Priyansh Arya's Blazing Century Powers Punjab Kings to 18-Run Win Over CSK
Punjab Kings returned to winning ways in the IPL 2025 with a thrilling 18-run victory over Chennai Super Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Tuesday. A late blitz by MS Dhoni raised hopes for CSK, but the target proved a bit too steep despite the drama-filled final overs.
Batting first after they won the toss, Punjab Kings set up a strong 219/6, thanks to a dazzling innings by young sensation Priyansh Arya. Debutant in his IPL season, Arya hammered a stunning 103 off only 39 balls, achieving the fourth-fastest century in IPL history. He destroyed the CSK bowling attack right from the start, hammering boundaries with impunity and setting the tone for the innings.
In spite of losing wickets at regular periods, PBKS reached the powerplay stage at a great 75/3. Shashank Singh scored useful runs in the later part of the innings with a rapid half-century to take Punjab past the 200-run mark. For CSK, the bowling unit had a difficult day as they could not stem the flow of runs on a batsman-friendly track.
In response, Chennai Super Kings struggled in the middle after a good beginning. Devon Conway was the highest scorer with a well-made 69. But in a shocking act in a critical stage of the chase, Conway retired hurt a choice between two towering sixes by MS Dhoni, who had just come in to join him at the crease.
Requiring 59 runs off the last three overs, Dhoni played with his heart out, starting a hot counterattack. However, though there were nail-biting moments and his great fight and despite all that, the Punjab bowlers maintained their composure to shut out the match. CSK finally lost by 18 runs, sliding into their fourth consecutive loss of the season after having begun on a winning note.
With this win, Punjab Kings not only shattered their losing momentum but also fueled hopes of a playoff push, while Chennai Super Kings are left wondering as their season falters.
