Arya continued to play with freedom and authority. Unbothered by the fall of wickets around him, he pressed on, reaching his fifty in just 19 balls. His aggressive yet calculated approach kept PBKS on track as they closed the powerplay at 75/3.
Ashwin’s Double Blow Brings CSK Back into the Contest
The pendulum of momentum swung sharply in Chennai’s favor during a pivotal eighth over orchestrated by the ever-wily Ravichandran Ashwin. He first outfoxed Nehal Wadhera with a subtle change in pace, inducing a feathered edge through to MS Dhoni behind the stumps—a dismissal built on guile and precision.
Just a few balls later, Ravichandran Ashwin turned the screws further—snatching a sharp return catch off Glenn Maxwell with lightning-quick reflexes that betrayed his veteran status. The Australian’s ambitious drive backfired, and Punjab Kings found themselves tottering at 83 for 5, their innings hanging by a thread.
Sensing a complete unraveling, CSK circled like sharks. The middle order was exposed, the crowd crackled with tension, and a collapse seemed imminent. But amidst the chaos, Priyansh Arya stood unflinching—composed, calculating, and quietly authoring a masterclass under pressure.
Arya’s Record-Breaking Assault Turns the Game
Arya, now well-set, chose the perfect moment to accelerate. Teaming up with Shashank Singh, he steadied the innings briefly before launching an all-out assault. Over the next two overs, Arya dismantled Ashwin and Pathirana with sheer power, smashing sixes at will.
He reached his century off just 39 balls—the fastest ever by an uncapped player in IPL history, and among the quickest overall. Arya’s 103 off 42 balls wasn’t just an explosive innings—it was a game-defining performance delivered under immense pressure.
Though Noor Ahmad eventually removed Arya, he had already given PBKS a platform of strength.
Shashank-Jansen Duo Powers Final Surge as PBKS Set Venue Record
After Arya’s dazzling exit, the baton was passed to Punjab’s lower middle order to capitalize on the platform. Shashank Singh anchored the innings with calculated composure, while Marco Jansen unleashed his leverage and timing to pierce the gaps and clear the ropes. Their late-innings assault ensured Punjab Kings soared past the 200-run mark, scripting a new high at the New PCA Stadium.
Together, they added 49 runs in the final four overs, pushing PBKS to a daunting 219/6—the highest team total recorded at the New PCA Stadium in IPL history. The foundation laid by Arya and the finishing touches from Jansen and Shashank ensured that PBKS had a total worth defending.
CSK Start Well but Lose Their Way After the Powerplay
Needing 220 to win, Chennai began with a sense of calm confidence. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra provided a solid foundation, reaching 59 without loss in the first six overs.
But PBKS turned things around right after the powerplay. Glenn Maxwell drew first blood, cleverly enticing Rachin Ravindra out of his crease before orchestrating a sharp stumping that shifted the momentum. Lockie Ferguson followed up with the crucial wicket of Ruturaj Gaikwad, breaking CSK’s top order just as they looked settled.
Shivam Dube stepped in as the stabilizer, forging a crucial 89-run alliance with Devon Conway that resurrected Chennai’s innings and kept their hopes flickering. But the asking rate was climbing, and a breakthrough was needed.
CSK’s Tactical Moves Keep the Game Alive
Just as Conway reached his fifty and was expected to shift gears, he was surprisingly retired out—a calculated gamble by CSK’s think tank to bring in Ravindra Jadeja for a power-hitting finish.
At the same time, Dhoni rolled back the years with a blistering cameo. He took the 18th over apart with two towering sixes off Ferguson and kept the momentum going in the next over with a six and a four off Arshdeep Singh.
With 28 required off the last over, CSK were still in the hunt, riding on the experience and power of Dhoni and Jadeja.
Yash Thakur’s Ice-Cold Final Over Clinches Victory
Entrusted with the final over, Yash Thakur had the daunting task of defending 28 against two of CSK’s most experienced finishers. But the young pacer delivered under pressure, knocking over Dhoni on the very first ball with a slower delivery that deceived the veteran.
Even though Jadeja hit a six later in the over, Thakur held his nerve and bowled with exceptional control. His calmness under fire helped Punjab seal an 18-run victory—their first home win of the season—and one that will be remembered for both individual brilliance and team execution.
Key Match Highlights
- Priyansh Arya: 103 (42) – Fastest IPL century by an uncapped player
- Shashank Singh: 52* (36) – Anchored the innings after Arya
- Marco Jansen: 34* (19) – Valuable late runs
- PBKS Total: 219/6 – Highest IPL total at New Chandigarh
- Lockie Ferguson: 2/32 – Crucial middle-over strikes
- Yash Thakur: 1/18 (1 over) – Dismissed Dhoni in final over
What This Win Means for Punjab Kings
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. PBKS, often seen as underdogs, demonstrated remarkable temperament and tactical awareness. Arya’s breakout performance, supported by calm execution from the bowling unit, especially Thakur, showed that Punjab is no longer just about potential—they’re now about performance.
The team has discovered fresh match-winners and seems to have found a balance between flair and discipline, which could prove crucial in the later stages of the tournament.
Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember for PBKS Fans
The showdown between Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings was everything an IPL fan could ask for—power hitting, strategic brilliance, unexpected twists, and a dramatic finish. PBKS emerged victorious in a contest that was equal parts thrilling and tactical.
As the tournament progresses, performances like this will continue to shape the league standings. But for now, PBKS can celebrate a hard-earned win that was as entertaining as it was inspiring.
